Colorado Import Requirements
Bringing Livestock or Small Animals (cats, dogs, etc.) into Colorado
If you plan to bring your pets or livestock into the state, it's crucial to understand the regulations that apply to each species. Whether you're looking to import cats, dogs, and other small animals or livestock, such as cattle and sheep, for agricultural purposes, there are specific guidelines. For specific guidance, please select the type of animal you want to bring into Colorado from the dropdown menus below.
International: If you are importing animals into Colorado from a country not listed, you may need to contact both the USDA and the Colorado Department of Agriculture to ensure you meet all federal and state requirements.
For federal import requirements, please call your local USDA Area Office.
For Colorado-specific requirements, contact us at 303-869-9130 or animalhealth@state.co.us.
What are the rules for bringing animals into Colorado?
Some import requirements may be waived if cattle are moving to a Colorado Approved Tagging Site or a Colorado Approved Feedlot.
An “Approved Tagging Site” is a premise, authorized by APHIS, state, or tribal animal health officials, where livestock may be officially identified on behalf of their owner or the person in possession, care, or control of the animals when they are brought to the premises. See 9 CFR 86.1.
A “Colorado Approved Feedlot” is a confined feedlot area approved and recorded by the State Veterinarian or his or her authorized agent. The approved feedlot shall be maintained for growing and/or finish-feeding of animals in dry lot with no provisions for pasturing or grazing. Animals leaving such a feedlot must move directly to slaughter or to another Colorado-approved feedlot and must be accompanied by a current brand inspection certificate, where and when applicable. See 8 CCR 1201-19, Part 1.1.6.
Obtaining an entry permit
Livestock entry permits can also be obtained by calling the Colorado State Veterinarian's Office at (303) 869-9130. The Colorado State Veterinarian's Office business hours are Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm (Mountain Standard Time)
If Moving Livestock To Another State, Know The Regulations For The Destination State
Please view the State Veterinarian's Office Contact List to acquire more information on each state's animal transport regulations, or visit the USDA Website for additional details and international animal transport regulations.