Pet Import Laws in South Dakota: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know Before Moving
June 7, 2026
Moving to South Dakota with a pet takes more preparation than most people expect. Whether you are relocating from a neighboring state or arriving from another country, South Dakota has specific health, vaccination, and documentation requirements that apply to dogs, cats, birds, and many exotic animals.
Getting these details wrong before you cross the state line can mean delays, quarantine, or being turned away at the border. This guide walks you through every requirement so you can arrive prepared, compliant, and stress-free with your animal.
What Documents Do You Need to Bring a Pet Into South Dakota
Before you pack the carrier and hit the road, you need to understand the paperwork that may be required depending on your pet’s species, age, and origin. South Dakota’s documentation requirements are administered by the South Dakota Animal Industry Board (AIB), which oversees animal health and import compliance for the state.
The two most important documents you will encounter are the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and proof of rabies vaccination. Here is what each one means:
- Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI): An official health certificate signed by a licensed, accredited veterinarian. It must state the name, address, and phone number of the consignor; the name and address of the point of origination if different from the consignor; and the name, physical address, and phone number of the consignee. It must also include the species, age, sex, breed, number of animals, purpose of movement, and test results, along with the signature, address, and phone number of the inspecting licensed accredited veterinarian.
- Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Documentation from a licensed veterinarian confirming that your pet has a current rabies vaccination. This is mandatory for dogs and cats over three months of age.
- Import Permit: Required for certain species, particularly nondomestic and exotic animals. Import permits are valid for 15 days.
Pro Tip: Schedule your vet appointment well before your move date. Most CVIs must be issued within 30 days of entry, and getting an appointment with a federally accredited vet can take time, especially in rural areas.
No import permit is required on CVIs issued for domestic livestock using approved electronic systems such as GlobalVetLink, VSPS, VetSentry, and Sale Time Systems. If you are moving a companion dog or cat, your primary concern will be the rabies certificate and, in some cases, a CVI. Always verify the current requirements directly with the AIB before your move, as requirements can be updated.
If you are also navigating other South Dakota animal regulations, it helps to review the state’s leash laws in South Dakota and pit bull laws in South Dakota before you arrive.
Dog Import Requirements in South Dakota
Dogs are the most commonly imported pets, and South Dakota keeps the process straightforward for most pet owners. The key rules are grounded in rabies prevention and general health screening.
No person may import any dog over three months of age without certification of a current rabies vaccination. South Dakota requires a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. The CVI must state that the dog is healthy and free from signs of infectious or contagious diseases and signs of internal and/or external parasites.
- Dogs under 3 months of age: Rabies vaccination is not required, but the dog must still appear healthy and free of contagious disease.
- Dogs 3 months and older: A current rabies vaccination certificate is mandatory. The animal over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies within 12 months prior to import, and both 1-year and 3-year vaccines are accepted.
- Dogs from a rabies-quarantine area: If a dog is imported from an area that is quarantined for rabies, a certifying statement is required from an accredited veterinarian that the dog has not been exposed to rabies.
Important Note: Dogs under three months of age may not be imported at all from any area currently under a rabies quarantine. Verify your origin area’s quarantine status with your state veterinarian before travel.
South Dakota does not impose breed-specific bans at the state level, but some municipalities may have local ordinances. Review the pit bull laws in South Dakota to understand what applies in your destination city. You may also want to check the kennel zoning laws in South Dakota if you plan to keep multiple dogs on your property.
Cat Import Requirements in South Dakota
The requirements for importing cats into South Dakota mirror those for dogs in most respects. The same age threshold and rabies vaccination rules apply, making the process familiar if you are moving with both species.
No person may import any cat over three months of age without certification of a current rabies vaccination. A current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or Health Certificate is required within 30 days of import. The CVI must confirm the cat is healthy and free from signs of infectious or contagious disease.
| Requirement | Cats Under 3 Months | Cats 3 Months and Older |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies Vaccination | Not required | Required (1-year or 3-year vaccine accepted) |
| Certificate of Veterinary Inspection | Required if from quarantine area | Required within 30 days of import |
| Health Status | Must appear healthy | Free from infectious or contagious disease |
| Rabies Quarantine Area Rules | Cannot import from quarantine area | Vet certifying statement required |
One thing to keep in mind: no person may import any dog or cat less than three months of age from an area under quarantine for rabies. If you are rescuing a young kitten and relocating from an area with an active rabies quarantine, you will need to resolve that status before the move.
If you have concerns about neighborhood cats or free-roaming animals once you arrive, it is worth reviewing the neighbor’s cat in my yard laws in South Dakota to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Bird and Exotic Pet Import Requirements in South Dakota
Birds and exotic animals face a more complex set of requirements when entering South Dakota. The rules depend heavily on the species, and some animals require permits simply to possess them within the state.
Birds
South Dakota’s Animal Industry Board regulates the import of birds based on their classification. For ratites — large, flat-breastboned birds such as ostriches, emus, rheas, and kiwis — the requirements are clearly defined. Ratites require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and a permit number; import permits are valid for 15 days, and a permanent ID such as a tattoo or microchip must be listed on the CVI. The bird must also be free of infectious and contagious diseases.
For pet birds such as parrots, cockatiels, and similar companion birds, South Dakota does not publish a separate state-level import permit requirement, but you should still obtain a CVI from your veterinarian confirming the bird is healthy. The provisions of South Dakota Administrative Code sections 12:68:13:01 to 12:68:13:40 apply to all nondomestic birds, such as pheasants and partridges.
Key Insight: If you are moving with a pet bird that has recently traveled outside the United States, additional federal requirements apply before re-entry. Contact USDA APHIS Veterinary Services before your return trip.
Exotic and Nondomestic Mammals
A permit from the Animal Industry Board is required to import nondomestic animals. South Dakota maintains a detailed list of species that require a possession permit in addition to an import permit. Permits are required to possess in South Dakota any nondomestic mammal including all nondomestic members of the order Carnivora (Felidae, Canidae, Ursidae, Mustelidae, and Hyaenidae), all nondomestic members of the order Artiodactyla, and all members of the families Tapiridae, Rhinocerotidae, and both African and Asian elephants.
The permit system includes several categories. An entry permit, which carries no fee, allows importation of captive nondomestic animals into South Dakota and may be granted by telephone. Other permit types include a temporary permit ($10) for possessing a specifically prohibited mammal for no more than 14 days, and a possession permit ($10 per animal, up to a maximum of $100).
Some species face geographic restrictions even after entry. Possession of certain nondomestic mammals is restricted geographically to the area of South Dakota east of the Missouri River, including nondomestic mammals capable of crossbreeding with free-roaming wild elk and those capable of crossbreeding with free-roaming wild sheep and goats.
If you are considering keeping a hedgehog, which occupies a legal gray area in many states, review the hedgehog ownership laws in South Dakota before you move. Similarly, if you keep goats or farm animals alongside pets, the goat ownership laws in South Dakota and beekeeping laws in South Dakota are worth reviewing.
Requirements for Pets Coming From Outside the United States
If you are moving to South Dakota from another country, you face a two-step compliance process: federal requirements at the U.S. port of entry, followed by South Dakota’s own state-level rules once you arrive.
Federal Entry Requirements for Dogs
The CDC issues regulations to control the entry of dogs into the United States from other countries, and these rules apply to all dogs, including puppies, service animals, and dogs that left the United States and are returning.
Dogs are required to appear healthy upon arrival in the United States. If your dog does not appear healthy, you should have copies of their medical records available, as you may be asked to provide documentation of their diagnosis and treatment history.
For dogs that were vaccinated against rabies in the United States before leaving, the documentation process involves a USDA-endorsed form. The Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before the dog leaves the United States and must be endorsed by USDA and viewable in USDA’s database. Note that USDA-endorsed export health certificates issued after July 31, 2025, are not accepted for re-entry, and you will need to have the Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form instead.
Federal Entry Requirements for Cats
The CDC requires that cats appear healthy upon arrival to the United States. Cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry and may be denied entry if they show evidence of a zoonotic disease. If a cat appears ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense may be required before the cat is allowed to enter.
Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States, though South Dakota’s own state rule requires rabies vaccination for cats over three months of age once they are entering the state.
Federal Entry Requirements for Birds
To prevent the spread of avian diseases, birds coming into the United States are subject to quarantine. Pet birds meeting certain criteria may undergo this quarantine at home. Prior to bringing your pet bird back to the U.S., you must contact USDA APHIS Veterinary Services to request an Import Permit.
Rodents and Other Species
The CDC’s ban on importing all African rodents is still in effect. A person may not import or offer to import into the United States any rodent of African origin, whether dead or alive, including any rodent shipped directly to the United States from Africa.
If your animal species does not fall under APHIS Veterinary Services regulations, you may still need a permit from another federal agency such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is the importer’s responsibility to comply with the requirements of all regulatory agencies.
Pet owners moving to South Dakota from other states may find it useful to compare requirements. See how South Dakota’s rules stack up against pet import laws in Colorado, pet import laws in Wisconsin, and pet import laws in North Carolina for context.
How to Find a Federally Accredited Vet Before You Move
A federally accredited veterinarian is not the same as your regular local vet. USDA accreditation authorizes a veterinarian to issue official health certificates, complete federal forms, and submit documentation through USDA systems. You need one of these vets to complete your CVI and any other required paperwork before your move.
As soon as you decide to travel or relocate with your pet, contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian. They will help you determine your destination state’s or country’s pet entry requirements and assist you through the process of obtaining a USDA-endorsed health certificate and any other needed paperwork.
Here is how to locate one:
- Use the USDA APHIS Vet Search Tool: Visit the USDA APHIS accredited veterinarian lookup page and search by state and ZIP code to find accredited vets near your current location.
- Check Accreditation Status: There are two ways to check a vet’s USDA accreditation status: use the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) Lookup Tool by selecting “Check my accreditation status” and entering the National Accreditation Number and last name.
- Ask Your Current Vet: Many private practice veterinarians hold USDA accreditation. Ask your existing vet directly — if they are not accredited, they can often refer you to a colleague who is.
- Call APHIS Directly: Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian for questions about entry requirements for live animal exports or pet travel, including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments, and for issuance of health certificates.
Common Mistake: Waiting until the week before your move to find an accredited vet. CVIs are only valid for a limited window, and scheduling conflicts can leave you without the paperwork you need on moving day. Book your appointment at least 3 to 4 weeks out.
Once you have your accredited vet lined up, bring all of your pet’s vaccination records and any prior health certificates to the appointment. The vet will conduct a physical examination and complete the CVI based on South Dakota’s specific requirements.
Who to Contact in South Dakota Before You Arrive With a Pet
Before your move date, reaching out to the right agencies in South Dakota can save you from last-minute surprises. Here are the key contacts and resources you should have on hand.
South Dakota Animal Industry Board (AIB)
The AIB is the primary state agency responsible for animal import regulations in South Dakota. They handle import permits, answer questions about specific species requirements, and manage after-hours permit requests.
- Phone: 605-773-3321 (general inquiries)
- After-Hours Permits: After-hours permits are handled by an answering machine at 605-773-3321. Leave the information requested and a permit number will be issued.
- After-Hours Regulatory Questions: After-hours regulatory questions should be directed to Dr. Mendel Miller at 605-280-8190 or 605-310-8729, or Dr. Todd Tedrow at 605-222-1034.
- Website: aib.sd.gov
USDA APHIS Veterinary Services
For pets arriving from outside the United States, USDA APHIS is your federal point of contact for import permits, health certificate endorsement, and port-of-entry inspections. Contact APHIS for animal and product trade questions, including port services, export, import permits, inspections, and certificate endorsements.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC governs the entry of dogs and certain other animals into the United States from foreign countries. The CDC has importation requirements for various animals including dogs, cats, turtles, nonhuman primates, rodents, and other animals, and its regulations govern the importation of certain animals capable of carrying diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Visit cdc.gov/importation for the most current guidance.
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
If you are importing a nondomestic animal for release or any wildlife-related purpose, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks is also involved. The Animal Industry Board may permit the entry of such animals only after consulting with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, holding a public hearing, and obtaining the approval of the Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.
| Agency | Jurisdiction | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| SD Animal Industry Board | State-level import permits, CVIs, livestock and exotic animals | 605-773-3321 | aib.sd.gov |
| USDA APHIS | Federal health certificates, international pet travel, accredited vets | aphis.usda.gov |
| CDC Importation | Dogs and certain animals entering from foreign countries | cdc.gov/importation |
| SD Game, Fish and Parks | Nondomestic wildlife, release permits | gfp.sd.gov |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | CITES species, protected and endangered animals | fws.gov |
If you are also moving to South Dakota from a state with its own distinct import rules, it is helpful to compare requirements. Owners coming from nearby states can review pet import laws in Michigan, pet import laws in Illinois, pet import laws in Missouri, or pet import laws in Pennsylvania to understand what documentation you may already have in hand.
Conclusion
Bringing a pet into South Dakota is manageable when you know what to prepare. For most dog and cat owners, the checklist is short: a current rabies vaccination and a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within 30 days of your move. Bird and exotic pet owners face additional permit requirements, and anyone arriving from outside the United States must clear federal CDC and USDA requirements before state rules even come into play.
Start early, find a USDA-accredited vet in your current location, and contact the South Dakota Animal Industry Board if you have any questions specific to your animal’s species. The more lead time you give yourself, the smoother your pet’s entry into South Dakota will be. Once you are settled, take time to review South Dakota’s broader animal laws — including the roadkill laws in South Dakota and rooster crowing laws in South Dakota — so you and your animals stay on the right side of state regulations from day one.