Moving Your Pet to the United States

Requirements for Moving your Pet into the United States

This blog post lists the general requirements for bringing a pet into the United States. Requirements may vary according to your country of origin. Therefore, always check with your Pet Relocation Counselor what your pet’s specific requirements and needs are as every move and every pet is unique.

The requirements listed below do NOT apply to the importation of a pet into the state of Hawaii or the territories of Puerto Rico and Guam which have their own requirements for traveling pets.
Please note that puppies and kittens less than 4 months old cannot enter the United States.

Document Requirements:

1. International Health Certificate & Fit to Fly Certificate

In order to travel to the United States, you must have an international health certificate issued, dated, and signed by a government-approved veterinarian within 10 days of travel.

2. Rabies Certificate

For your pet to clear customs, all records traveling with your pet must be the original documents (copies are not allowed).
However, while rare, airlines may lose documents during transit. Therefore, it’s important to make copies of all records before your pet’s flight and to keep them with you.

Step 1: Implant an ISO-compatible microchip.

• Your pet does NOT require a microchip to enter the USA.
• However, for your pet’s safety, it is recommended by WorldCare Pet that you microchip your pet with an ISO-compatible microchip, 15- digit microchip.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccination

• Your pet’s rabies vaccination must be greater than 21 days old at the time of travel. The rabies vaccination should be administered no less than 30 days after their microchip is implanted.
• Pets vaccinated before their microchip is implanted will require additional shots before entry which could delay travel.

The Vaccination Record must include:

• Pet owner name, address, & phone numbers.
• Pet name, species, breed, sex, age, markings, and color, microchip number.
• Veterinary Clinic name, Veterinarian name, license number, address, and signature.
• Vaccine name, producer, batch number, vaccination date, and expiration date

Step 3: General Vaccinations

Only required if your pet will require boarding once in the USA.
• DHPPL (Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis)
• Dogs – Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
• Cats – FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

Step 4: Screwworm Treatment

Screwworm treatments are only required for pets originating from certain countries known to have screwworms.
Visit the USA’s site for a full list of countries that require a screwworm examination prior to travel.
USDA APHIS | Animal Health Status of Regions.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-and-animal-product-import-information/animal-health-status-of-regions