Take a Pet From the United States to Another Country (Export)
Traveling with a pet in a foreign country can be complex and time-consuming. You need to meet the destination country's specific entry requirements for pets. These may include vaccinations, tests, treatments, and a health certificate. The health certificate may also be called international health certificate, veterinary health certificate, veterinary certificate, or export certificate. Find out what you need before you and your pet travel.
Find out if your pet qualifies to travel
Your animal doesn't qualify for pet travel and is subject to different import regulations and export regulations if you:
- Don't see your pet listed below.
- Are exporting semen or embryos from any animal.
- Have a pet that's considered livestock or poultry, like pigs or chickens.
The following animals qualify as pets, meaning they're subject to pet travel requirements:
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 import regulations and export regulations if the type of animal you have does not qualify as a pet.
Before You Start the Process
Traveling With a Dog? Know the Latest Requirements
Rabies Alert
For all dogs imported into the United States, including U.S.-origin dogs returning to the United States:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the primary government authority for dogs imported into the United States. Contact the CDC at 800-232-4636 or go to CDC-INFO for questions related to CDC’s updated dog import requirements for dogs entering or returning to the United States. Pet owners and accredited veterinarians with questions on how to complete the CDC “Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination” form may refer to this resource or contact CDC.
For questions on how to access VEHCS, visit Using the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS).
APHIS may also have specific requirements for dogs entering the United States. These requirements are different and separate from the CDC import requirements for dogs.
Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian
A USDA-accredited veterinarian can help you learn more about your destination country's entry requirements for pets, including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments. We recommend creating a schedule to make sure you meet all requirements within the specified timeframe.
Are you a USDA-accredited veterinarian? Here's what you need to know.
Gather This Information for Your USDA-Accredited Veterinarian
- The type of pet traveling
- The destination country
- If applicable, countries where your pet will stop (for customs clearance or upon leaving the airport or seaport) on the way to the destination country
- The date of departure from the United States
- Whether the pet will be traveling alone, as cargo, or with a person in the cabin of the plane
- Note: 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 (1.41 MB). Visit the pet travel requirements page for your destination country (see dropdown menu below).
Read These Resources
Where Are You Traveling With Your Pet?
Your destination country sets the entry requirements for pets, which can change at any time. You must verify the country requirements every time you plan to travel with your pet.
Find Your Destination Country Requirements
If your country is not listed in the menu, visit Pet Travel: Unknown Requirements.