Probably, you are interested in buying a furry friend from another country. Getting pets into the United States is pretty straightforward, although there are a few basic aspects that need attention. If you are unsure of how to proceed ahead, you best bet is a reliable customs broker, like Clearit USA, who can help you understand and navigate through the process. In this post, we are sharing some of the basic things that are worth knowing.
The guidelines
If you are traveling with your pet from another country, or are importing an animal, quarantine may not apply. Yes, you read that right. It is a common myth that all animals must be quarantined. What is, however, mandatory is a visual check and examination, which will be done in the US at the port of entry. Besides this, you are required to complete all the necessary paperwork and get what is called an “pet passport”. If your pet is sick or looks ill, you may have to go through another round of inspection, but the cost must be paid by you. In rare cases, although not very uncommon, pets do get seized. Also, it is important to note that there are state regulations that may apply for some pets and breeds. A good example would be Ohio, where some dog breeds are not accepted.
Other basic details
If you are importing a dog that is a pet, it will be considered as a personal import and will not require a permit. What you must have is a health certificate for the dog, issued by a licensed veterinarian. The vaccination record of the dog will be checked too. However, if you are importing a dog for adoption or sale, you have to apply for a commercial import permit. Dogs that are being imported from countries with a history or risk of rabies, additional details related to rabies vaccination may be sought. You can find most details on CDC website.
Working with a customs broker
As we mentioned earlier, if you don’t want to deal with the paperwork and other things involved in getting a pet dog into the US, consider finding a custom broker you can trust. There are reliable and licensed brokers, who will help with every single aspect and ensure that the whole process is streamlined and as smooth as possible.
Check online now to find more on licensed customs broker in the US.
