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?
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.
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.
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.
