There are no United States federal regulations governing movements of dogs and cats to any foreign country. The regulations that must be complied with are those of the receiving country, and these regulations are many, varied, and subject to change.

Regardless of the country of destination, the veterinarian and the pet owner who are faced with the export of a pet animal should follow certain general provisions.

1. The veterinarian should complete a health certificate on the pet.

2. The owner should obtain from the nearest consulate of the country of destination (a) an import permit, (b) any changes in the regulations, and (c) procedural instructions, such as the number of copies to be furnished, an indication of whether the health certificate must be validated by the consulate, or whether certified copies of pedigree or photograph of the pet must accompany the health certificate.

3. All regulations apply equally to pets owned by United States civilians and pets owned by United States military personnel even though the latter are consigned to an overseas base or port.

Travelers from the United States to foreign countries on vacations or duty assignments frequently desire to take their dogs or cats with them. Similarly, persons returning from abroad need to make arrangements for the reentry of their pets or for animals acquired in other countries. For both importations and exportations, there are usually health requirements with which one must comply. Frustration and some resentment toward regulatory officials at ports of entry in this country and in foreign countries may occur when health certificates are not in order or when pets are detained in unanticipated quarantines.

There are no federal regulations governing movements of dogs and cats from any place within the United States to any foreign country. Thus, regulations to be complied with are those of the receiving country.

Dogs from the United States may be imported into Canada through any Canadian customs port of entry when accompanied by a certificate signed by a veterinarian licensed in Canada or the United States. The certificate must show that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 12 months. The certificate (initialed by the inspecting officer) is returned to the owner. Young dogs, accompanied by their vaccinated mothers, are admitted without restrictions. The Canadian regulations are not applicable to guide dogs or those trained for shows or exhibitions for temporary stay and kept under control while in Canada.

Cats from anywhere in the world may be imported into Canada without restrictions except veterinary inspection when presented for entry.

The U.S. Customs Service collects import duties (tax) and assists the U.S. Public Health Service in regulating the importation of dogs, cats, monkeys, and birds. Publications- "Know Before You Go" (Customs Hints for Returning Residents)" and "Pets, Wildlife, U.S. Customs."  Address- U.S. Customs Service, P.O. Box 7407, Washington, DC 20044.

The U.S. Department of State issues passports for U.S. citizens to travel abroad. Consular officers overseas issue visas for foreign citizens to enter the United States. Publications- "Your Trip Abroad" and "Foreign Entry Requirements" from the Consumer Information Center. Contact- Passport agencies located in Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Stamford, and Washington, DC, or a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. For emergency assistance for U.S. citizens traveling overseas, call (202) 647-5226. For recorded travel information, call (202) 647-5225.

All states (and Puerto Rico) except New York have regulations relating to the entry of dogs from other states. For the exact requirements of each state, inquiry should be made of the State Veterinarian in the state of destination. It is generally understood that common carriers do not accept dogs for interstate movement without accompanying health certificates. Many states do not require health certificates on animals under 3 to 4 months of age.

The entry of dogs into the United States from all foreign countries is under the jurisdiction of the Public Health Services of the Department of Health and Human Services.

All dogs and cats from any foreign country must be inspected at the port of arrival for evidence of communicable disease. Only animals in which no evidence of disease communicable to man is revealed are admitted. If necessary to detain animals pending determination of admissibility, the owner or agent must provide satisfactory detention facilities.

Vaccination against rabies is required, with certain exceptions for wild dogs, dogs coming from rabies-free countries, dogs destined for zoological parks or for research, and puppies under 3 months of age. If a dog subject to vaccination arrives without a valid certificate of rabies vaccination, it will not be admitted until this requirement is met as provided in Public Health Service regulations.

Live animals and birds can enter the United States subject to certification, permits, inspection, and quarantine rules that vary with the animal or bird and its origin. Dogs that have been in Central and South America pose a special health hazard if they have wounds infested with screwworms. If your dog has even a small wound, be sure to have it treated before you travel to the United States. The U.S. Public Health Service further restricts imports of dogs, cats, monkeys, and turtles.

Pet birds you purchased abroad for your personal use can enter, subject to restrictions by some State departments of agriculture, and if quarantined by USDA for 30 days. Make quarantine arrangements in advance because facilities are limited and available only at certain ports. No Federal quarantine is required for personally owned U.S. pet birds returning to the United States. Bring along a valid U.S. veterinary health certificate that individually identifies each bird by referring to a leg band or tattoo. Be sure to keep your bird separated from other birds while out of country. No Federal quarantine is required for pet birds originating in Canada.

Import/Export Information (Animals)

Non-Aquatic - Contains the latest information on interstate movement of animals

International Animal Regulations - Contains information on foreign country requirements

Travelers' Tips - Information on bringing food, plants, and animal products into the United States

Travelers' Information - APHIS Travel Web

Missing Pet Network (MPN) - A group of volunteers who help people find missing pet animals