Companion Animal Import and Export

See emergency import and export information.

The requirements for importing dogs and cats into New York State from outside the United States are:

• A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate issued 30 days or less prior to entry issued by your veterinarian.
  • If the country of origin does not have a CVI form or Health Certificate, we will accept the required information on the veterinarian’s letterhead. All information must be in English. The CVI or Health Certificate should have the full New York destination address (no PO boxes) and should state that the examination revealed no clinical evidence of infectious or communicable disease, including external parasites and fungi, and that to the best of the veterinarian’s knowledge, the dog or cat has not recently been exposed to such infectious or communicable disease.
  • A current rabies vaccination for animals 3 months of age and older. We accept the 1-year or 3-year vaccine. The rabies vaccine product name and date of vaccination must be recorded on the CVI or Health Certificate.
• The Center for Disease Control & Prevention requirements must also be met. We do not accept the Pet Passport.

The requirements for importing dogs and cats into New York State from another state within the United States are:

• A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate issued 30 days or less prior to entry.
  • New York accepts the VS 7001 form, but we prefer and strongly encourage the use of electronic CVIs. The CVI or Health Certificate should have the New York destination address and state that the examination revealed no clinical evidence of infectious or communicable disease, including external parasites and fungi, and that to the best of the veterinarian’s knowledge, the dog or cat has not recently been exposed to such infectious or communicable disease.
  • A CVI or Health Certificate is not required if:
    • The animal is staying in New York for less than 30 days.
    • The animal is entering for exhibition.
    • The dog is a New York resident with proof of current dog license, rabies vaccination, and is returning from out-of-state travel within one year.
  • A current Rabies vaccination for animals 3 months of age and older. We accept the 1-year or 3-year vaccine. The rabies vaccine product name and date of vaccination must be recorded on the CVI or Health Certificate.

Special Considerations

In addition to New York State import requirements, animals whose destination is within New York City may be subject to New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene regulations. Dogs and cats entering New York City for any reason must meet these regulations. Please visit their website or call (646) 364-1783.

The USDA has jurisdiction over international movement of animals. Any questions about international movement of animals or animal products should be directed to a USDA office. The New York USDA office phone number is (518) 218-7540.