Import: Bring Live Animals Into the United States

All information for pets was moved to the APHIS Pet Travel Website.  For information regarding the importation of pet birds into the United States, please click here.

• Bird Leg Band Information
• Commercial and Zoological Birds  
• Live Poultry
• Poultry Hatching Eggs
• Protocol for The Importation of Avian Eggs for Research Purposes
• Ratites and Hatching Eggs of Ratites

(Note: bovine embryos may only be imported from the countries listed on this page, with an import permit as designated)

Australia (import protocol is being updated); a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model health Certificate Bovine Embryo Import from Australia - August 2014 

Canada

• A permit and export health certificate is required to import bovine embryos from Canada.

European Union; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model Health Certificate Bovid Embryo Import from the European Union  December 2019
  • NOTE: This health certificate also allows the import of water buffalo embryos from the EU.

Liechtenstein; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model Health Certificate Bovine Embryo Import from the European Union

Netherlands; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model Health Certificate Bovine Embryo Import from the Netherlands

New Zealand; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model Health Certificate Bovine Embryo Import from New Zealand, July 2019
  

Norway; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model Health Certificate Bovine Embryo Import from Norway June 2018

Spain; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model Health Certificate Bovine Embryo Import from Spain January 2020
  • Veterinary Declaration of Collection Center for Bovine Embryos January 2020
    

Switzerland; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model Health Certificate Bovine Embryo Import from Switzerland April 2016

(Note: bovine semen may only be imported from the countries listed on this page, with an import permit as designated)

Australia (protocols are being updated); a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model Health Certificate (Bovine Semen from Australia) - August 2014

Canada

• A permit is not required to import bovine semen from Canada transported by land; an export health certificate must accompany the shipment and the port of entry into the United States must be notified at least three days in advance (link to port information).

European Union; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Approved EU Bovine Semen Sex Sorting Facilities - February 2016
  
  
• Model Health Certificate Bovid Semen Import from the European Union- December 2019        
  • NOTE: This health certificate allows the import of water buffalo semen from the EU.
    
    
• ALERT: Because of ongoing lumpy skin disease outbreaks in Europe, the following exclusions apply: Bovine semen from the following regions, collected on or after the specified dates, is not eligible for importation to the United States: Greece (August 4, 2015 - present) and Bulgaria (March 29, 2016 - present) and Croatia (August 8, 2016 - present).
  

Liechtenstein; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model Health Certificate Bovine Semen Import from Liechtenstein April 2016

Netherland; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model Health Certificate Bovine Semen Import from The Netherlands April 2016

Norway; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model Health Certificate Bovine Semen Import from Norway 

Spain; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model Health Certificate Bovine Semen Import from Spain

Switzerland; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model Health Certificate Bovine Semen Import from Switzerland

Note: farmed camelids may only be imported from the countries listed on this page

Australia; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Protocol Farmed Camelids from Australia - June 2018

Canada

• Protocol Domestic Camelids from Canada - February 2017

(Note: these species may only be imported from the following listed countries)

Miscellaneous

• Information on BSE and Minimal Risk Regions for the Importation of Live Ruminants
• Addendum for Rest Stops for Breeding Cattle from the United States and Canada - May 2008 
• Guidelines for the Importation of Cattle/ Ruminants (except from Canada and Mexico) into the United States, including general requirements and necessary permits and certification
• Questions and Answers for Ruminants Imported from Canada
• List of Plants Approved to Handle Immediate Slaughter Animals

Australia; a permit and export health certificate are required

• Protocol Feeder Cattle from Australia
• Model Health Certificate Feeder Cattle from Australia
• Protocol Breeding Cattle-Water Buffalo from Australia June 2018 

Canada

• Protocol Cattle and Bison from Canada June 2018
  • NOTE:  As of November 13, 2017, the requirement for individual age identification for cattle destined for immediate slaughter has been removed from the Canadian export certificate. 

Mexico

• Protocol Feeder Cattle and Bison from Mexico March 2018 
• Protocol  Breeder Cattle and Bison from Mexico March 2018  
• Protocol  Slaughter Cattle and Bison from Mexico March 2018  
• Model Health Certificate Breeding Cattle and Bison from Mexico
• Model Health Certificate  Feeder Cattle and Bison from Mexico
• Model Health Certificate  Slaughter Cattle and Bison from Mexico
• Transit Canadian Cattle and Bison to Mexico
  • Questions and Answers Transit Canadian Cattle and Bison to Mexico
• US Breeding Cattle to Mexico 

Bovine Tuberculosis Requirements for Cattle from Mexico

• • Veterinary Services (VS) bulletin 2018: “Bovine Tuberculosis Testing Requirements for Cattle Imported to the United States from Mexico”
  • Addendum to VS bulletin 2018: Import Notice – February 2020

New Zealand (protocol is being updated); a permit and export health certificate are required.

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:

• US-Mexico TB Strategic Plan English
• US-Mexico-US TB Strategic Plan Spanish
• Executive Summary US- Mexico- Joint Strategic Plan for Collaboration on Bovine TB 2013-2018
• Comité Binacional México - EUA para la erradicación
  

Farmed Cervids (Elk, Deer, Caribou, Reindeer, Moose)

Note: farmed cervids and their germplasm may only be imported from the countries listed on this page

Canada

• Protocol Farmed Cervids from Canada - February 2018

Farmed Cervid Semen

Australia (protocol is being updated); a permit and export health certificate are required.

Canada

• A permit is not required to import bovine semen from Canada transported by land; an export health certificate must accompany the shipment and the port of entry into the United States must be notified at least three days in advance (link to port information).

New Zealand (protocol is being updated); a permit and export health certificate are required.

Farmed Cervid Embryos

Australia (protocol is being updated); a permit and export health certificate are required

New Zealand (protocol is being updated); a permit and export health certificate are required.

Domestic dogs (Canines)

• Semen and Embryos from Non-regulated Species Including Dogs - Import requirements for canine semen and embryos from countries affected with foot-and-mouth disease.
• Pet Dog Import Guide
• Import requirements for “non- pet dogs” (dogs imported for commercial sale or adoption are regulated by USDA Animal Care under the Animal Welfare Act; there are exceptions provided for dogs imported for research purposes or veterinary treatment.
  
  
• I want to bring a Pet Dog(s) into the United States.

Importing Horses (including Donkeys, Mules, Onagers and Wild Asses, Zebras and Hybrids)

Equine Import and Export Information

**NOTE – New import requirements for species susceptible to Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) per Federal Order DA-2019-01. More TiLV fish disease information can be found here.

Live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes of the species listed below may be imported into the United States, provided they meet the following USDA import requirements:

1. Accompanied by an USDA import permit, AND
2. Accompanied by a veterinary export health certificate (issued by a full-time veterinary officer or competent authority of the national government of the exporting country), AND
3. Enter through, and undergo veterinary inspection at, a designated U.S. Port (see list below).

I.  USDA Import Permit

A USDA import permit must be used to import live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes from the SVC-susceptible species and TiLV-susceptible species listed above.  

1. Complete and submit the import application:

• • Instructions and more information can be found here:
    • Instructions for Completing VS Form 17-129
    • Instructions for Completing and Electronically Submitting VS Form 17-129 

Importers should allow seven (7) to ten (10) business days for import permit processing. 

2. Import permit accompanies shipment:

• • The original import permit is valid for thirty (30) days, and must accompany all shipments of live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes from SVC-susceptible species and TiLV-susceptible species entering the United States.

II. Veterinary Export Health Certificate

The veterinary health certificate from the exporting country (country of origin) should be issued in the following format and the original must accompany the shipment:

1. Written in English OR accompanied by an official English translation.
2. Endorsed by the competent authority of the exporting country. 

Fish Susceptible to Spring Viremia of Carp (SVC)

• Model health certificate for Fish, Fertilized Eggs, and Gametes of Spring Viremia of Carp (SVC) – Susceptible Species
• United Kingdom
  • Health Certificate for Fish, Fertilized Eggs, and Gametes of Spring Viremia of Carp (SVC) – Susceptible Species from the United Kingdom
    

Fish Susceptible to Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV)

• Model health certificate for Fish, Fertilized Eggs, and Gametes of Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) – Susceptible Species 

III. Port Inspection

In addition to the USDA import permit AND veterinary export health certificate, all imported live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes from SVC-susceptible species and TiLV-susceptible species must meet the following requirements at the U.S. port of entry:

1. Shipment must only enter the United States through a designated port where the USDA Veterinary Services (VS) personnel are available to process the shipments.

• • Designated Ports for SVC-susceptible species
    
    
  • • California: Los Angeles, Otay Mesa, San Francisco
    • Florida: Miami, Tampa
    • Georgia: Atlanta
    • Hawaii: Honolulu
    • Illinois: Chicago
    • Massachusetts: Boston
    • Michigan: Detroit
    • New Jersey: Newark
    • New York: Buffalo-Niagara, New York
    • Oregon: Portland
    • Puerto Rico: San Juan
    • Texas: Dallas-Fort Worth
    • Washington: Seattle, Sumas
      
      
  • Designated Ports for TiLV-susceptible species
    

• • • California: Los Angeles, San Francisco
    • Florida: Miami, Tampa
    • Georgia: Atlanta
    • Hawaii: Honolulu
    • Illinois: Chicago
    • New Jersey: Newark
    • New York: New York
    • Puerto Rico: San Juan
    • Texas: Houston
    • Washington: Seattle

• • If live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes attempt to enter the United States through other, non-designated ports, they will be refused entry by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel. 

2. Importers must notify the USDA Port Veterinarian seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the expected arrival of the shipment, to ensure clearance procedures may be expedited in a timely manner.

• • USDA Port Veterinarians may be contacted through their respective VS Area Offices (Animal Imports Port List). 
  • A User Fee will apply for port inspections of imported consignments.

• All shipments must be accompanied by:

• • • Original valid import permit AND
    • Original endorsed veterinary export health certificate AND
    • Cleaning & Disinfection Certificate (if applicable)

Additional Information

Shipments Transiting the United States 
Harmonized Tariff Structure (HTS) Import Codes

*Please note, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service may have additional import requirements for live fish. For more information, please contact your local port of entry (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Authorized Ports of Entry) or visit their website (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Information for Importers and Exporters).

For additional information please contact us at:
USDA, APHIS, VS
Strategy & Policy – Live Animal Imports
4700 River Road, Unit 39
Riverdale, MD 20737
Email: VS.Live.Animals.Import.Permits@aphis.usda.gov 
Phone: 301-851-3300, Option 2

Sheep and Goats

Canada

• Protocol US-origin sheep and goat movements through Canada from one US location to a second US location
• Import of Direct to Slaughter Sheep and Goats to the United States; no permit is required; the port of entry into the 
  United States must be notified at least three days in advance (link to port information).
• Protocol for the Import of Feeder Sheep and Goats to the United States (document is currently being updated); no permit is required.
  • NOTE: There are currently no approved feedlots for imported Canadian sheep and goats currently available in the U.S. 

Australia; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Protocol Import of Live Goats and Sheep from Australia November 2018
  

New Zealand; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Protocol Import of Live Goats and Sheep from New Zealand October 2019

Sheep and Goat Semen

Miscellaneous

• There are specific post-arrival requirements for imports of sheep and goat semen from Canada, the European Union and Iceland (link)
  

Australia (Import protocol being updated); a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Protocol Import of Sheep & Goat Semen from Australia March 2018
  

Canada; a permit and export health certificate are required.

1. Importers or their designated agents must provide documentation of the destination facility premise registration premises ID assigned and recorded in the Surveillance Collaborative System/ Scrapie (SCS SCR) with the permit application.
   
2. A verification certificate required to import sheep or goat semen from Canada. This must be submitted with the import permit application.
3. There are also post-import requirements for each facility using this commodity.

European Union; a permit and export health certificate are required.

1. Importers or their designated agents must provide documentation of the destination facility premise registration premises ID assigned and recorded in the Surveillance Collaborative System/ Scrapie (SCS SCR) with the permit application.
2. There are also post-import requirements for each facility using this commodity.

• Protocol Sheep and Goat Semen Import from Member States of the EU
• Model Health Certificate Sheep and Goat Semen Import from Member States of the EU
• Model Health Certificate documents for Spain Sheep and Goat Semen Import from Spain

Iceland; a permit and export health certificate are required.

1. Importers or their designated agents must provide documentation of the destination facility premise registration premises ID assigned and recorded in the Surveillance Collaborative System/ Scrapie (SCS SCR) with the permit application.
2. There are also post-import requirements for each facility using this commodity.

• Protocol Sheep and Goat Semen Imports from Iceland
• Model Health Certificate Sheep and Goat Semen Import from Iceland

New Zealand; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Protocol Sheep and Goat Semen Import from New Zealand October 2019
  

Sheep and Goat Embryos

(Note: sheep and goat embryos may only be imported from the following listed countries)

Australia; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Protocol Import of Sheep & Goat Embryos from Australia March 2018
  

New Zealand; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Protocol Sheep and Goat Embryo Import from New Zealand October 2019

Swine

(Note: these species may only be imported from the following listed countries)

Canada

• Protocol Swine Import from Canada- June 2017
• Protocol Farm Raised Wild Boar Import from Canada- February 2018

European Union; A permit and export health certificate are required.

• Protocol Breeding Swine Import from European Union Member States Recognized as Low-Risk for Classical Swine Fever 
• Model Health Certificate Live Swine Import from European Union Member States Recognized as Low-Risk for Classical Swine Fever

Swine Semen

Canada

• No permit is required if the semen tanks are transported by land; an export health certificate is required to import swine semen from Canada.

European Union; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model Health Certificate Swine Semen Import from Member States of the EU
  
• Model Health Certificate Swine Semen Import from the Netherlands

Norway; a permit and export health certificate are required.

• Model Health Certificate Swine semen import from Norway

Swine Embryos

Canada

• No permit is required if the embryo tanks are transported by land; an export health certificate is required to import swine semen from Canada.

European Union; new documents pending (a permit and export health certificate will be required.)

• Protocol Swine Embryo Import from Member States of the EU - pending
• Model Health Certificate Swine Embryo Import from Member States of the EU - pending

• Protocol Importation of Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos and Tapirs
• Protocol Importation of Hedgehogs and Tenrecs