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International Import Requirements for Dogs and Cats
Multiple agencies are involved in regulating international pet imports. If you are importing your dog into the United States from another country, you will first need to check to see if there are any USDA or CDC requirements that impact your travel. Visit the websites below to verify you meet all these requirements.
**Please note that as of July 14, 2021, the CDC has suspended the importation of dogs from high-risk countries for dog rabies. In addition, USDA has established requirements pertaining to the importation of dogs for commercial sale or adoption from countries in which African Swine Fever exists effective August 16, 2021.
IF ILLINOIS IS YOUR PORT OF ENTRY BUT IS NOT YOUR FINAL DESTINATION, PLEASE STOP AND GO TO THE PAGE OF STATE THAT IS YOUR FINAL DESTINATION TO REVIEW THEIR IMPORT REQUIREMENTS. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO MEET ILLINOIS' INTERNATIONAL IMPORT REQUIREMENTS IF ILLINOIS IS NOT YOUR FINAL DESTINATION.
After you have confirmed you meet international import requirements, if Illinois is your FINAL DESTINATION then the following additional requirements apply:
If Illinois is your final destination, any dog or cat brought into Illinois shall be accompanied by an official health certificate issued within 30 days of entry
- Illinois accepts international health certificates that meet the CDC and USPHS entry requirements
- The health certificate must list Illinois as the final destination and provide a complete destination name and address
- The health certificate must show the age, sex, breed, and description of each dog or cat on the certificate
- Illinois accepts international health certificates that meet the CDC and USPHS entry requirements
Dogs or cats in the shipment must be free from any visible evidence of communicable disease as set forth in Sections 9 and 10 of the Illinois Diseased Animals Act
Animals may not originate from areas under rabies quarantine
All dogs and cats over 16 weeks of age must have been vaccinated for rabies as set forth in
8 Ill Administrative Code 30.90 and the product used and date of vaccination must be included on the health certificate
If the animals are going to a facility licensed under the Illinois Animal Welfare Act, a permit number must also be obtained. The veterinarian issuing the health certificate can obtain a permit using the Online Animal Import Permit system.
A copy of the health certificate bearing the approval of the Animal Health Official of the State/Country of origin shall be filed with the Department
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST OBTAIN THE HEALTH CERTIFICATE FROM THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN. THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DOES NOT SUPPLY AN INTERNATIONAL FORM
If you are flying into Illinois on your way to another state, it is the state of destination that you must meet the import requirements for, not Illinois, so please contact that state for any additional requirements.
AGAIN, PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU ARE ONLY TRANSITING THROUGH ILLINOIS, YOU MUST CONTACT THE STATE OF DESTINATION FOR ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.
CDC: (773) 894-2960
USDA: (301) 851-3300 or (816) 737 4223