All dogs brought into the United States must be free of disease and have valid rabies vaccinations. Vaccination certificates must be in English. Puppies under three months do not need the rabies vaccination certificate, but must be confined until vaccinated. Cats are not required to have vaccination records, but check for local requirements before bringing a cat into the country.
A U.S.D.A. import permit is required for most birds. All birds must be quarantined for 30 days at the owner's expense, and reservations for quarantines are required. Birds are only allowed entry through New York City, Miami or Los Angeles. Certain countries are banned from importing birds due to the risk of H5N1 Avian flu.
There are no CDC or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service restrictions for rabbits or guinea pigs as of December 2010. African rodents and civets are banned due to disease.
All pets must be in proper containers, with locking bolts, a metal door and good ventilation.
