Dog-entry update · September 1, 2026CDC now lists DFW and SEA as animal care facility ports. SEA accepts cargo-only reservations.
U.S. Pet Entry Guide

Entering the United States

Which furry, feathered, or scaly friend is coming to the U.S.?

Each animal follows a different set of U.S. entry rules. Select yours below to see the requirements and checks that may apply.

No single agency covers every pet movement. The applicable rules can depend on the species, countries visited, destination state or territory, intended use, and airline.

A dog and cat waiting beside an airport window

Start here

Who is traveling?

DogCDC requirements, six-month travel history, USDA checks and airline restrictions CatFederal guidance, destination requirements and airline checks Pet birdUSDA permit, health certificate, inspection and quarantine guidance Small mammalRabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders and similar pets Reptile or amphibianSpecies-specific federal, wildlife and destination checks Another animalFind the correct agency before relying on a general pet checklist

Why the route matters

“U.S. import requirements” may involve several rulebooks.

CDCHuman-health and dog-rabies import requirements
USDA APHISAnimal-health, disease, permit and quarantine requirements
U.S. Fish & WildlifeProtected wildlife, CITES and wildlife entry rules
State, territory & airlineDestination and transportation requirements
Official starting points
USDA APHIS: Bring a pet into the United States ↗ CDC: Bringing an animal into the United States ↗ U.S. Fish & Wildlife: Import and export information ↗