International Animal Movement Requirements
International Export
Exporting an animal from the United States requires specific documentation and most often requires specific testing in advance. This process may take weeks or months and requires detailed preparation and execution of all of the steps.
You can begin the process by contacting a private veterinarian who is accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and licensed in your state. Check with your veterinarian to see if they have the accreditation for the species that you are exporting.
Contact the USDA Veterinary Services (USDA VS) office in Gainesville, Fla., at (352) 313-3060 as early as possible to receive specific instructions and entry requirements for the country to which you wish to ship your animals. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The required International Health Certificate is issued by a private accredited veterinarian and is then sent to the USDA VS office in Gainesville for approval. After approval by USDA VS, the paperwork is returned to your veterinarian. (If you are traveling internationally with your pet, you will not be required to take your pet to the Gainesville USDA VS office.)
International Imports of Live Animals, Semen, Embryos and Animal Products
Importation of live animals into the United States is generally regulated by federal rules and agencies, not state agencies.
For the latest requirements and procedures for sending animals, including live animals (pets, livestock, exotics, etc.), semen, embryos and animal products into the U.S. through Florida, contact the USDA VS office in Gainesville at (352) 313-3060. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The USDA website offers helpful information on import requirements and a list of contacts to answer your questions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulates the international importation of dogs, cats, bats, turtles, monkeys, civets, African rodents, and birds from certain countries. Read more about the CDC’s regulations.
Importation of Reptiles, Fish and Endangered Species into the United States
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has regulatory responsibility for the importation of reptiles, fish and endangered species. Visit the FWS website for more information.
