Information About Livestock and Pet Movement Permits
Livestock Movement
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California import requirements specify that all horses, cattle, and swine originating from any state where vesicular stomatitis (VS) has been diagnosed, (except cattle and swine transported directly to slaughter), must be accompanied by a health certificate (certificate of veterinary inspection) and signed by an accredited veterinarian that includes the following statement:
"The animals represented on this health certificate of veterinary inspection have not originated from a premises or area under quarantine for vesicular stomatitis (VS) or a premises on which VS has been diagnosed in the past 30 days. I have examined the animals and have found no signs of VS." USDA Update. Effective July 1, 2009, Arizona requires imported dairy cattle to be identified with an official eartag that “identifies the herd of birth” (traces back to the birth herd). Arizonas permit staff will ask veterinarians completing Certificates of Veterinary Inspection if the eartags on the dairy cattle link to the herd of birth. If the tag was not applied at the birth herd, then there must be a mechanism that links that tag to the birth herd (such as a database). If the veterinarian doesn't know if the tag identifies (or is linked to) the birth herd, then the animal does not meet Arizona entry requirements. For information and updates. www.azda.gov
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Some animals may require permit and health requirements to enter California. Permits can only be issued during normal business hours. Call the Animal Health Branch at 916-654-1447 between the business hours of 8-5 pm pacific time (Monday through Friday) for all calls regarding horses, dogs, cats, camelidaes, rabbits, pet birds, ratites, and wild animals. For weekend shipments call prior to or on the next business day for permits. For all other permit and health requirements, call 916-651-6278. Please also check our Permit Assistant to obtain general information on entry requirements. Veterinarians can now issue their own permits for livestock entering California. If you would like to use the on-line system, please call 916-651-6278 for a user name and password. (Link to Pasture to Pasture Permit). (Link to Livestock Movement Guide).
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the USDA Veterinary
Services office at: 916-854-3900 Monday through Friday from
7:30 to 4:00 or visit the USDA
Veterinary Services Import/Export web site.
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Some animals may be required to meet permit and health requirements regulated by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG). For applying for restricted species permits, call the DFG License and Revenue Branch at 916-928-5845.
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Some animals may be required to meet permit and health requirements regulated by the Department of Health Services (DHS)/ To obtain permits for animals regulated by DHS, call the Veterinary Public Health Section at (916) 552-9740
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For Information on regulations pertaining to interstate movement of animals to other states check the USDA state regulations page.
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For more specific questions about California interstate movement regulations, please call 916-651-6278 Monday through Friday 8-5 pm pacific time.
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For a complete set of California regulations, visit the California Code of Regulations web site.
Entry Permits are NOT required for: Certificates of Veterinary Inspection Recommended but NOT required for:
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