NOTICE: Information on this page is for live animal imports, other than pets. Visit the APHIS Pet Travel Website for information on traveling with your Pet.
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 Strategy and Policy at:
Live Animal Import Permits USDA-APHIS-Veterinary Services Strategy and Policy 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 Strategy and Policy at VS.Live.Animals.Import.Permits@aphis.usda.gov.
**Please check with individual state(s) regarding specific laws for the species of animal you wish to import**
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 Strategy and Policy at (301) 851-3300, option#2 or send an email to VS.Live.Animal.Import.Export@aphis.usda.gov.
Select from the list below for import requirement information:
Ruminants, swine and their germplasm may be imported from these countries: link
Importing Cattle, Live Bovines
(Note: these species may only be
imported from the following listed countries)
NOTE: As of November 13, 2017, the requirement for
individual age identification for cattle destined for immediate slaughter has
been removed from the Canadian export certificate.
New Zealand
(protocol is being updated); a permit and export health certificate are required.
Additional Information
2016 APHIS/ARS/SAGARPA Tick Summit Presentations
Strategic Plan for Bovine Tuberculosis
APHIS and animal health authorities in Mexico have developed a joint 5-year Strategic Plan for collaboration on the management of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in both countries, in order to facilitate trade and continue eradication efforts for the disease. The plan was finalized in late 2013 and identifies two primary goals, each with specific objectives and strategies:
Goal 1: Minimize the risk of TB-affected or exposed animals moving in domestic or international trade.
Goal 2: Provide a collaborative framework to define and measure improvements in both the Mexican and U.S. TB programs.
The Strategic Plan represents a framework for these collaborations. Copies of the plan in English and Spanish are available at: