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Small Animal International Imports

International Import Requirements for Small Animals into Colorado

Note: Small Animal CVIs are a document that is issued by a regulatory government agency with a unique individual identifier and signed by a veterinarian certifying that the animal was inspected and deemed free of contagious and communicable diseases.

  1. Contact the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at (404) 639-3311 to get international importation requirements.
  2. Colorado has specific importation requirements in addition to the CDC's United States import requirements. Check the appropriate link below for species-specific Colorado import requirements.

Importing Dogs And Cats From Other Countries Into Colorado

Canine

  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry and stating that the dogs are free from exposure to rabies.
    • European Pet Passports may be used in place of CVI:
      • If there is a certification ON the passport by an official veterinarian that the pet has been examined within 30 days of arrival in Colorado and found to be free of contagious or commuicable diseases.
  • Rabies vaccination needs to be current, and administered prior to entry into Colorado for all dogs greater than 3 months of age.
    • The vaccination date, vaccine manufacturer, and serial number must be listed on the CVI or Euorpean Pet Passport
  • ISO-compatible microchip

Exotic Small Animal

  • Approval from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) prior to entry by calling (303) 291-7227.
  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry.
  • Permit required prior to entry by calling (303) 869-9130.

Feline

  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry and stating that the dogs are free from exposure to rabies.
    • European Pet Passports may be used in place of CVI:
      • If there is a certification ON the passport by an official veterinarian that the pet has been examined within 30 days of arrival in Colorado and found to be free of contagious or commuicable diseases.
  • Rabies vaccination needs to be current, and administered prior to entry into Colorado for all dogs greater than 3 months of age.
    • The vaccination date, vaccine manufacturer, and serial number must be listed on the CVI or Euorpean Pet Passport

Ferret

  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an official veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry.
  • Rabies vaccination: Ferrets over 3 months of age must have proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccination.
    • The vaccination date, vaccine manufacturer, and serial number must be listed on the CVI..

Pet Bird

  • All Pet birds must meet requirements of US Fish and Wildlife Services, USDA, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife prior to entry. 
  • Pet Birds must be an approved species by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, US Customs and Border Protection, and US Fish and Wildlife Services. 
  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an official veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry.

Rabbit

  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry.