Importing and exporting dogs and cats
Dogs and cats entering the state must have a health certificate.
Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies not more than 12 months before importation if over 6 months of age. Dogs or cats imported into Massachusetts that are not vaccinated for rabies will must be vaccinated within 30 days of entry or at 6 months of age, whichever last occurs. The health certificate needs to indicate non-exposure to rabies.
Animals imported from out of state shelter/rescue organizations must also comply with 330 CMR 30.00, found at the Animal Shelter and Rescue Program.
Canine Distemper April 24, 2025, Veterinary Advisory:
The Division of Animal Health is currently investigating multiple canine distemper cases in puppies that were imported by shelter/rescue groups. All of the affected animals were imported with Official Certificates of Veterinary Inspection indicating that they had been given a clean bill of health prior to shipment. These puppies also arrived with paperwork that indicated that they had been vaccinated against canine distemper prior to import (in some cases more than once), as is required by the Shelter/Rescue regulations (330 CMR 30.00). Please remind your shelter/rescue operator clients of proper sourcing, storage, handling, and administration of vaccines.
Please remember that canine distemper is a complicated disease and can manifest with varying clinical signs. Many veterinarians currently practicing in New England may never have seen a case because the vaccine has high efficacy when given at the opportune time. Unfortunately, the chance of exposure in the shelter environment is high and protective titers may not be present in even a vaccinated animal at the time of exposure.
If you see respiratory signs, GI signs, tremors, FUOs in shelter animals or recently adopted pups, please recommend appropriate isolation and keep canine distemper high on your list of rule outs. Please report to the Division of Animal Health at your earliest suspicion: www.mass.gov/info-details/reportable-animal-diseases
Information regarding canine distemper is available from the Merck Veterinary Manual: www.merckvetmanual.com/infectious-diseases/canine-distemper/canine-distemper
Additional information regarding disease risks/preventive protocols/vaccination strategies in the shelter environment is available at UC Davis Koret Shelter web portal: www.sheltermedicine.com/library/resources/vaccination-in-animal-shelters
Importing and exporting rabbits
All imported rabbits must have an official health certificate stating that the animals are healthy, free of symptoms of infectious or transmissible disease, internal and/or external parasites, and exposure to any infectious or contagious disease. Health certificates are valid for 30 days.
If rabbits are being transported for slaughter they must be accompanied by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved waybills and identified by eartags, backtags, or other USDA approved identification.
Importing and exporting parrots or other exotic birds
All birds must have an official health certificate stating that the animals are healthy, free of symptoms of infectious or transmissible disease, internal and/or external parasites, and exposure to any infectious or contagious disease. Health certificates are valid for 30 days.
All birds must originate from healthy flocks and premises. Psittacosis is prevalent in birds of that category and very infectious to humans. All identified cases of psittacosis will be traced to point of origin and such sources will be quarantined if in Massachusetts or placed on a list for USDA, US DPH action.
Importing and exporting pigeons and doves
All birds must have an official health certificate stating that the animals are healthy, free of symptoms of infectious or transmissible disease, internal and/or external parasites, and exposure to any infectious or contagious disease. Health certificates are valid for 30 days.
All birds must originate from healthy flocks and premises.