United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Imports: Birds and Poultry
There are many different processes involved with importing different species of regulated live animals into the United States including guidelines and regulations, permits and certification, and associated user fees.
Live Animal Import Permits: Applicants may submit import permit applications, VS Form 17-129, to National Import and Export Services (NIES) at:
Live Animal Import Permits
USDA-APHIS-Veterinary Services
National Import Export Services
4700 River Rd. Unit 39
Riverdale, MD 20737
For faster service, importers (or other applicants seeking to import live animals, semen or embryos) may submit applications to the National Import and Export Services at VS.Live.Animals.Import.Permits@aphis.usda.gov.
VS form 17-129
- Instructions for Completing and Faxing VS Form 17-129
- Instructions for Completing and electronically Submitting VS Form 17-129
Online Submission Process for Live Animal Import Permits: Importers with an existing Level 2 eAuthentication may access ePermits to create and submit a completed application (VS Form 17-129) for an import or transit permit for APHIS-regulated live animals and their reproductive tissue (genetic resources). For instructions on how to obtain a Level 2 eAuthentication authorization, and for additional
information about electronic submissions, click here.
Important Updates
Travel Advisory: Information for Travelers Who Visit Farms or Come Into Contact with Animals in Other Countries
U.S. citizens and international visitors who visit a farm or make contact with live animals in another country may unknowingly spread potentially devastating animal diseases. Learn more
Contact Us: If you have any questions, or require further information related to imports of live animals, birds or germplasm, please contact National Import and Export Services at (301) 851-3300, option#2 or send an email to VS.Live.Animal.Import.Export@aphis.usda.gov.
Birds
Recently, all information for pets was moved to the new APHIS Pet Travel Website. For information regarding the importation of pet birds into the United States, please click here.