Animal Import & Export

The Department oversees the requirements for livestock, poultry, and companion animals being imported into the state.  Requirements vary for the type of animal; however, owners generally need to supply a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and official identification, and meet testing requirements for disease before they can move their animals.

Visit the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to find rules for transporting animals internationally and the contact information for the USDA Port Veterinarians.

High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Date effective: May 14, 2015
Species: poultry
Importing State: all
New import requirements are now in effect for poultry due to HPAI. 

Identification Requirements for Pet Birds

Date effective: February 19, 2018
Species: avian
New identification requirements are now in effect for importation of non-US-origin pet birds. 

There are no emergency export regulations for animals in effect at this time.

There are certain animals that are not under the jurisdiction of the Department for import requirements. Please contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for more information.

Rabbits

New York does not currently have importation requirements for rabbits. In light of incidences of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease in the western United States, we ask that all rabbit owners be aware of this disease and follow the USDA's precautions.

If you have any suspicion of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease in your rabbits or other rabbits in New York, please notify the Department immediately by emailing [email protected] or calling 518-457-3502. 

If you’re aware of suspicious cases in another state, please contact that state's veterinarian.