Select a link to Pet Requirements Questions & Answers below
- What health requirements will my dog or cat need to meet before I arrive in California?
- When traveling by air does my animal require a Health Certificates or a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)?
- Does California require an entry permit prior to transporting my animal?
- How do I obtain a Health Certificates or (CVI)?
- How far in advance should I contact my airline?
- Should I be concerned about adverse weather conditions and flying my pet?
- If I am leaving California with my animal who do I call?
- If I am leaving the United States with my animal, who do I call?
- Does California have specifically approved rabies vaccines for dog and cats?
- If my dog was vaccinated is another state or country with a rabies vaccine not approved for use in California, will I have to revaccinate the dog in California?
- If Rabies vaccine is not available in the country I am traveling from will I be required to vaccinate my dog after I arrive?
- Who do I contact if I have a complaint?
Select a link to Livestock and Poultry Questions & Answers below
- How do I submit a laboratory sample?
- General Livestock entry requirements.
- How do I obtain information on raising farm animals?
- How do I obtain a Health Certificates or (CVI)?
- Where do I register a cattle brand, report cattle theft and change of ownership?
- What animal diseases do I need to report and to whom?
Pet Requirements Questions & Answers
What health requirements will my dog or cat need to meet before I arrive in California?Cats: (domestic) Not known to be infected with a contagious disease. No Certificate of Veterinary Inspection required or rabies vaccination. Must have a health certificate if coming from a rabies quarantine area. If coming by airplane, check with airline for additional requirements (ie. Acclimation Certificate Statement). For New World cats call Dept of Health and Human Services 916–552–9740.
Dogs: Not known to be infected with a contagious disease. All dogs over 4 months must have a certificate of current rabies vaccination stating the type, manufacturer lot number of the rabies vaccine used, and the date of administration. If coming by airplane, check with airline for additional requirements.
When traveling by air does my animal require a Health Certificates or Certificates of Veterinary Inspection?
Although California does not require a health certificate for dogs and cats the airlines may.
How far in advance should I contact my airline?
Contact your airline 3–4 weeks before you depart for specific requirements.
Does California require an entry permit prior to transporting my animal?
Currently, California requires entry permits on Cattle, Goats, Sheep, Swine, and Waterfowl before they are transported into the State. Call 916–651–6278 for entry permits.
How do I obtain a Health Certificate or a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)??
Only your veterinarian is authorized to complete and sign a Health Certificate or (CVI). Your veterinarian must contact CDFA for Small Animal (77–043) & Large Animal (77–010). Equine Infectious Anemia forms are provided by USDA Veterinary Services.
Should I be concerned about adverse weather conditions and flying my pet?
Airlines may require acclimation statements on your animal's health certificate. If an acclimation is required your veterinarian should call the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) 248–2862 ext. 287 statement language. Only veterinarians should call this number.
If I am leaving California with my animal who do I call?
Call the state of destination for animal import requirements or visit this USDA state regulations web site .
If I am leaving the United States with my animal, who do I call?
USDA Veterinary Services is responsible for all foreign shipments of animals including Mexico and Canada. Telephone: 916–854–3900. Office hours 7:30–400 pm. A Federal Voice Response Service will provide some basic information. (Touch tone only) 1–800–545–8732. Guam, Puerto Rico, Mariana Islands and American Samoa are CDFA jurisdiction. You may also visit the USDA import/export web site.
Does California have specifically approved rabies vaccines for dog and cats?
Yes, Contact your local county Animal Control Office or the California Dept of Health and Human Services at 916–552–9740 for more information.
If my dog was vaccinated is another state or country with a rabies vaccine not approved for use in California, will I have to revaccinate the dog in California?
In most cases you may be required to revaccinate your dog. Contact your local county Animal Control Office or the California Dept of Health and Human Services at 916–552–9740 for more information.
If Rabies vaccine is not available in the country I am traveling from will I be required to vaccinate my dog after I arrive?
Yes, all dogs over 4 months of age are required to be vaccinated.
Who do I contact if I have a complaint?
Animal abuse: Dogs and cats or generic livestock complaints: Contact local Animal Control or SPCA. More complex cases to CDFA – Animal Care program.
Animal health technicians: California Veterinary Medical Board 916–263–2610;
Sale of dogs and cats: District attorneys office
where animal was purchased.
Veterinarians: California Veterinary Medical Board
916–263–2610.
Humane Society: Call local offices; Western Regional Office – Pacific Grove, CA 408–647–8897. Sacramento 916–366–2632.
Rabies: Refer to California Dept of Health and Human Services at 916–552–9740.
How do I submit a laboratory sample?
Consult your veterinarian first. Most submissions require a veterinary referral.
Livestock and Poultry Questions & Answers
General entry requirements (Call 916–654–1447 for more specific information)
Cattle: Not known to be infected with a contagious disease. Require permits (some exceptions). Refer to the permit section. If permit section is closed, leave message and someone will return their call. (Buffalo, Water–buffalo and Yaks are included here.) CDFA permits – 916–651–6278.
Ducks: Not known to be infected with a contagious disease. Ducks, geese, swans and other waterfowl in captivity need a permit and HC showing no exposure to Duck Virus Enteritis. Requires a permit.
Goats: (domestic) Not known to be infected with a contagious disease. A permit is required.
Horses: Not known to be infected with a contagious disease. A negative Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is required. Coggins or ELISA test within 6 months prior to entry and a HC is required. Foals under 6 months are exempt only if they are traveling with their negative mother. No permit is required.
Poultry: (includes chickens, turkeys, and hatching eggs) Not known to be infected with a contagious disease. Must be shipped in previously unused containers and be from: Pullorum typhoid free states approved by the CDFA or flock of origin must have NPIP pullorum typhoid clean rating, or state approved equivalent. Poultry for immediate slaughter are exempt from test requirements. No permit required.
Sheep: (domestic) Not known to be infected with a contagious disease. A permit is required.
Swine: (domestic) Not known to be infected with a contagious disease. Require permits (some exceptions).
How do I obtain a Health Certificates or (CVI)?
Only your veterinarian is authorized to complete and sign a Health Certificate or (CVI).Your veterinarian must contact CDFA for Small Animal (77–043) & Large Animal (77–010). Equine Infectious Anemia forms are provided by USDA Veterinary Services.
How do I obtain information on raising farm animals?
U.C. Cooperative Extension Office in your county or – U. C. Davis office 530–757–8930.
Where do I register a cattle brand and report cattle theft and change of ownership (Brand Inspection)?
Call the Livestock Identification Branch at 916–654–0889
Which animal diseases do I have to report and to whom?
Certain animal diseases are required by law to be reported by a licensed veterinarian or any person operating an animal or poultry disease diagnostic laboratory to the Animal Health Branch Click here for a complete list of these diseases.
Fairs: CDFA Fairs & Expositions office 916–263–2955. Out of state livestock must meet California entry requirements.
Veterinary Accreditation: Call USDA Veterinary Services at 916–854–3900.
Other Animals Questions & Answers
- How do I obtain information on raising other animals?
- Where do I call about a injured wild animal or bird?
Injured wild animals and birds: Wildlife Care Association. 916–965–WILD.
Llamas, alpacas, vicuñas: Not known to be infected with a contagious disease. A permit is not required but a health certificate is recommended.
Ostriches, Emus & Rheas: Not known to be infected with a contagious disease. A permit is not required but a health certificate is recommended.
Rabbits: (domestic) Not known to be infected with a contagious disease. A permit is not required but a health certificate is recommended.
Ferrets, Quaker & Monk Parakeets, Gerbils, Hedgehogs, Sugar Gliders: Not allowed into California, contact California Dept. of Fish and Game at 916–928–5845.
Wild Birds, Animals and Reptiles: Contact Dept of Fish and
Game, 916–928–5845.
Monkeys: Contact the Dept. of Health and Human Services for information at 916–552–9740.
Important Phone Numbers and Web Sites
CAHFS (main diagnostic laboratory)
- 530–752–8709
- http://cahfs.ucdavis.edu/
CA Health and Human Services
- 916–552–9740
- http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/dcdc/disb/disbindex.htm
Fish and Game
- 916–928–5845
- www.dfg.ca.gov/
USDA Animal Care (Western Region)
- 970–494–7478
- www.aphis.usda.gov/ac/
USDA Veterinary Services
- 916–854–3900
- www.aphis.usda.gov
USDA Veterinary Services (regulations)
- 916–854–3900
- www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/index.html#Regs
CDFA Animal Health Branch (Permit Line)
- 916–651–6278
- www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/
Contact us for more information:
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Animal Health and Food Safety Services, Animal Health Branch
1220 N Street, Room A–107
Sacramento, California 95814
Telephone: (916) 654–1447
Fax: (916) 653–2215
or send an email to: ahbfeedback@cdfa.ca.gov