Bring a Pet From Another Country into the United States (Import)

Last Modified: August 12, 2024

Animals entering the United States may be subject to regulation by APHIS and other Federal agencies. Depending on your destination State, your pet may need to meet State entry requirements in addition to Federal entry requirements. Pet owners are responsible for meeting all Federal and State requirements.

Requirements

Before you travel, make sure you carefully read and understand all import requirements for your animal. Failure to meet these requirements will result in problems upon arrival to the United States, and your pet may be refused entry.

If your animal isn't listed below, it may not qualify as a pet and, therefore, may be subject to different import requirements by APHIS.

If you're traveling with a pet bird or exotic animal, you may need to work with additional agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Select an animal to view the entry requirements:

*Not all birds qualify for pet travel.

If you're bringing in six or more pet birds or any number of birds classified as poultry, they do not qualify for pet travel. This means they are subject to different regulations. 

The following birds DON'T qualify as pets, meaning they're subject to different regulations. Because they may carry and transmit certain diseases to the U.S. poultry industry, these birds are regulated as poultry.

  • Chickens
  • Doves
  • Ducks
  • Geese
  • Grouse
  • Guinea fowl
  • Partridges
  • Pea fowl
  • Pheasants
  • Pigeons
  • Quail
  • Swans
  • Turkeys

View the import regulations if your bird does not qualify as a pet