U.S. pet import/export requirements are as follows:
Animals entering the United States may be subject to regulation by USDA APHIS as all well as other federal agencies. Depending on your destination state, your pet may need to also meet additional health requirements. Animals include dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, amphibians, hedgehogs/tenrecs, rabbits, reptiles, and rodents.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulations govern the importation of animals and animal products capable of causing human disease. Pets taken out of the United States are subject upon return to the same regulations as those entering for the first time. The CDC does not require general certificates of health for pets for entry into the United States. However, health certificates may be required for entry into some states, or may be required by airlines for pets. You should check with officials in your state of destination and with your airline prior to your travel date
Dogs: CDC has certain requirements that must be met before a dog can be admitted entry into the United States. All dogs must appear healthy and depending upon what country the dogs are coming from, a valid rabies vaccination certificate may be required. More info on bringing dogs into the US.
USDA APHIS Animal Care has separate requirements if you are bringing dogs in for the purpose of resale, such as commercial sale or adoption as pets.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may have additional entry requirements for dogs.
USDA APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) has additional requirements for dogs traveling (imported) to the U.S. from countries affected by specific diseases.
Cats: A general certificate of health is not required by CDC for entry of pet cats into the United States, although some airlines or states may require them. However, pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry and may be denied entry into the United States if they have evidence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans. If a cat appears to be ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense might be required at the port of entry. Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States. More info on bringing cats into the US.
When travelling with your pet(s) in the U.S., there may be animal health requirements specific for that destination. As soon as you know your travel details, contact your local veterinarian to assist with the pet travel process. Factors to consider may include meeting time frames for obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing, or administration of medications/ treatments. More info on travel with your pet state to state (interstate).
Airlines may have separate and additional requirements. Check with your airline to determine what requirements they may have, if any.
More information on U.S. pet import/export requirements
