Pet Dog and Cat Importation and Exportation
Note: The only vaccination required for a pet dog to come to California is for rabies. The State of California does not require other vaccinations for pets, but local (county/city) animal agencies may have other requirements . Always check with the county or city you are traveling or moving to in California . A completed rabies vaccination certificate must be signed and dated by a licensed ...
CDFA does not have any additional import requirements for cats or dogs not changing ownership. For questions related to rabies vaccination and these species, contact the California Department of Public Health.
Moving Pets to California
Discover the essential steps for importing pets to California , including health certificates, rabies vaccination, and microchipping recommendations. PetRelocation offers expert guidance for a safe and stress-free pet travel experience.
Moving to California with a pet? Get the exact documents, vaccinations, and agency contacts you need to bring dogs, cats , birds, and exotic animals into the state legally.
Bring a Pet Cat (Domestic) into the United States
APHIS Veterinary Services does not have any animal health requirements related to bringing (importing) a pet cat into the United States from a foreign country. See below to view other requirements for bringing pet cats into the United States from another country.
CDC regulates the importation of animals into the U.S. to prevent the spread of diseases. CDC may require imported animals to be quarantined or re-exported, and violators may be fined or imprisoned. CDC has importation requirements for various animals including dogs, cats , turtles, nonhuman primates, rodents, and other animals.
Moving to the United States with a Cat
Successfully moving to United States with a cat in 2026 requires meticulous planning and adherence to specific import regulations. The United States, unlike many other nations, does not impose a mandatory quarantine period for cats , making the process relatively straightforward provided all health and documentation requirements are met.
Importing & Exporting Animals: Regulations Importing dogs or cats into LA County requires understanding federal, state, and local regulations. These laws are designed to protect public health and animal welfare by preventing the spread of infectious diseases and stopping unethical practices such as illegal puppy mills.
Pet Travel
Requirements Before you travel, make sure you carefully read and understand all import requirements for your animal. Failure to meet these requirements will result in problems upon arrival to the United States, and your pet may be refused entry.
