United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Import Live Animals

Import Live Animals

Last Modified: Dec 28, 2016
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There are many different processes involved with importing different species of live animals into the United States. View the pages below to learn more about these processes, including the guidelines and regulations, permits and certification, and associated user fees.

Applicants may submit import permit applications to the National Center for Import and Export through the following mail address:

Live Animal Import Permits
USDA-APHIS-Veterinary Services
National Import Export Services
4700 River Rd. Unit 39
Riverdale, MD 20737

For faster service, importers (or other applicants seeking to import live animals, semen or embryos) may submit applications to the National Import and Export Services via a dedicated email address:
VS.Live.Animals.Import.Permits@aphis.usda.gov

Online Submission Process for Live Animal Import Permits:  Importers with an existing Level 2 eAuthentication can now access ePermits to create and submit a completed application (VS Form 17-129) for an import or transit permit for APHIS-regulated live animals and their germplasm (genetic resources). For instructions on how to obtain a Level 2 eAuthentication authorization, and for additional information about electronic submissions, click here.  

Important Updates

Travel Advisory: Information for Travelers Who Visit Farms or Come Into Contact with Animals in Other Countries

U.S. citizens and international visitors who visit a farm or make contact with live animals in another country can unknowingly spread potentially devastating animal diseases. Learn more

Strategic Plan for Bovine Tuberculosis

APHIS and animal health authorities in Mexico have developed a joint 5-year Strategic Plan for collaboration on the management of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in both countries, in order to facilitate trade and continue eradication efforts for the disease. The plan was finalized in late 2013 and identifies two primary goals, each with specific objectives and strategies:

  • Goal 1: Minimize the risk of TB-affected or exposed animals moving in domestic or international trade.
  • Goal 2: Provide a collaborative framework to define and measure improvements in both the Mexican and U.S. TB programs.


The Strategic Plan represents a framework for these collaborations. Copies of the plan in English and Spanish are available at:


Contact Us:

If you have any questions, or require further information related to imports or export of live animals, birds or germplasm, please contact National Import and Export Services at (301) 851-3300, or send an email to VS.Live.Animal.Import.Export@aphis.usda.gov.


Birds


Canine


Importing Cattle, Cervids and Camelids

Equine


Importing Horses from Countries Affected with Screwworm


Foot and Mouth Disease

Contagious Equine Metritis

Importing Fish

Fish, Fertilized Eggs, and Gametes- At the current time, APHIS is developing certain import restrictions that will apply to shipments of live fish, fertilized eggs or gametes from SVC-susceptible species that are imported to the United States. Please contact Dr. Christa Speekmann at the USDA APHIS VS National Import and Export Services at  301-851-3300, Option 2 for more information.

Importing Sheep and Goats

Swine


Miscellaneous Animals

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