Importing Animals (including Pets) and Animal Products
A group of small green turtles
What is required to bring an animal into the U.S. when you travel or import a pet?
What is required to bring an animal product into the U.S.?
Dog confinement agreements: learn more about them and download forms.
New! Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Regulations for the Importation of Nonhuman Primates
On January 5, 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to begin the process of revising HHS/CDC Regulation 42 CFR 71.53, the regulations for importation of nonhuman primates (NHPs) into the United States. The proposed rule will clarify the process of importing NHPs and explain all requirements importers must follow to prevent the spread of disease from NHPs to humans.
The public comment period ended on April 25, 2011. CDC is now working toward finalizing the proposed rule.
Internet Adoption Scams Involving Imported Pets
The CDC has learned that Internet scammers are falsely representing themselves as CDC employees in e-mails to U.S. citizens.
About Animal Importation
Each day millions of animals and animal products are brought into the United States, increasing the potential for the introduction of infectious diseases. CDC works with other federal agencies to protect US borders against diseases carried by animals and animal products.
CDC’s current regulations govern the importation of pet dogs and cats, African rodents, turtles, monkeys, and civets, as well any product made from parts of these animals. Other animals or animal products may also be prohibited if they are known to be a risk to human health.
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30333 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348 - New Hours of Operation
8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
Closed Holidays - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
