Actually cats don't even need the rabies vaccination. They just need to be in good health.
What CDC requirements apply to cats?Cats are covered under the same regulation as dogs (42CFR71.51). Cats are subject to examination at the port of entry to rule out any zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted to humans), and may require veterinary medical examination, treatment, and/or quarantine if they appear ill. Although cats are not subject to rabies vaccination regulations, CDC strongly advises all cat owners to have their pets vaccinated against rabies as a precaution.
All pet cats are subject to state and local vaccination requirements. Pet cats arriving in the state of Hawaii and the territory of Guam, even from the U.S. mainland, are subject to locally imposed quarantine requirements. For more information, call the Animal Quarantine Station in Hawaii at 808-483-7151.
What are the CDC requirements for bringing a pet dog into the United States? Do these requirements differ for puppies?Pet dogs (and cats) are subject to inspection upon arrival at ports of entry for evidence of zoonotic disease (disease that can be transmitted to humans). In addition, dogs arriving from countries where rabies is reported are required to be immunized against rabies. Dogs (and cats) that appear to be ill upon arrival, with a disease that may be transmissible to humans, are subject to veterinary medical examination, treatment, and/or quarantine. Dogs that arrive without the required rabies vaccination may enter the United States provided the importer signs and complies with a vaccination and confinement agreement, as described in the Foreign Quarantine Regulations
42CFR71.51 ©. Animals may not be sold during the confinement period.
Dogs arriving from countries considered by the World Health Organization to have no reported rabies
(see list) are not subject to the rabies vaccination requirement, provided they have spent the 6 months prior to arrival (or their entire life, if the dog is less than 6 months old) in such countries.
All pet dogs arriving in the state of Hawaii and the territory of Guam, even from the U.S. mainland, are subject to locally imposed quarantine requirements.
NOTE: Because rabies is a deadly human disease that is endemic among certain wildlife in the U.S., CDC strongly recommends, and most state and local jurisdictions require, that all domestic dogs (and cats) receive periodic rabies vaccination.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires dogs that are intended for use in handling livestock and that are imported from regions of the world where screwworm exists, to be proven free of this parasite. Further details can be found on the
USDA pet importation website. These requirements apply to puppies as well as adult dogs.
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