Importation Requirements

North Carolina General Statute requirements for importing a domestic dog, cat or ferret into North Carolina were updated by the General Assembly on October 1, 2009:

All domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets entering North Carolina must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of the date of entry into the state, and animals four months of age and older must also have a current rabies vaccination and rabies certificate.

Dogs, cats and ferrets entering the state must be currently vaccinated against rabies by four months of age or older. If a domestic dog, cat or ferret four months of age or older enters North Carolina and is not currently vaccinated against rabies, the animal must be vaccinated against rabies within one week of entry and remain confined for two weeks after vaccination. If a dog, cat or ferret is less than three months old upon entry into the state, the animal may be imported but can be vaccinated when it is three months of age with an approved USDA licensed vaccine according to the manufacturer’s package insert. All animals vaccinated with USDA licensed rabies vaccines, administered by a licensed veterinarian, and accompanied by a current rabies certificate verifying this, are recognized.

Below is the Applicable North Carolina General Statute updated on October 1, 2009 by the General Assembly:

§ 130A-193. Vaccination and confinement of animals brought into this State.

1. Vaccination Required - An animal brought into this State that is required to be vaccinated under this Part shall immediately be securely confined and shall be vaccinated against rabies within one week after entry. The animal shall remain confined for two weeks after vaccination.
2. Exceptions. - The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to:
1. An animal brought into this State for exhibition purposes if the animal is confined and not permitted to run at large; or
2. An animal brought into this State accompanied by a certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian showing that the animal is apparently free from and has not been exposed to rabies and that the animal is currently vaccinated against rabies. (1935, c. 122, s. 11; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)

United States Centers for Disease Control Requirements for Importing Domestic Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets into the U.S. from a Foreign Country:

Please see CDC-defined import requirements at: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/animal/index.htm.

Exportation Requirements

Exporting a Dog / Cat from N.C. to Another State:

Please see import requirements for other states at: www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_import/animal_imports_states.shtml

Exporting a Dog / Cat from the U.S. to a Foreign Country:

Please review requirements at: www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/

Acclimation statements

Guidelines have been issued by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and can be accessed at the following website: www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/may06/060515d.asp

To Order Health Certificates from USDA APHIS Veterinary Services:

Obtain APHIS Form 7001 from USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services by calling 919-855-7701. State the purpose of your call and leave your fax number. An order form will be faxed to you. Once you have received the order form, complete it, have the veterinarian sign it, and fax it back.

Veterinary Accreditation is required to order health certificates from the USDA and to issue health certificates.

If you would like to apply for USDA veterinary accreditation in North Carolina, please go to: www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/vet_accreditation

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