Bringing a pet into the United States 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies may regulate animals entering the United States. Your pet does not need a passport.  

For more information:  

• U.S. Department of Agriculture  
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention     

Taking a pet overseas  

Many countries have strict rules or bans on bringing pets into their country. Your pet does not need a U.S. passport. However, you may be required to obtain formal documentation to enter or remain in the foreign country with your pet.  Required documentation in some destinations may be called a “pet passport.” If you want to take your pet abroad, check the rules of the foreign country on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website.

Airlines and shipping lines have their own policies for transporting pets, as well as the rules from the government. Ask your airline or ship representative about their requirements. 

Make plans for a crisis 

During a crisis, it may be difficult to find transportation for your pets. Expect that you won't be able to bring them with you on U.S. government coordinated transportation. If you travel or live outside the United States with your pet, make plans for someone to care for them if you must leave them behind. 

Working (service) animals such as guide dogs, will be accommodated if possible. However, please keep in mind that our first priority is the health and safety of U.S. citizens.   

Resources  

• To learn about the rules for bringing pets to a foreign country, including if there are any required quarantine periods, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pet Travel website.
• To learn more about plane travel with animals, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation. 
• To find out about health requirements for traveling animals and bringing your pet to the United States, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture.