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Import Protocol for 

Raptors from Canada by land,

November 2020

The import of raptors, such as falcons, from Canada has increased over the years. Raptors are 

used in various ways by their owners; i.e. hunting, exhibition, etc. Exposure to wild birds 

determines if an import permit will be required. The import permit will describe additional 

import requirements due to that exposure, and special language health certificates are 

required. Raptor owners should review this import protocol before arriving at U.S. land 

border ports. 

A. General requirements:

1. Raptors maintained in total captivity (no free flight) can be moved across land borders 

without obtaining an import permit but must have a health certificate.

2. Raptors allowed to hunt (free flight) must obtain an import permit and a health 

certificate when using a land, air, or sea border port crossing to the U.S.

3. Importers can obtain an import permit as follows:

a. A Veterinary Services (VS) Form 17-129, “Application for Import or in 

Transit Permit,” along with the instructions, can be obtained by 

writing to or calling the National Import and Export Services at: 

Strategy and Policy

4700 River Road, Unit 39

Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 

301-851-3300, Menu Option 2

Or by downloading the form from the APHIS Web site at: 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-and-animalproductimport-information/live-animal-imports/import-live-animals

Completed applications may be faxed to 301-734-4704, or may be 

emailed to VS.Live.Animals.Import.Permits@aphis.usda.gov
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b. The applicable processing fee of check, money order, credit card or USDA 

user fee account must accompany the permit. Current fees can be found at 

the following web link: User Fees

c. Submissions may be made by mail or fax to the Riverdale office above; 7-10 

business days are needed to process applications

d. If the importer needs to make changes to a permit after issuance, there is an 

additional fee (See above User fees web link for fees).

e. Permits are valid for 30 days from the date of U.S. arrival, as stated on the 

permit.

f. Shipments made on weekends or holidays are at the permission of the VS 

inspector and requires additional User fees.

g. A compliance fee or refused entry can result with birds arriving with 

noncompliant documentation.

4. A current veterinary health certificate, issued by a full-time salaried veterinarian of 

Canada and endorsed by the Canadian competent authority (CFIA), within 30 days of 

U.S. arrival is required.

h. The following information must be listed on the health certificate for raptors 

used for free flight:

i. Health certificates must state that within a 3 mile radius from where 

raptors were maintained- the Canadian competent authority (CFIA) or 

state/provincial/federal animal health authorities did not find any 

disease of poultry (this includes in any wildlife detections) within the 

previous 30 days of export.

ii. Birds have not had contact with any birds or poultry originating in a 

control zone established by state/provincial/federal animal health 

authorities due to outbreaks of Newcastle disease or Highly Pathogenic 

Avian Influenza (HPAI).

iii. Birds are vaccinated against Newcastle disease (avian paramyxovirus) 

at least 21 days prior to export, using vaccines that do not contain any 

velogenic strains of Newcastle disease virus.

OR: 

Birds are not vaccinated against Newcastle disease. (Document must 

denote which applies)

iv. There was no evidence of avian communicable disease found in the 

shipment of birds.

v. Newcastle disease did not occur anywhere on the premises during the 

90 days preceding the exportation of birds.

vi. The birds were placed in new or appropriately sanitized packaging 

materials at the premises from which the birds were to be exported.
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i. Health certificate language for raptors that are not used for free flight must 

use current health certificate requirements for Commercial Bird imports.

Current information can be found here: Commercial birds from Canada

5. Complete VS form, VS 17-29 (Customs Declaration) with the VS port veterinarian upon 

arrival of the shipment at the U. S. port of entry. Importers are required to contact the port 

office by phone at least 72 hours prior to arrival. Importers can access the form at this 

link: VS Form 17-29

B. Ports where raptors can cross into the U.S. from Canada by land:

Houlton, ME 

Derby Line, VT 

Alexandria Bay, NY Detroit, 

MI 

Pembina, ND 

Portal, ND 

Sweetgrass, MT 

Oroville, WA

Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Highgate Springs, VT 

Champlain, NY 

Niagara Falls, NY (Lewiston 

Bridge) Port Huron, MI 

Dunseith, ND 

Raymond, MT 

Eastport, ID 

Sumas, WA 

Baudette, MN

C. Veterinary Port inspections- all ports

The VS inspection will take place at one of the ports listed in this protocol and at U.S. 

air and seaports. Notify port of choice of approximate time of arrival at least 72 hours in 

advance. Port phone numbers are: Here Once an appointment has been made with the 

VS port office, the importer must call that office if changes to the agreed upon schedule 

occurs. 

 D. Quarantine requirements:

There is no quarantine requirement upon arrival in the U.S. 

Direct questions about this document to:

Avian Import Specialist Strategy and Policy, Live Animal Imports 

Unit 39 

4700 River Road 

Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 

Telephone: (301) 851-3300 option 2 

Fax: (301) 734-4704 
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By email: VS.Live.Animal.Import.Export@aphis.usda.gov