Bringing Animals into Georgia

Dogs and cats

All dogs and cats entering Georgia must have proof of a current and approved Rabies vaccination, in accordance with the most recent Compendium of Animal Rabies Control published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc.

Ferrets

All ferrets entering Georgia must have proof of a current and approved Rabies vaccination, in accordance with the most recent Compendium of Animal Rabies Control published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc.

Ferrets seven months of age or older entering Georgia must be spayed or neutered, before entry, except those exempted by a license/permit issued by USDA, APHIS, Animal Care, and/or the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Birds

Get a Permit: Swine and Bird Travel Permit Registration.

All exotic or pet birds entering Georgia for any purpose require a prior permit number from the Animal Health Section in Atlanta, Georgia at (404) 656-3667.

All exotic and pet bird exhibitions and sales are required to a have a permit. The exhibition or sale management is responsible for obtaining the permit by contacting the State Veterinarian at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the opening of the exhibition or sale. For additional information, call the State Veterinarian’s office.

The following birds are restricted from entry into Georgia except by special permit from the State Veterinarian:

1. Java Rice Bird

2. Quaker or Monk Parakee

Pets for Sale

All pets, except fish and rodents, entering Georgia for sale, trade, or exchange for a fee or other type of compensation must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection that was issued within the previous 30 days and which records proof of the health requirements for each species. See your local Veterinarian to obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).

General Livestock

All livestock transported or otherwise moved into the State shall be accompanied by a copy of an official certificate of veterinary inspection or permit, or both, attached to the waybill or shall be in the possession of the driver of the vehicle or person in charge of the livestock.

A copy of the official certificate of veterinary inspection shall be forwarded to the State Veterinarian, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Capitol Square, 19 Martin Luther King Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30334.

All livestock not fully in compliance entering the State without a proper certificate of veterinary inspection or permit, or both when required, shall be held in quarantine at owner's risk and expense until released by the State Veterinarian.

Brucellosis test accepted for interstate movement of livestock into Georgia is the Tube Test, Official Card Test, PCFIA, and BAPA.

Swine

Get a Permit: Swine and Bird Travel Permit Registration.

Swine that have been fed garbage may not enter Georgia under any conditions

No swine vaccinated against Pseudorabies are allowed entry into Georgia.

Swine entering Georgia must be accompanied by an official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection identifying each animal with a USDA approved metal ear tag, registry tattoo or registry ear notches. Feeder pigs may be identified with a premises tattoo issued by the State of origin. Required tests results, test dates and prior permit number must be recorded on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. Such animals shall originate from herds free of any contagious or infectious disease and shall not have been exposed to any contagious or infectious disease prior to or during shipment.

Swine entering Georgia for immediate slaughter must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, waybill, or proof of ownership and must be consigned to a state or federally approved slaughter establishment.

See full details about bringing swine into Georgia.

If you want to bring wild or exotic animals into Georgia, see the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division website at https://gadnrle.org/special-permits.  GDA does not regulate these animals.

Entering Georgia from another Country

Visit the CDC (Center for Disease Control) website at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/animal.htm

Other International Travel Assistance

Call USDA Veterinary Services at (770) 761-5426 for:

• Animal(s) Leaving the United States

• Request for International Health Certificates

• International Import/Export Regulations

• Veterinary Accreditation

Birds

It is unlawful to bring into Georgia any psittacine bird or other exotic bird coming directly or indirectly from outside the United States unless the bird was brought into the United States in conformity with the quarantine regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture.

USDA Requirements

See the USDA APHIS page on Pet travel from the U.S. to Georgia for more information on moving pets between states and countries.