National
Center For Infectious Diseases
Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (formerly
the Division of Quarantine)
DQ
Home
Importation
of Pets and Other Animals Into the United States
Pets
CDC has regulations governing importation of the following
pets: dogs, cats, turtles, and monkeys. Pets taken out of
the United States are subject, upon return, to the same
regulations as those entering for the first time. The U.S.
government does not require general certificates of health
for pets. However, because airlines sometimes require health
certificates for pets traveling with them, you should check
with your airline prior to your travel date.
Dogs
Pet dogs are subject to inspection at ports of entry for
evidence of infectious diseases that can be transmitted to
humans. If a dog appears to be ill, further examination by a
licensed veterinarian might be required. In addition, dogs
must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to
entry into the United States, except for puppies younger
than 3 months of age and dogs originating or located for 6
months or more in areas
that are free of rabies. A dog with an unexpired
vaccination certificate meets these requirements. Following
entry into the United States, all dogs are subject to state
and local vaccination requirements. All pet dogs arriving in
the state of Hawaii
and the territory of Guam,
even from the U.S. mainland, are subject to locally imposed
quarantine requirements.
Cats
Pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry for
evidence of infectious diseases that can be transmitted to
humans. If a cat appears to be ill, further examination by a
licensed veterinarian might be required. There is no rabies
vaccination requirement for cats. Following entry into the
United States, all cats are subject to state and local
vaccination requirements. All pet cats arriving in the state
of Hawaii
and the territory of Guam,
even from the U.S. mainland, are subject to locally imposed
quarantine requirements.
Turtles
Turtles with a carapace (shell) length of less than 4 inches
may not be imported for any commercial purpose. An
individual may import as many as six of these turtles for
noncommercial purposes. Larger turtles are not subject to
CDC regulations.
Monkeys
and Other Nonhuman Primates
Monkeys
and other nonhuman primates may not be imported as pets
under any circumstances. Importation for permitted purposes
is strictly controlled through a registration process.
CDC’s
Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Field
Operations Branch administers these regulations.
CDC's
Office of Health and Safety administers regulations
pertaining to the following:
Animals not specifically
mentioned in this text are not subject to CDC restrictions
or requirements. The following sites address the
requirements of other federal agencies.
Traveling
Outside the United States With Your Pets
If you are taking a pet to another country, contact that
country’s consulate
or embassy for information about any requirements you
must meet.
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Travel Health: Traveling with Pets
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