Travelers
frequently ask about bringing their pets with them to the United States.
All such importation is subject to health, quarantine, agriculture,
wildlife, and customs requirements and prohibitions. Pets taken out
of the United States and returned are subject to the same
requirements as those entering for the first time.
Sadly, pets excluded from entry into the United States must either
be exported or destroyed. While awaiting disposition, pets will be
detained at the owner's expense at the port of arrival.
The U.S.
Public Health Service requires that pet dogs and cats brought
into the United State be examined at the first port of entry for evidence
of diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Dogs coming from areas
not free of rabies must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination
certificate. Turtles are subject to certain restrictions, and monkeys
may not be imported as pets under any circumstances.
The U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service is concerned with the importation, trade, sale,
and taking of wildlife and with protecting endangered plant and animal
species. Some wildlife species of dogs, cats, turtles, reptiles, and
birds, although imported as pets, may be listed as endangered. Endangered
and threatened animal and plant wildlife, migratory birds, marine
mammals, and certain injurious wildlife may not be imported without
special federal permits. Sportsmen will find the section on Animal
Regulations of particular interest, since game birds and animals are
subject to special entry requirements.
You should also check with state, county, and municipal authorities
for local restrictions on importing pets.
