Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Importation

Traveling with Pets

What are the CDC requirements for importing the following pets?

• Dogs
• Cats
• Birds
• Turtles

May I import restricted animals?

• African rodents
• Civets
• Nonhuman primates (such as monkeys)

What do I need to know about importing other types of animals?

• Horses
• Reptiles (such as turtles, snakes, lizards)
• Fish
• Small mammals and non-African rodents

What do I need to know about traveling with my pet?

• What do I need to know before I travel with a pet?
• Are the regulations the same if I just want to drive over the border with my pet in my car, rather than if traveling by air, or other means?
• If traveling by air, do I pick up my pet at the international airport or only at my final destination?
• Do I have to indicate I have a pet on my customs declaration card?
• What CDC restrictions apply to interstate and intrastate movement of animals?
• How can I be sure my pet stays healthy while traveling?

Importing Animal Products

What are CDC requirements for importing animal products, such as trophies, skins, or hides?

Information for Zoos

What permits and instructions do I need?