Maine Pet Import Laws: What Every Owner Needs to Know Before Moving

Maine has some of the most clearly defined pet entry rules in New England, but the requirements differ significantly depending on why your animal is crossing state lines — and what species you’re bringing with you.

Whether you’re relocating with a family dog, moving a flock of birds, or bringing an exotic reptile into the Pine Tree State, knowing exactly what documentation and permits you need before you arrive can save you from costly delays, quarantine holds, or legal penalties.

This guide walks you through Maine’s pet import laws for every major animal category, including what applies to pets coming from outside the United States.

What Documents Do You Need to Bring a Pet Into Maine

The paperwork Maine requires depends heavily on why the animal is entering the state. There’s a meaningful legal distinction between a pet traveling with its owner and an animal being imported for sale, resale, or adoption — and Maine treats those two scenarios very differently.

For pets traveling with their owners, the only requirement for dogs and cats to enter Maine is documentation that the animal is current on its rabies vaccination. That’s a straightforward bar to clear for most pet owners who are simply relocating.

The situation changes substantially when animals are being imported for commercial purposes. Any dog or cat that is imported into Maine for the purpose of sale, resale, or adoption must be accompanied by a Certification of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) completed by a veterinarian licensed in the animal’s state of origin within 30 days of the import into Maine.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the core documents you may need, depending on your situation:

• Rabies vaccination record — Required for all dogs and cats traveling with their owners
• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) — Required for animals imported for sale, resale, or adoption
• Import permit — Required for commercial importation of dogs and cats, as well as most livestock and regulated wildlife
• NPIP certification (VS 9-3 or VS 9-2 form) — Required for birds imported from out of state
• Wildlife possession permit — Required for regulated exotic species not on Maine’s Unrestricted Species List

Pro Tip: Always carry your pet’s complete vaccination history and health records when crossing into Maine, even if the state doesn’t technically require them for owner-accompanied pets. If a question arises at a veterinary checkpoint or during an inspection, having documentation on hand prevents delays.

When you travel with a pet, your destination state may have animal health requirements such as obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing, or administering treatments. As soon as you know your travel details, contact your local veterinarian to help with the pet travel process.

Dog Import Requirements in Maine

Maine’s rules for dogs entering the state are among the more straightforward in the Northeast — at least for personal pets. A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or a Health Certificate is not required for privately owned dogs entering Maine. If you’re moving to Maine with your own dog, a current rabies vaccination record is the primary document you need to have ready.

The requirements shift significantly when dogs are being imported for adoption, resale, or exhibition. Dogs and cats imported for adoption, resale, or exhibition must have a CVI and an entry permit. Animals imported for resale three months of age and older must have a current rabies vaccination. Animals imported for exhibition may only reside at the place of exhibition and may not be moved to any private place or farm in Maine.

Organizations that bring dogs into Maine for placement face additional layers of compliance. Maine’s rules are very specific for animals imported for resale or adoption. If you are an out-of-state organization, you must be affiliated with a licensed pet shop or shelter with a physical address in Maine. This is due to the required quarantine (holding) period before animals can be released for sale or adoption. Import permits will only be released to Maine-licensed organizations.

For dogs being imported through rescue or resale channels, Maine enforces the following minimum standards:

• Minimum age: 56 days
• Certain core vaccinations required
• Tests required for dogs over 180 days old: Lyme disease, heartworm, ehrlichiosis
• Holding periods: 48 hours for animals over six months; five days for animals less than six months

Important Note: Pet pigs are classified differently than dogs and cats under Maine law. Pet pigs are still considered livestock and must meet all import requirements for swine. Pet microchips are not acceptable forms of ID.

If your dog is coming from a rabies quarantine area, additional steps apply. You’ll need to contact Maine’s Division of Animal and Plant Health at (207) 287-3701 before your move to confirm current requirements. You can also learn more about dog leash laws in Maine to prepare for life with your dog in the state.

Cat Import Requirements in Maine

Cats traveling with their owners into Maine follow the same basic rule as dogs: for pets traveling with their owners, the only requirement for dogs and cats to enter Maine is documentation that the animal is current on its rabies vaccination. Keep that record accessible during your move.

When cats are imported through shelters, rescues, or for commercial purposes, the same CVI and import permit requirements that apply to dogs also apply to cats. Organizations selling animals to Maine or to Maine residents must register with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and obtain an importation permit for placing animals in Maine homes, regardless of where the new animal is first picked up. Any dog or cat that is imported into Maine for the purpose of sale, resale, or adoption must be accompanied by a Certification of Veterinary Inspection completed by a veterinarian licensed in the animal’s state of origin within 30 days of the import into Maine.

A certificate of vaccination within 30 days of importation and health record must accompany animals imported through rescue or commercial channels. The CVI is part of the animal’s medical history and should be included in your copy of the pet’s records.

A few additional points worth knowing for cat owners moving to Maine:

• Kittens under three months of age may enter without a rabies vaccination, but should be vaccinated promptly after arrival
• If your cat is coming from a state under a rabies quarantine, contact Maine’s Animal Health office before traveling
• Maine does not require a CVI for privately owned cats traveling with their owners — just proof of current rabies vaccination

Curious about other Maine animal laws that may affect your household? Check out neighbor’s cat in your yard laws in Maine for guidance on how the state handles free-roaming cats.

Bird and Exotic Pet Import Requirements in Maine

Maine takes a notably stricter approach to birds and exotic animals than it does to dogs and cats. Maine’s laws regarding the possession of wildlife are among the strictest in the country. The goal of these laws is to protect the interests of wildlife, the public, and Maine’s natural resources.

Birds

All pet birds, including federally regulated birds, brought into the state must be obtained from companies that are registered with the Maine Department of Agriculture. Birds must be identified as having a health certificate when importing from out of state, regardless of the purpose. The birds must have a current VS 9-3 or VS 9-2 form certifying that the birds come from a flock participating in the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP).

This applies to a wide range of birds, including finches and parrots. If you’re bringing poultry such as chickens into Maine, the NPIP certification requirement is non-negotiable. You can also review backyard chicken laws in Maine and rooster crowing laws in Maine to understand what’s permitted once your birds arrive.

Exotic Mammals, Reptiles, and Wildlife

A person may not import wildlife into or possess wildlife in the state or receive or possess wildlife imported into the state. The department maintains a list of unregulated fish and wildlife species for which a permit under this section is not required, and that list is available to the public.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has statutory responsibility for all freshwater fish, reptiles and amphibians, birds, and mammals, regardless of whether they are native to Maine or occur elsewhere in the world. If your exotic pet isn’t on the Unrestricted Species List maintained by the department, you’ll need a permit before bringing it into the state.

Maine categorizes regulated wildlife into tiers:

• Unrestricted species — No permit required; may be kept and traded by commercial pet shops
• Category 1 restricted species — Permit required; includes species that require special housing or care
• Category 2 restricted species — Higher bar for permitting; applicants must be an exhibitor, rehabilitator, laboratory registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, accredited research facility, or an individual with demonstrated experience with the care and husbandry of the species
• Prohibited species — a category of prohibited species for which a permit is not issued under any circumstances

In Maine, a permit is required to own most wild birds or animals. Several species are not allowed, including bear, moose, wild turkey, deer, lion, cheetah, wolf, monkey, camel, alligator, monk parakeet, and swan.

Common Mistake: Assuming that because an exotic animal is sold legally in another state, it can be freely brought into Maine. Always verify the species against Maine’s Unrestricted Species List before purchasing or transporting an animal across state lines. Contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at (207) 287-5252 to confirm status.

Reptiles on the Unrestricted List must be captive-bred. A reptile, amphibian, or invertebrate that is native to the state and not listed by the department as threatened or endangered or as a species of special concern may be captured from the wild in the state and possessed without a permit — but this exemption applies only to species already in Maine, not to animals being imported.

If you’re considering a hedgehog, Maine has specific rules worth reviewing. See hedgehog ownership laws in Maine for a full breakdown. Beekeepers should also check beekeeping laws in Maine before importing hives or bees into the state.

Requirements for Pets Coming From Outside the United States

If you’re moving to Maine from another country and bringing pets with you, federal requirements layer on top of Maine’s state rules. U.S. state and territory entry requirements for live animals are written and maintained by each receiving state or territory — but you must clear federal entry requirements first before Maine’s rules even come into play.

The CDC and USDA APHIS govern the federal side of international pet imports. Starting August 1, 2024, dogs entering the United States have new requirements. Visit CDC.gov for more information. These rules affect all dogs entering the U.S. regardless of which state is the final destination, so confirm current CDC requirements well before your travel date.

For international pet arrivals, here’s what the process generally looks like:

1. Clear federal entry requirements — Dogs must meet CDC requirements for entry into the U.S., including microchipping and proof of U.S.-issued rabies vaccination or serological titer testing depending on the country of origin
2. Obtain an international health certificate — Your veterinarian in the origin country must issue a health certificate that meets both the exporting country’s standards and U.S. import requirements
3. USDA APHIS endorsement — Some international health certificates require endorsement by a USDA-accredited veterinarian or the USDA APHIS Veterinary Services office
4. Meet Maine’s state requirements — Once in the U.S., your pet must still satisfy Maine’s entry requirements, including rabies documentation for owner-accompanied dogs and cats
5. Wildlife and exotic species — International imports of exotic animals may also require CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) permits in addition to Maine’s wildlife possession permits

Key Insight: When applying for a wildlife possession permit in Maine, you must indicate whether species are listed on CITES Appendix 1 or the USFWS Endangered Species list. If your exotic pet falls into either category, federal approval must be secured before Maine will even consider a state-level permit.

APHIS doesn’t regulate the interstate movement of pets by their owners. Domestic movement requirements are set by the receiving state or territory. However, for international arrivals, APHIS plays a central role — so check the USDA APHIS pet travel page and state animal entry requirements as part of your planning.

How to Find a Federally Accredited Vet Before You Move

A federally accredited veterinarian — also called a USDA-accredited vet — is essential for completing certain health certificates and travel documents, especially for international travel or regulated species. Not every licensed vet holds this accreditation, so it’s worth finding one early in your planning process.

When you travel with a pet, your destination state may have animal health requirements such as obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing, or administering treatments. As soon as you know your travel details, contact your local veterinarian to help with the pet travel process.

Here’s how to locate a USDA-accredited vet before your move:

1. Use the USDA APHIS Vet Search tool — The USDA maintains an online directory of accredited veterinarians searchable by state and zip code at aphis.usda.gov
2. Contact your current vet — Even if your vet isn’t federally accredited, they can often refer you to a colleague who is, or help you understand which documents they can complete versus which require federal accreditation
3. Check timing carefully — Most health certificates are only valid for 30 days from the date of issuance, so schedule your vet appointment close to your travel date
4. Ask specifically about Maine requirements — The certificate of veterinary inspection must be issued by a veterinarian licensed in the state of origin. USDA accreditation of the veterinarian may be required for certain livestock and poultry disease testing.
5. Plan for exotic species permits — If you’re importing a regulated exotic species, the permit application from Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife requires a current certification of veterinary inspection as well as other required documentation

Pro Tip: Book your accredited vet appointment at least two to three weeks before your move date. This gives you time to address any unexpected vaccination gaps, gather test results (such as heartworm or Lyme tests for dogs), and have documents corrected if errors appear on the certificate.

Importation permits are often just one part of the entry requirements for animals into Maine. Consult Chapter 206 or call Animal Health at 207-287-3701 to determine if additional paperwork — such as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, USDA VS 9-3 form/NPIP certification, or additional health tests or vaccines — is required to import your animals to Maine.

If you’re also planning to operate a kennel once you arrive, review kennel zoning laws in Maine so you’re set up correctly from the start.

Who to Contact in Maine Before You Arrive With a Pet

Maine distributes oversight of pet and animal imports across several agencies depending on the species and purpose of entry. Knowing which office handles your specific situation will save you significant time.

Agency	Jurisdiction	Contact
Maine DACF Division of Animal and Plant Health	Dogs, cats, livestock, poultry, import permits	(207) 287-3701
Maine DACF Animal Welfare Program	Rescue/resale animals, shelter imports, pet shop licensing	(207) 287-3846
Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW)	Wildlife possession permits, exotic species, unrestricted species list	(207) 287-5252 or (207) 287-8000
USDA APHIS Veterinary Services	Federal health certificates, international pet imports, accredited vet directory	aphis.usda.gov
CDC (Centers for Disease Control)	Dogs entering the U.S. from abroad	cdc.gov/importation

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Division of Animal and Plant Health urges pet owners to take the time and care worthy of this significant step. By doing some important but basic research ahead of time and working with a local veterinarian, you can help ensure the animal you’re bringing is healthy and the process is compliant with Maine law.

For rescue organizations specifically, all organizations importing animals for resale or adoption must be a licensed pet shop or shelter and must hold a valid import permit with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Reach out to the Animal Welfare Program at (207) 287-3846 well in advance of any planned transport.

If you’re moving from another state and want to compare how Maine’s rules stack up, see how neighboring and comparable states handle pet imports: pet import laws in New Jersey, pet import laws in Pennsylvania, and pet import laws in Washington are useful reference points.

For questions or clarification on any of the requirements, contact the state or territorial veterinarian’s office. Maine’s State Veterinarian’s office operates under the DACF and can address edge cases that don’t fit neatly into standard categories — particularly for unusual species or international arrivals.

Taking the time to confirm requirements with the right agency before you travel is far easier than dealing with a quarantine hold or permit violation after you’ve already arrived. Start those calls at least four to six weeks before your planned move date to leave room for any required testing, documentation, or permit processing.