This inspection must be arranged in advance by contacting the port veterinarian at least 72 hours prior to travel. A current veterinary health certificate must accompany the bird. The health certificate must be endorsed by a national veterinarian of the country of export and be issued within 30 days of importation. Returning U.S. origin pet birds may be quarantined in the owner s home for a minimum of 30 days. In order to show proof of U.S. origin, the birds must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate issued by a U.S. veterinarian prior to leaving the country.
Birds imported from Canada are exempt from quarantine requirements.
However, all birds must be examined by a USDA port veterinarian at the first U.S. port of entry. If the birds enter the United States via a U.S.-Canadian land border port, no import permit is required. If the birds enter via an airport, an import permit is required. Because certain States administer their own regulations to protect wildlife and animal health, you should contact appropriate State officials to learn about State requirements, if any, when making importation arrangements. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also regulates the importation of most birds.