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

Bringing a pet into Pennsylvania involves more paperwork than most people expect, and skipping even one step can mean delays, fines, or being turned away at a state checkpoint. Whether you are relocating permanently, transporting a rescue animal, or moving a flock of backyard birds, Pennsylvania has specific health and documentation requirements that apply the moment your animal crosses the state line.

This guide breaks down exactly what Pennsylvania law requires for dogs, cats, birds, exotic pets, and animals arriving from outside the United States, so you can arrive prepared and avoid costly mistakes.

What Documents Do You Need to Bring a Pet Into Pennsylvania

The foundational document for nearly every animal entering Pennsylvania is the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, commonly called a CVI. A CVI is an official document provided by your state or federal government to authorized veterinarians certifying that the animals listed were healthy at the time of the veterinary inspection. Think of it as your pet’s official health clearance for crossing state lines.

There is one critical point about who can issue this document. Only an accredited veterinarian can fill out a CVI, and they are responsible for filling it out accurately. All sections on the CVI must be completed, including name, addresses, dates, and veterinarian information.

Important Note: Effective March 1, 2018, APHIS Form 7001 “United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals” is no longer approved for interstate movement of animals by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Numerous other states are also no longer accepting the online-only form due to its free public access without accountability. Do not let your vet use this form.

Beyond the CVI, the specific documents you need depend on the species you are transporting. Dogs require a health certificate that includes rabies vaccination records. Cats require proof of rabies vaccination. Birds and poultry require a CVI and may need additional disease testing. Exotic wildlife requires permits from the Pennsylvania Game Commission before you ever pack the car.

Here is a quick reference for the core documents required by species:

Animal Type	CVI Required	Rabies Vaccination Proof	Additional Permits
Dogs	Yes	Yes (3 months and older)	No (for household pets)
Cats	Yes (recommended)	Yes (proof required)	No
Pet Birds	Yes	N/A	Possible (Game Commission)
Exotic Wildlife	Yes	Species-dependent	Yes (Game Commission permit)
Farmed Cervids (deer/elk)	Yes	N/A	Yes (import permit required)

For questions about importing animals into Pennsylvania, you can call the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services at 717-772-2852, option 3.

Dog Import Requirements in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania takes dog importation seriously, and the rules are codified under 7 Pa. Code Subchapter C. It is unlawful to bring a dog into the Commonwealth without a certificate of health prepared by a licensed graduate veterinarian, which certificate shall accompany the dog while in the Commonwealth.

The health certificate must address several specific points. The certificate must state that the dogs show no signs or symptoms of infectious or communicable disease, did not originate within an area under quarantine for rabies, and, as ascertained by reasonable investigation, have not been exposed to rabies within 100 days of importation.

Rabies vaccination requirements differ by age. A dog over 3 months and under 1 year of age must have been vaccinated against rabies with an approved rabies vaccine. A dog over 1 year of age must have been vaccinated or revaccinated against rabies after 1 year of age.

The duration of that vaccination also matters. The vaccination to prevent rabies is valid for a period of 3 years for dogs vaccinated at more than 1 year of age with an approved 3-year MLV vaccine or inactivated vaccine, and for a period of 1 year for other approved inactivated vaccines. The name of the vaccine manufacturer, the date of administration, and the rabies tag number must appear on health certificates prepared by a licensed graduate veterinarian.

Pro Tip: Schedule your dog’s vet appointment close to your move date. The health certificate must travel with your dog inside Pennsylvania, so a certificate issued months before your arrival may raise questions even if technically valid.

There is a limited exemption for short visits. A person may bring or cause to be brought into the Commonwealth, for a period not to exceed 30 days, one or more dogs for show, trial, breeding, other demonstration purposes, or as a household pet without securing a Commonwealth license or an approved interstate health certificate. However, this exemption has a condition: the 30-day exemption is valid provided that each dog is equipped with a collar bearing a name plate giving the name and address of the owner.

If you are relocating permanently rather than visiting, do not rely on this exemption. You will need the full health certificate and valid rabies documentation. Pennsylvania also has dog leash laws and breed-specific regulations that apply once your dog is settled in the state, so it is worth reviewing those rules alongside your import paperwork.

Cat Import Requirements in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s import rules for cats are somewhat less detailed in statute than those for dogs, but that does not mean you can skip documentation. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s guidance makes clear that cats are subject to CVI requirements, and rabies vaccination records are expected.

Pennsylvania requires proof of current rabies vaccination for all cats 3 months of age and older when imported into the state. This aligns with the general CVI requirement that the importing veterinarian certify the animal is free from signs of infectious or communicable disease.

Importantly, Pennsylvania requires import permits for farmed cervids such as deer and elk, but does NOT require permits for cattle, bison, horses, swine, camelids, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, or poultry. So while cats do not need a special import permit, they do need a health certificate from an accredited vet.

Key Insight: Kittens under 3 months of age are generally not yet eligible for rabies vaccination. If you are transporting a very young kitten, note this on the CVI and confirm with the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services whether any additional documentation is required for your specific situation.

If your cat will be an outdoor cat in Pennsylvania, it is also worth reviewing the state’s rules on neighbor and stray cat laws, which can affect how free-roaming cats are treated legally once you arrive.

Bird and Exotic Pet Import Requirements in Pennsylvania

Birds and exotic pets face a more complex regulatory landscape in Pennsylvania, involving multiple agencies at both the state and federal level.

Pet Birds and Poultry

Pennsylvania’s 7 Pa. Code Chapter 3 includes an entire subchapter (Section 3.111) dedicated to the importation of all types of poultry, birds, water fowl, game fowl, and their hatching eggs. A CVI is required for birds entering the state. Poultry and commercial birds are subject to additional disease testing requirements, particularly related to avian influenza.

Depending on the type of bird you have, APHIS regulations may vary. Due to the possibility of carrying or transmitting certain diseases to the U.S. poultry industry, some pet birds are regulated as poultry and must meet different requirements. You should check current advisories for bird import restrictions on the APHIS Pet Travel website.

Exotic Wildlife and Prohibited Species

Pennsylvania regulates exotic wildlife possession and importation through the Pennsylvania Game Commission under 58 Pa. Code Chapter 137. A person wishing to import lawfully acquired wildlife, or parts thereof, must first obtain an importation permit from the Commission.

Several categories of animals are outright prohibited. Under Chapter 137, prohibited species include:

• All species of bears (family Ursidae)
• All species of raccoons (family Procyonidae)
• Species and subspecies of the coyote, the red and gray fox, and a full-blooded wolf or crossbreed thereof not licensed by the Department of Agriculture (family Canidae)
• The Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), sometimes referred to as the Quaker Parakeet or Gray-headed Parakeet
• Any animal, bird, or egg of a bird listed by the Commonwealth or the United States Department of the Interior as threatened, endangered, or injurious

Wild cats, including bobcats, have a narrow exception. Lawfully acquired bobcats may be imported or possessed by licensed propagators specifically for propagation for fur farming purposes, and importation permits are not required for bobcats imported under this exception. However, bobcats imported under this exception and their progeny may not be sold or transferred for wildlife pet purposes or released into the wild.

Common Mistake: Many people assume that because an exotic animal was legally purchased in another state, it can be freely brought into Pennsylvania. That is not correct. Pennsylvania has its own prohibited species list, and an animal legal in your origin state may still require a Game Commission permit — or be banned entirely — once you cross into Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania does not use a single statewide “exotic pet license.” Responsibility for permitting, restrictions, and inspections is split among state agencies, local municipalities, and federal law depending on the species. For reptiles, non-native birds, and small mammals not covered by the Game Commission’s prohibited list, you should verify local ordinances as well, since municipalities can impose stricter rules than the state.

If you keep or are considering keeping exotic animals in Pennsylvania, our guide on United States exotic pet laws provides helpful federal-level context, and our article on hedgehog ownership laws in Pennsylvania shows how even small exotic mammals can carry specific state restrictions.

Requirements for Pets Coming From Outside the United States

If your pet is arriving in Pennsylvania from another country, you are dealing with two separate layers of law: federal requirements for entering the United States, and Pennsylvania’s state requirements once your animal is on U.S. soil.

Federal Entry Requirements

U.S. Customs and Border Protection works in coordination with partner government agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to safeguard and deter the introduction of foreign animal diseases, protect animal welfare, and preclude the spread of communicable diseases.

The CDC is responsible for controlling the introduction and spread of infectious diseases into the U.S., and all dogs and cats imported into the United States must be healthy upon arrival. The CDC also requires valid proof of rabies vaccination for dogs arriving from countries at high-risk for dog rabies.

For birds arriving from abroad, the federal process is especially involved. Prior to bringing your pet bird back to the U.S., you must contact USDA APHIS Veterinary Services to request an Import Permit. After arrival, your pet bird can go home with you, but it must be kept inside, apart from all other birds and poultry, for a minimum of 30 days. These are mandatory home quarantine requirements.

The CDC prohibits the importation of African rodents, bats, and nonhuman primates as pets under any circumstances. These prohibitions apply regardless of which U.S. state you are entering.

International Import Process

If you are importing or transiting live animals that are regulated by APHIS Veterinary Services, there are import and permit requirements you need to follow. Import requirements vary depending on the specific commodity and country of origin. Importers are responsible for meeting all requirements to avoid refusal of entry or penalties due to noncompliance.

Import requirements for live animals vary by species but may include an import permit, health certificate, import inspection, quarantine, and in some cases a contingency plan.

Once your pet has cleared federal entry requirements and is physically in Pennsylvania, all of the state-level CVI and vaccination rules described in the sections above apply. For information on international imports and exports, you can contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services at (717) 540-2770.

Pro Tip: Start the international import process at least 60 to 90 days before your planned travel date. Federal permit processing, required testing windows, and quarantine periods can add up quickly, and rushing the timeline is one of the most common reasons pet owners face complications at the port of entry.

How to Find a Federally Accredited Vet Before You Move

One of the most important steps you can take before moving to Pennsylvania with a pet is locating a federally accredited veterinarian in your current state. This is not the same as your regular vet. An accredited veterinarian is a licensed veterinarian jointly accredited by APHIS-USDA and the Department in the state the veterinarian is licensed to perform official duties on behalf of APHIS-USDA or the Department in the state the veterinarian is licensed to practice veterinary medicine.

Only this type of vet can legally issue the CVI that Pennsylvania requires. 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 is how to find an accredited vet before your move:

1. Use the USDA APHIS NVAP Lookup Tool — There are two ways to check USDA Veterinary Accreditation status. You can use the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) Lookup Tool by selecting “Check my accreditation status” and entering the National Accreditation Number and last name. This tool is available on the APHIS website and lets you search by state and zip code.
2. Contact your state’s NVAP Coordinator — You should contact your State’s NVAP Coordinator if the information displayed on the NVAP Lookup Tool does not match your understanding of your accreditation status. They can also refer you to accredited vets in your area.
3. Call your current vet and ask directly — Many private practice vets hold USDA accreditation. Simply ask whether they are accredited and whether they can issue a CVI for interstate travel.
4. Plan your appointment timing carefully — The CVI must accurately reflect your pet’s condition close to the travel date. Schedule the exam as close to your departure as your vet and the state requirements allow.

APHIS does not regulate the interstate movement of pets by their owners. Domestic movement requirements are set by the receiving state or territory — which means Pennsylvania’s rules govern what documentation you need, and the accredited vet in your origin state is the one who must produce it.

Who to Contact in Pennsylvania Before You Arrive With a Pet

Knowing which agency handles which type of animal can save you a significant amount of time and frustration. Pennsylvania splits animal import oversight between multiple offices, and contacting the wrong one will just result in a referral.

Here is a breakdown of the right contacts for each situation:

Situation	Agency to Contact	Phone Number
Importing dogs, cats, livestock, or poultry	PA Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services	717-772-2852, option 3
Importing exotic or wild species	Pennsylvania Game Commission	717-787-4250
International imports and exports	USDA Veterinary Services (PA office)	717-540-2770
Finding an accredited vet	USDA APHIS NVAP Lookup Tool (online)	aphis.usda.gov
Federal wildlife and endangered species	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service	usfws.gov

For information on importing exotic or wild species, contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at (717) 787-4250. For questions about importing animals into PA generally, call the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services at 717-772-2852, option 3.

If you are unsure which category your animal falls into, start with the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services. They can direct you to the Game Commission or USDA if your situation involves wildlife or international movement.

Key Insight: For questions or clarification on any of the requirements, contact the State or Territorial veterinarian’s office. Do not rely solely on information from a third-party website, including this one, for final compliance decisions. Regulations can change, and the state veterinarian’s office will have the most current guidance.

Pennsylvania also has specific laws governing animals once they are settled in the state. If you are bringing dogs, you will want to review Pennsylvania leash laws and dog bite liability laws. If you are relocating with goats or farm animals, our guide on goat ownership laws in Pennsylvania covers what you need to know about keeping livestock. For those bringing backyard chickens or roosters, rooster crowing regulations and beekeeping laws are also worth a read before you arrive.

Moving across state lines with an animal is manageable when you know the rules in advance. Get your CVI from an accredited vet, confirm your rabies vaccination records are current, check with the Game Commission if your pet falls into an exotic category, and call the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services if you have any doubts. A few phone calls before your move can prevent serious legal and logistical problems on arrival day.