Animals Regulated by CDC
- Dogs
- Cats
- Turtles
- Monkeys
- Bats
- Birds from specified countries
- Civets
- Prairie dogs
- African rodents
Quick Links
Contact Information
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30333
- 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 24 Hours/Every Day
- cdcinfo@cdc.gov
Traveling with Pets, Importation of Animals and Animal Products into the United States
CDC regulations govern the importation of dogs, cats, turtles, monkeys, other animals, and animal products capable of causing human disease. Requirements for the importation of the most common pets are described below. 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.
Restrictions on the importation of nonhuman primates, certain other animals, and certain animal products capable of causing more serious human disease are described under Restricted Animals, Agents, Hosts, and Vectors.
Specific Topics:
- Bringing an Animal into the United States
Requirements for importing pets, zoo animals, other animals, tips for traveling with pets - Bringing Animal Products into the United States
Restrictions on animal products being imported into the United States - Restricted Animals, Agents, Hosts, and Vectors
Animals that are prohibited from import - Notice on Internet Adoption and Purchase Scams
Recent scams involving animals being imported into the United States from other countries - Frequently Asked Questions about animal importation
- Additional Information about animal importation
News and Other Highlights:
- Foreign Quarantine Regulations, Advanced Notice of Proposed Revision of HHS/CDC Animal Importation Regulations 42 CFR Parts 71.51
Public Comment now closed - Avian Flu Travel Information
on CDC Travelers’ Health site - Compendium of U.S. State and Territory Animal Import Regulations
On the USDA site - Discussions Regarding Exotic Animal Importation, Sale, and Distribution: Summary of Information Presented at Public Meeting on May 18, 2006
(Federal Register notice; updated August 8, 2006)
Page last modified: April 16, 2008