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Live animals and birds can enter the United States subject to certification, permits, inspection, and quarantine rules that vary with the animal 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.
Pet birds obtained overseas may be imported into the United States if quarantined in a USDA Animal Import Center for a minimum of 30 days. Quarantine arrangements must be made in advance because facilities are limited and are available only at certain ports of entry.
Personally owned U.S. Pet birds returning to the United States that have been out of the country for more than 60 days, must be quarantined for 30 days in the owner's home. These birds must be accompanied by the original U.S. veterinary health certificate that was issued prior to leaving the United States. This certificate must individually identify each bird by a leg band, tattoo, or microchip identification number. There is no Federal quarantine required for pet birds originating in Canada. However, an inspection by an USDA veterinarian must be conducted for all pet birds entering the United States. Please see appendix 1 for contact information.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulate importation of certain animal species and have specific regulations regarding pets (including cats and dogs) and nonhuman primates. CDC require that pet dogs and cats appear healthy upon visual inspection at the port of entry. Cats may be imported without further restriction. Dogs coming from a country that is not free of rabies must be accompanied by proof that rabies vaccination is current and was administered at least 30 days before arrival in the United States.
Young puppies may be imported without proof of rabies vaccination but must be confined at a place of the owner's choice until they are 3 months of age and then vaccinated. Confinement must then continue for 30 days. Monkeys and other nonhuman primates may not be imported for use as pets under any circumstances; importation for scientific or exhibition purposes is strictly controlled through a registration process.
Turtles with shells that are less than 4 inches long may not be imported for commercial purposes. You may import as many as six turtles with shells at least 4 inches long (or a combination of turtles and viable eggs not exceeding six) for your personal use as pets. A permit issued by CDC must accompany live bats and certain snails.
Animals (other than birds) taken out of the United States are subject, upon return, to the same requirements as those entering for the first time. More detailed information can be found in the U.S. Customs Service Publication 509, "Pets and Wildlife."
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