The federal government does not require a rabies vaccination or a general health certificate to bring a domestic cat into the United States. However, the exact requirements depend entirely on your final destination state.
“I am moving my cat from the UK to the US and flying through Amsterdam. I know I need an EU health certificate for the transit, but what specific health certificates or requirements do I need to enter the US?”
Summary
You do not have to worry about a blanket federal quarantine or entry denial. As long as your cat appears healthy at the US border, federal rules allow entry without a rabies certificate.
Read the full explanationHide the full explanation
How the rules change by destination
Because you did not name your final destination, you must check which of these two situations applies to you:
**If your destination is the mainland US:** There is no federal rabies rule for cats. However, individual states may require a rabies vaccination. You must check with the state and local health authorities at your final destination to see if they require a certificate.
**If your destination is Hawaii or Guam:** All pet cats arriving in Hawaii or Guam are subject to locally imposed quarantine requirements, even if they come from the US mainland.
Regardless of your destination, your cat must appear healthy when you arrive at the US port of entry. If your cat appears ill, officials might require a further examination by a licensed veterinarian, and you will have to pay for that expense.
Finally, while the federal government does not require a rabies certificate, airlines may require vaccination to let your cat board the flight.
Next steps
Follow these steps to make sure you have the right paperwork for your specific trip.
Identify your destination state's rules
Check with the state and local health authorities at your final US destination to see if they require a rabies vaccination or health certificate. If you are moving to Hawaii or Guam, prepare for their mandatory local quarantine.
Verify your airline's requirements
Check with your carrier to see if they require a health certificate or rabies vaccination to board the flight.
Obtain certificates only if required
Get a rabies vaccination or health certificate if your specific destination state or your airline requires it.
Present a healthy cat at the border
Make sure your cat appears healthy at the US port of entry to avoid a mandatory veterinary examination at your expense.
Legal sources
These are the exact rules governing cat imports into the United States.
PetRelocation — Updated CDC Dog & Cat Import Requirements
While there is no federal rabies rule for cats, airlines and individual states might require a vaccination.
Cats have no federal rabies rule, but airlines and states may require vaccination.
SettleKit is not a law firm. This is general information, not legal advice. You should confirm these rules with a licensed immigration attorney or the relevant agencies before you travel.
SettleKit is not a law firm and this is general information.
Related answers
Join the SettleKit newsletter
We research the hard parts of settling in the US and write articles you will not find anywhere else. Subscribe to get each new article by email.