Pet Import Laws in Georgia: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know Before Arriving

Moving to Georgia with a pet takes more preparation than most people expect. Whether you’re relocating from another state or arriving from abroad, Georgia has a specific set of health, documentation, and permit requirements that vary by species — and skipping even one step can mean delays, quarantine, or having your animal turned away at the border.

This guide walks you through everything you need to bring your pet into Georgia legally, from the paperwork your vet needs to sign to the agencies you should call before you ever pack a carrier. The rules differ depending on whether you own a dog, cat, bird, or exotic animal, so use the sections below to find exactly what applies to your situation.

What Documents Do You Need to Bring a Pet Into Georgia

Before anything else, you need to understand which documents Georgia actually requires — and under what circumstances. The answer depends on why you’re bringing the animal in and how it’s traveling.

All pets, except fish and rodents, entering Georgia for sale, trade, or exchange for a fee or other type of compensation must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) that was issued within the previous 30 days and which records proof of the health requirements for each species. If you’re moving a personal pet rather than selling or transferring ownership, the CVI requirement is more limited — but it still applies in certain situations.

Companion animals traveling by commercial carrier require a CVI issued within 10 days of shipment, showing proof of required vaccinations. So if your pet is flying cargo or being transported by a professional pet shipping company, that 10-day window is critical.

Important Note: Georgia, like most states, does not require a CVI for a personal pet traveling with its owner by private vehicle — but rabies vaccination documentation is still required for dogs, cats, and ferrets regardless of how you travel.

Georgia requires a CVI if the cat or dog is brought in for a change of ownership or exhibition, and an entry permit may be required as well.

Here is a quick summary of the core documents you may need:

• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) — Required for commercial transport, change of ownership, or exhibition; issued within 30 days (or 10 days for commercial carriers)
• Rabies vaccination record — Required for all dogs, cats, and ferrets entering the state
• Prior permit number — Required for all birds and certain exotic animals before entry
• Species-specific health test results — Required for some exotic animals (tuberculosis tests, brucellosis tests, etc.)

The State Veterinarian’s Office works to keep Georgia animals safe by making sure that animals brought into the state are healthy and have all required vaccinations. When in doubt, contact that office directly before you travel — contact details are listed at the end of this guide.

Dog Import Requirements in Georgia

Dogs are among the most commonly moved pets, and Georgia’s requirements for them are straightforward once you know what to look for. The two pillars are rabies vaccination and, in certain cases, a health certificate.

All dogs and cats entering Georgia must have proof of a current and approved rabies vaccination, in accordance with the most recent Compendium of Animal Rabies Control published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc. Your vet will know which vaccines qualify — the key is that the vaccination must be current, meaning it has not expired based on the manufacturer’s labeled duration.

Dogs entering Georgia must be microchipped, and a health certificate is required. This applies when your dog is being imported through a commercial carrier or for purposes of sale or exhibition. Keep your dog’s microchip number on file and make sure it’s recorded on any accompanying paperwork.

Pro Tip: Get your dog microchipped well before your move date if it isn’t already. Microchipping at the last minute can cause scheduling conflicts with your vet appointment for the health certificate.

If you are importing a dog for sale or transfer, additional rules apply. All pets, except fish and rodents, entering Georgia for sale, trade, or exchange for a fee or other type of compensation must be accompanied by a CVI issued within the previous 30 days, and the CVI must record proof of the health requirements for each species.

Age also matters when it comes to commercial transactions. No person, firm, or corporation may import or export for purposes of sale or offering for sale, or sell within the state, any dog younger than 8 weeks unless transported with its dam. If you’re a rescue organization or breeder, this rule applies directly to you.

Georgia also has dog leash laws that apply once your pet is in the state. Neighboring states like Tennessee, Florida, and Alabama have their own leash rules as well, which is worth knowing if you’re passing through on your way to Georgia.

Cat Import Requirements in Georgia

Cats traveling into Georgia face requirements similar to dogs, though there are a few key differences worth noting — particularly around spay/neuter status and the conditions that trigger a mandatory health certificate.

Like dogs, all dogs and cats entering Georgia must have proof of a current and approved rabies vaccination, in accordance with the most recent Compendium of Animal Rabies Control published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians. Make sure your cat’s rabies certificate clearly shows the vaccination date, the product used, and the expiration date.

For cats being transported commercially or brought in for sale or exhibition, a CVI is required. A Certificate of Health for cats must be issued no more than 30 days prior to entry by a licensed veterinarian and approved by the proper livestock sanitary official of the state of origin, and must state that the cat is free from clinical signs of infectious, contagious, or communicable disease and is not from an area under rabies quarantine.

Key Insight: If you’re a private owner moving your cat with you in a personal vehicle, you are not required to carry a CVI — but you should still bring your cat’s rabies certificate and vaccination records. If your cat is stopped or inspected, having documentation on hand protects you.

Cats traveling as personal pets on commercial airlines will need a CVI issued within 10 days of travel, as that is a standard commercial carrier requirement. Check with your specific airline as well, since carriers often impose their own additional health certificate rules on top of state law.

Georgia does not currently publish a breed-specific ban list for domestic cats. However, most exotic cat hybrids, such as a savannah cat, are not a legal pet in Georgia. If your cat has wild ancestry — such as a serval cross — verify its legal status with Georgia DNR before you move.

Bird and Exotic Pet Import Requirements in Georgia

Georgia takes a stricter approach to birds and exotic animals than it does to dogs and cats. Permits, advance notice requirements, and species-specific bans all come into play here.

Birds

All exotic or pet birds entering Georgia for any purpose require a prior permit number from the Animal Health Section in Atlanta, Georgia at (404) 656-3667. All exotic and pet bird exhibitions and sales are required to have a permit. This applies whether you’re moving a single parrot or transporting birds for a show.

The exhibition or sale management is responsible for obtaining the permit by contacting the State Veterinarian at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the opening of the exhibition or sale. Give yourself plenty of lead time — 21 days is the minimum, and processing can take longer during busy periods.

Not all bird species are welcome in Georgia. The Monk parakeet (also known as the Quaker parakeet) and the Java sparrow (also known as the Java Rice Bird or Java Rice Finch) are prohibited from entry into the State of Georgia because the Georgia Department of Agriculture has determined they are capable of breeding in the wild and, if established, would present a threat to the state’s agriculture industry.

It is unlawful to bring into Georgia any psittacine bird or other exotic bird coming directly or indirectly from outside the United States unless the bird was brought into the United States in conformity with the quarantine regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Important Note: If you own a parrot, macaw, cockatoo, or any other psittacine bird, call the Animal Health Section at (404) 656-3667 before you move. The permit process and any species-specific restrictions must be resolved before your bird crosses into Georgia.

Exotic Mammals and Reptiles

All exotic animals and all non-traditional livestock entering Georgia must be accompanied by an official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection identifying each animal with unique permanent individual identification. This means microchipping, tattooing, or another approved identification method is not optional for these animals.

Animals such as kangaroos, certain non-human primates, wolves, bears, big cats, hippopotamus, and crocodile, among others, are considered to be inherently dangerous to human beings and are subject to the license or permit and insurance requirements outlined in the laws. Bringing any of these animals into Georgia without the proper license is not just a civil violation — any wild animal for which a license or permit is required and for which no such license or permit has been obtained is a nuisance and is contraband and is subject to seizure by any peace officer authorized to enforce this chapter.

Reptile owners face additional restrictions that took effect in late 2022. Indian rock pythons, Burmese pythons, Argentine black-and-white tegus, Nile monitors, African helmeted turtles, and Chinese softshell turtles may not be imported, transported, transferred, sold, purchased, or possessed without first obtaining a wild animal license or permit from Georgia DNR.

Some animals that might seem exotic are actually permitted with conditions. Sugar gliders are legal as pets if the owner possesses valid documentation that the animal originated from a source inspected and regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture. European ferrets are legal as pets if neutered by 7 months old and vaccinated against rabies.

For more on which exotic species are and aren’t allowed in Georgia, see the United States laws on exotic pets overview, and check out Georgia-specific guides on hedgehog ownership laws in Georgia and backyard chicken laws in Georgia for additional context on how the state regulates non-traditional animals.

Animal Type	Permit Required?	CVI Required?	Special Conditions
Dogs	No (personal pet)	Yes (commercial transport or sale)	Rabies vaccine required; microchip required for commercial
Cats	No (personal pet)	Yes (commercial transport or sale)	Rabies vaccine required; exotic hybrids restricted
Ferrets	No (with conditions)	Yes	Must be neutered by 7 months; rabies vaccine required
Pet Birds	Yes — prior permit from Animal Health Section	Yes	Some species banned outright (Monk parakeet, Java sparrow)
Exotic Mammals	Yes — DNR wild animal license	Yes	Permanent ID required; insurance may be required
Restricted Reptiles	Yes — DNR wild animal license	Yes	Includes Burmese pythons, tegus, Nile monitors, and others
Sugar Gliders	No (with USDA documentation)	Yes	Must show USDA-inspected source documentation

Requirements for Pets Coming From Outside the United States

If you’re moving to Georgia from another country, the process involves both federal and state-level requirements. The federal rules — managed by the CDC and USDA APHIS — apply first, and Georgia’s state requirements layer on top of them.

Dogs Entering from Abroad

The CDC is the primary federal authority for dogs entering the United States. Once your dog clears federal entry requirements, Georgia’s state rules then apply. At the state level, the rabies vaccination requirement still stands, and any dog being imported for sale or commercial purposes must carry a CVI.

If you’re traveling internationally with a dog and Georgia is your destination, your destination state may have animal health requirements, such as a health certificate or updated vaccinations, and requirements may include obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing, or administering treatments.

Cats and Ferrets Entering from Abroad

Cats and ferrets follow a similar pathway. Federal entry requirements through USDA APHIS must be met first. Once in the U.S., Georgia requires proof of current rabies vaccination for both species. Ferrets must also meet Georgia’s neuter requirement: ferrets seven months of age or older entering Georgia must be spayed or neutered, before entry, except those exempted by a license/permit issued by USDA, APHIS, Animal Care, and/or the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Birds Entering from Abroad

It is unlawful to bring into Georgia any psittacine bird or other exotic bird coming directly or indirectly from outside the United States unless the bird was brought into the United States in conformity with the quarantine regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture. This means your bird must clear USDA quarantine at a federally approved port of entry before it can enter Georgia. After federal clearance, the state’s prior permit requirement still applies.

Exotic Animals Entering from Abroad

The importation, transportation, sale, transfer, and possession of wild animals are privileges not to be granted unless it can be clearly demonstrated that such actions can be accomplished in a manner that does not pose unnecessary risk to Georgia’s wildlife and other natural resources or to the citizens of and visitors to this state.

For exotic animals coming from outside the U.S., you will also need to comply with federal CITES regulations if your animal falls under a protected species category. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the trade of some species of animals, including pets — this is especially relevant if you have a turtle or a parrot.

Common Mistake: Many pet owners assume that clearing U.S. federal entry requirements at the port of arrival means they’re done with paperwork. They’re not. Georgia’s state-level permit and CVI requirements still apply after federal clearance. Contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture Animal Health Section before you travel.

How to Find a Federally Accredited Vet Before You Move

Many of the documents Georgia requires — particularly CVIs for commercial transport and international health certificates — can only be issued or endorsed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Finding one before your move date is essential, because not every local vet holds this accreditation.

Only a USDA Accredited Veterinarian can issue an International Health Certificate, however, any veterinarian can perform the needed vaccines or tests. This means your regular vet can give your pet its rabies shot, but the paperwork that certifies your pet for interstate or international travel must be signed off by an accredited vet.

To find a federally accredited vet in your area, use the USDA APHIS Veterinarian Search tool available at the APHIS NVAP page. You can search by state and zip code to find accredited practitioners near you.

If you know you will be traveling with your pet into another country or state, make sure to get started on the paperwork as soon as possible. The appointment for the health certificate lasts approximately one hour and includes a full physical for your animal.

Timing matters more than most people realize. Certain countries and destinations require tests, such as the FAVN test, that can take up to a month to get the results back. Even for domestic moves, if your pet is traveling commercially, the 10-day CVI window means you need to schedule your accredited vet appointment very close to your departure date — not weeks in advance.

Here’s a practical timeline to work from:

1. 8–12 weeks before moving: Confirm your pet’s rabies vaccination is current and will not expire before your move date. Schedule any needed boosters.
2. 4–6 weeks before moving: Locate a USDA-accredited vet in your current location. Schedule your health certificate appointment.
3. 2–3 weeks before moving: If you’re bringing birds, contact Georgia’s Animal Health Section at (404) 656-3667 to obtain your prior permit number. This must be done at least 21 days before any exhibition or sale.
4. 7–10 days before moving: Visit your USDA-accredited vet for the CVI or health certificate. Make sure all required information — microchip number, vaccination dates, permit numbers — is recorded on the document.
5. Day of travel: Carry all original documents with you. Do not rely on digital copies alone, as inspectors may require originals.

You can also call USDA Veterinary Services at (770) 761-5426 for questions about accredited vets and interstate movement requirements specific to Georgia.

Pro Tip: Ask your accredited vet to double-check that all permit numbers, microchip IDs, and vaccination records are correctly entered on the CVI before you leave the appointment. Errors on official documents can cause serious problems at state checkpoints or with airline acceptance.

Who to Contact in Georgia Before You Arrive With a Pet

Georgia has multiple agencies involved in pet and animal import oversight, and knowing which one handles your situation saves you time and prevents last-minute surprises. The State Veterinarian’s Office works to keep Georgia animals safe by making sure that animals brought into the state are healthy and have all required vaccinations. That office is your primary starting point for most questions.

Georgia Department of Agriculture — Animal Health Section

This is the agency to contact for dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, and exotic animal import questions at the state level.

• Phone (permits and information): (404) 656-3667
• State Veterinarian’s office: (404) 656-3671
• Fax: (404) 657-1357
• Mailing address: Capitol Square, Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4201
• Website: agr.georgia.gov/bringing-animals-georgia

Call this office if you need a prior permit for birds, have questions about species-specific health requirements, or need clarification on whether your exotic animal requires a CVI or additional state permits.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources — Wildlife Resources Division

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division should be contacted prior to entry if you are bringing in any animal that may fall under Georgia’s wild animal regulations — including exotic mammals, certain reptiles, and any species you’re unsure about.

• Website: gadnrle.org/legal-pets
• Wild animal rules: georgiawildlife.com/wild-animal-rules

USDA APHIS Veterinary Services — Georgia

For questions about USDA-accredited vets, federal animal movement regulations, and endorsement of health certificates:

• Phone: (770) 761-5426
• Website: aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/state-to-state

Georgia Division of Public Health — Rabies Program

The primary responsibility for the control of rabies in Georgia resides with the County Boards of Health. For questions, contact the Division of Public Health, Medical Epidemiologist at (404) 657-2588.

If you’re moving from a state or country with an active rabies quarantine, this office can advise you on whether your pet’s vaccination status meets Georgia’s entry standards.

Key Insight: Georgia’s animal import rules are enforced at the county level for rabies control and at the state level for health certificates and permits. When in doubt, contact both the State Veterinarian’s office and your destination county’s Board of Health — especially if you’re moving to a rural area where local enforcement practices may differ.

Georgia also has rules that apply to animals once they’re living in the state. If you’re keeping chickens alongside your pets, review the backyard chicken laws in Georgia and rooster crowing laws in Georgia to stay compliant. And if you’re curious about what other animals are regulated statewide, the roadkill laws in Georgia page covers some additional wildlife rules that apply to Georgia residents.

Getting ahead of Georgia’s import requirements is far easier than dealing with a problem at the border or after arrival. Start your paperwork early, contact the right agencies, and make sure every document reflects accurate, up-to-date information about your pet before you make the trip.