Pets

[Earmuffs 1]

Have any of you guys brought your pets across? Were trying to find the best way to for her. But our problem is that we are gonna be in maryland at her parents place for a month and her mom hates animals so taking her there is not an option..

so I was thinking of bringing her in the car with me and getting her a kennel near by.

Just dont know how they cbp will be when i bring her.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

Have any of you guys brought your pets across? Were trying to find the best way to for her. But our problem is that we are gonna be in maryland at her parents place for a month and her mom hates animals so taking her there is not an option..

so I was thinking of bringing her in the car with me and getting her a kennel near by.

Just dont know how they cbp will be when i bring her.

It's not a problem. I know of several people who moved to the US and took their pets with them. I have reproduced the blurb from the CDC and USDA websites, since they control the importation of pets. Hope this helps. BTW, dogs require a bit more inspection than cats so I included both. Did you know that you can import a pet tiger more easily than you can import a pet dog?

Importation of Pets and Other Animals Into the United States

PET BIRDS

CATS AND DOGS

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has regulations on the importation of dogs and cats into the United States. In general, they require that dogs be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry, except for puppies younger than 3 months and dogs originated or located for 6 months in areas considered to be free of rabies. A dog with an unexpired health certificate meets these requirements. We strongly suggest you visit the CDC web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/animal.htm or call them at 404-639-3441, for more information on their regulations. There is no vaccination regulation for cats.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has certain restrictions on the importation of dogs. Collies, shepherds, and other dogs that are imported from any part of the world except Canada, Mexico, and regions of Central America and the West Indies and that are to be used in the handling of livestock must be inspected and quarantined at the port of entry for a sufficient time to determine their freedom from tapeworm.

In order to expedite entry into the United States, we suggest that you do not use straw, hay, grass, or other natural bedding. Our Plant Protection and Quarantine Division does not allow the importation of these materials as they may harbor various plant pests.

We also suggest you contact your State, county, municipal authorities for local restrictions on importing dogs. Some airlines require health certificates for dogs traveling with them. You should contact the airlines prior to your travel date.

Cats and dogs being imported into Hawaii will be quarantined for 130 days. Please visit the website for the Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture at: http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/doa_importing.htm

All cats and dogs are subject to inspection at ports of entry for evidence of infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans.

As a help to both domestic and international travelers, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals web site has a wealth of pertinent information.

Special Circumstances

Dogs imported from countries or regions where screwworm is know to exist may be imported if they meet the following requirements:

The dog must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official of the region of origin stating that the dog has been inspected for screwworm within 5 days prior to shipment to the United States.

The certificate must state that the dog is either free from screwworm or was found to be infested with screwworm and was held in quarantine and treated until free from screwworm prior to leaving the region.

Owners of dogs imported from countries or regions affected with Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) are advised to take the following precautions to prevent the introduction of FMD from pets entering the United States:

The feet, fur, and bedding of the pets should be free of any excessive dirt or mud.

The pet's bedding should be free of any straw or hay, or other natural bedding.

The pet should be bathed as soon as it reaches its final destination.

The pet should be kept separate and apart from all livestock for at least 5 days after entry into the United States.

If you need more information contact the Import Animals Program at (301) 734-3277.

What CDC requirements apply to cats?

Cats are covered under the same regulation as dogs (42CFR71.51). Cats are subject to examination at the port of entry to rule out any zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted to humans), and may require veterinary medical examination, treatment, and/or quarantine if they appear ill. Although cats are not subject to rabies vaccination regulations, CDC strongly advises all cat owners to have their pets vaccinated against rabies as a precaution.

All pet cats are subject to state and local vaccination requirements. Pet cats arriving in the state of Hawaii and the territory of Guam, even from the U.S. mainland, are subject to locally imposed quarantine requirements. For more information, call the Animal Quarantine Station in Hawaii at 808-483-7151

What are the CDC requirements for bringing a pet dog into the United States? Do these requirements differ for puppies?

Pet dogs (and cats) are subject to inspection upon arrival at ports of entry for evidence of zoonotic disease (disease that can be transmitted to humans). In addition, dogs arriving from countries where rabies is reported are required to be immunized against rabies. Dogs (and cats) that appear to be ill upon arrival, with a disease that may be transmissible to humans, are subject to veterinary medical examination, treatment, and/or quarantine. Dogs that arrive without the required rabies vaccination may enter the United States provided the importer signs and complies with a vaccination and confinement agreement, as described in the Foreign Quarantine Regulations 42CFR71.51 ©. Animals may not be sold during the confinement period.

Dogs arriving from countries considered by the World Health Organization to have no reported rabies (see list) are not subject to the rabies vaccination requirement, provided they have spent the 6 months prior to arrival (or their entire life, if the dog is less than 6 months old) in such countries.

All pet dogs arriving in the state of Hawaii and the territory of Guam, even from the U.S. mainland, are subject to locally imposed quarantine requirements.

NOTE: Because rabies is a deadly human disease that is endemic among certain wildlife in the U.S., CDC strongly recommends, and most state and local jurisdictions require, that all domestic dogs (and cats) receive periodic rabies vaccination.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires dogs that are intended for use in handling livestock and that are imported from regions of the world where screwworm exists, to be proven free of this parasite. Further details can be found on the USDA pet importation website. These requirements apply to puppies as well as adult dogs.

What are CDC requirements for adult dogs or puppies being imported for commercial/breeding purposes?

There are no separate CDC regulations for dogs to be used for commercial purposes, rather than as pets. The rules for bringing domestic dogs into the United States are covered under regulation 42CFR71.51. When importing puppies, the importer is responsible for maintaining quarantine according to the vaccination and confinement agreement signed at the time of importation:

Confinement agreement (form CDC 75.37) (76 KB/2 pages)

Translations of CDC 75.37:

Spanish (76 KB/2 pages)

French (86 KB/2 pages)

Russian (236 KB/2 pages)

This quarantine must last until the puppies are at least 3 months of age, have then been vaccinated for rabies, and for an additional 30 days after receiving vaccination. This responsibility cannot be passed on to individuals who wish to purchase the puppies from the importer.

USDA requires all dogs imported for handling sheep and other livestock to be quarantined at the port of entry for a period of time during which they must be determined to be free of tapeworm. This regulation does not apply to dogs from Canada, Mexico, some regions of Central America, and the West Indies. These rules are further explained on the USDA pet importation website.

[Earmuffs 1]

found this on the cbp website as well..

As a general rule, there are no restrictions on bringing domestic cats into the U.S. There are no vaccination requirements for cats, although cats arriving in Hawaii or Guam are subject to that state's/territory's quarantine requirements. While a rabies certificate is not required for entry into the U.S., domestic cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined by an inspector at the port of entry. If the animal is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at the owner's expense. If you are bringing your cat to the U.S. on an airplane, you should check with the airline about their requirements for transporting animals. Many airlines require a certificate of health from a veterinarian.

she had an appointment for her shots next wee (never got them because shes never been outside) and that was the only thing i was waiting to have done before I leave, but it looks like i can get her shots once we get to texas.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

found this on the cbp website as well..

As a general rule, there are no restrictions on bringing domestic cats into the U.S. There are no vaccination requirements for cats, although cats arriving in Hawaii or Guam are subject to that state's/territory's quarantine requirements. While a rabies certificate is not required for entry into the U.S., domestic cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined by an inspector at the port of entry. If the animal is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at the owner's expense. If you are bringing your cat to the U.S. on an airplane, you should check with the airline about their requirements for transporting animals. Many airlines require a certificate of health from a veterinarian.

she had an appointment for her shots next wee (never got them because shes never been outside) and that was the only thing i was waiting to have done before I leave, but it looks like i can get her shots once we get to texas.

I would probably get the shots before you leave, since you can never tell when you'll run into a CBP officer who hates cats. I know it doesn't make sense but some of those CBP officers are wacko.

[Tinker 0]

I'd try to find another way to bring the cat, maybe have a friend bring it over later or try and reach some kind of agreement where the cat stays in your room at your mother's. A month at a kennel.......I don't know.

[Earmuffs 1]

we found a place at a freinds house down the street..

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

we found a place at a freinds house down the street..

Glad to hear it. I never send my kitties to a kennel.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Just getting to this thread - been busy the last little while:-).

We moved from Chatham, Ontario to south of Atlanta Georgia with my 6 cats in a rental van (mini- not moving). The move will be stressful enough so if you can find a way to keep your cat with you rather than putting him/her into a kennel for a month, your cat will be much happier. You shouldn't have any problems at the border unless your cat looks unwell. It is a good idea to have a copy of her veterinary record with her as your new vet will need the information. Do try to have her shots taken care of before you travel - it is probably easier all around and good to know she is protected from anything she might find. You might also want to have her microchipped - and make sure you advise the chip registry of your new address.

My eldest who was 15 at the time we moved did not recover from the stress of the travel and 6 weeks later we had to have her put to sleep - she had stopped eating on the way down and after 6 weeks of force feeding, hepatic lipidosis took its toll. The other 5 are all hale and hearty. The youngest 2 have now lived in the States for longer than they lived in Canada, and the middle 2 have been here nearly as long as they lived in Canada. They enjoy the space and openness - and all of the windows - of our new home.

I am glad you are bringing your cat - she is part of your 'existing' family.

Edited September 16, 2007 by Kathryn41

[Earmuffs 1]

my cat is kinda used to traveling.. its basically the only time she gets to kinda go outside.

[cmartyn 0]

I took my three over and they didn't even look at them. I had them vacinated and got a letter from the vet that they all appeared to be in good health etc but they never even looked at them or asked any questions. They are all here safe and sound.

[raphael7546 0]

I flew both of my cats with me in Coach. They were each in there own travel kennel. Not sedated (Airlines prefer you don't sedate them cuz the cabin pressure and sedation meds can cause death.

I had a vets letter stating they were spayed/nuetured, had all shots, microchipped & in good health. I had their vet imunization xards and spay certs with me as well.

The only time anyone looked at them was when we were going thru the luggage exray. They had to be taken out of their kennels while the kennel went thru the exray machine. Then I put them back in and away we went. There was no problem on the flight here and they adjusted really well to my hubby's 3 cats.