Import Regulations

Do you have import requirement questions? Click this link to be redirected to InterstateLivestock.com where we regularly update Minnesota’s requirements.

Electronic Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (eCVI) exemptions

The import permit requirement for cattle imported into Minnesota is waived when an eCVI is issued and received, as long as all other import requirements are met under Minnesota Administrative Rule 1721.0040.

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)

All birds and mammals imported into Minnesota, unless specifically exempted below, must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by a veterinarian accredited in the state of origin. A copy of the CVI shall be forwarded within seven calendar days to the animal health officials in the state of origin for approval and transmittal.

The CVI shall:

• State that the animals described are not showing clinical signs of infectious, contagious, or communicable disease and that they meet movement requirements
• State the number of animals in the shipment
• State the species, breed, age, and sex of each animal
• Document official identification for each animal if required
• Document the address and contact information for the premises of origin and the premises of destination
• State the results of any tests that are required by the board
• State the purpose for moving the animals
  • Breeding
  • Feeding
  • Direct to slaughter
  • Other (i.e. exhibition/show)
• Document a permit number if required
• Document any additional information required by the board
• Any addendums or attachments to a CVI shall comply with the CVI Addendum Policy.

All camelids imported into the state must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection.

Includes all animals of the Bos and Bison genus

CVI, except as provided in items 1 to 5:

1. Originating from a farm of origin that are consigned to a state-federal approved livestock market;
2. Shipped directly to slaughtering establishments operating under federal inspection;
3. Moving directly to a slaughter-only handling facility in a manner approved by the Board;
4. Returning from pasture to the herd of origin in the state under permit; or
5. Moved in accordance with a board-approved commuter herd agreement.

Federal law requires that the movement identified in 2 above is accompanied by an owner-shipper statement if no certificate of veterinary inspection is issued.

Breeding, rodeo and all cattle for exhibition must be officially identified, except when:

1. Originating from a farm of origin that are consigned to a state-federal approved livestock auction market;
2. Moving directly to a slaughtering establishment under federal inspection; and
3. Moving directly to a slaughter-only handling facility in a manner approved by the Board.

“Breeding cattle” means all cattle except:

1. Heifers of beef breed less than 18 months of age maintained for feeding purposes;
2. Bulls under ten months of age maintained for feeding purposes; and
3. Steers and spayed heifers.

Federal law requires dairy breed spayed heifers, all dairy males (including steers) born after 03/11/2013, and all cattle/bison entering the state for recreation events or shows to be officially identified.

Federal law does not require that the official identification numbers of steers or spayed heifers be documented on owner-shipper statements or certificates of veterinary inspection. However, when official identification numbers are not documented on a CVI, a statement is required that indicates all steers or spayed heifers are officially identified.

Dairy breed means all cattle, regardless of age/sex/current use, that are of a breed(s) used to produce milk or other dairy products for human consumption, including, but not limited to: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Holstein, Jersey, Guernsey, Milking Shorthorn, and Red and Whites. Cattle that are in whole or in part of a dairy breed(s) moving from a dairy, or within channels originating from a dairy, are dairy cattle by definition.

Cattle returned to Minnesota from pasture

Cattle not under quarantine that are owned by state residents who are not livestock dealers may be returned to the premises of origin from pastures in adjacent states without tests or certificates of veterinary Inspection if a permit is secured from the Board prior to movement. Permits for return from pasture may be issued by the board if the pasture is owned, leased, or operated by the state resident, the pasture is contiguous to state land owned by the applicant, only the applicant’s cattle are in the pasture, and the pasture has been inspected by a representative of the board.

TB test

1. Rodeo cattle entering the state must be negative to an official tuberculosis test within the previous six months.
2. Cattle imported into the state for the purposes of breeding rodeo stock must be negative to an official tuberculosis test within the previous six months.
3. Mexican-origin cattle must be negative to two official tuberculosis tests. The second test must be done by an accredited veterinarian and be performed within 60 days prior to importation.

Import permit

A permit must be obtained from the Board prior to the importation of all breeding cattle, all cattle for exhibition, and all cattle requiring a tuberculosis test, with the following exceptions:

1. Cattle originating from a farm of origin that are consigned to a state-federal approved livestock market.
2. Cattle shipped directly to a slaughter establishment operating under federal inspection or to a slaughter-only handling facility.
3. Effective April 18, 2018: cattle documented on an electronically issued Certificate of Veterinary Inspection that is available to the Board in the original electronic format within 24 hours of issuance and complies with Minnesota Administrative Rule 1721.0040 (click this link to read the rule).

Please call 651-296-2942 to get an import permit for incoming cattle or bison.

Information that will be collected and required in order to obtain a free import permit include:

• Name, address and telephone number for the veterinarian issuing the CVI.
• The CVI number.
• Name, address and telephone number for the origin of the cattle.
• Name, address and telephone number for the destination of the cattle (destination refers to the physical location the cattle will be residing at and not a business or home address).
• The Board will also require information on the type of official identification that has been used on the cattle.

Additional requirements

Cattle originating from parts of Michigan, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho must meet additional import requirements. Call us at 651-296-2942 for more information.

Interstate imports

Requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets traveling into Minnesota from another state within the United States.

Dog and Cat Import Fact Sheet

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)

A certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) is a form completed by a licensed, USDA accredited veterinarian in the state of origin (where the pet is coming from) stating that the pet listed on the form is free from infectious, contagious, and/or communicable disease and meets state and federal requirements for movement. A physical examination is required for a veterinarian to complete a CVI, and the CVI is valid for travel for 30 days after it is issued.

The following information is required on a CVI to enter Minnesota:

• Consigner’s (owner or seller) name and physical address in the state of origin.
• Consignee’s (owner, buyer, or adopter) name and physical address in Minnesota.
• Animal description and/or identification number (microchip or tattoo).
• Vaccine product names, date of administration, and duration of immunity (when they are next due).
• Date and results of any required tests.
• Statement of health (see next paragraph).
• Veterinarian’s signature, printed name, and USDA accreditation number.
• Veterinarian’s contact information.

The CVI must include the following statement of health: “I certify, as an accredited veterinarian, that the described animals have been inspected by me and that they are not showing signs of infectious, contagious and/or communicable disease (except where noted).” If the statement is not already part of the CVI, an accredited veterinarian is required to add the statement to the document prior to signing it.

Dogs, cats, and ferrets moving to Minnesota from another state, visiting for more than 30 days, or changing owners while in the state require a CVI to enter.

Situations where a CVI is NOT required for dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Minnesota include:

• Dogs, cats, or ferrets entering a veterinary facility for treatment, surgery, or diagnostic procedures.
• Dogs, cats, or ferrets temporarily entering the state if there is no change of ownership and if the animal will be leaving the state within 30 days.
• Dogs or cats imported for research at educational and scientific institutions.
• Dogs and cats originating from an adjacent state and entering a kennel licensed by the Board if certain conditions are met.

Rabies Vaccination

Every dog, cat, or ferret three months of age or older traveling into Minnesota must be currently vaccinated for rabies. The details of this vaccination must be listed on the CVI or the CVI must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate. The rabies vaccine may only be administered by a licensed veterinarian. The Board may exempt animals from this requirement based on the written recommendation of a licensed veterinarian who has examined the animal and determined that vaccination is contraindicated due to a medical condition or for animals entering a kennel licensed by the Board that meets certain conditions.

The following information must be included on the rabies certificate:

• Name, address, and telephone number of the owner.
• Animal’s name, breed, size, sex, age, species, and color.
• Vaccine name, manufacturer, serial number, expiration date, and duration of immunity.
• Rabies tag number.
• Date the vaccination was administered.
• Name, address, and license number of the veterinarian who administered or supervised the administration of the vaccine.
• Due date of the next rabies vaccination.

Rabies certificates require the signature of the veterinarian who administered or oversaw the administration of the rabies vaccine. If that veterinarian is unavailable, any veterinarian within the practice may sign the rabies certificate after verifying the administration of the vaccine and the patient’s information in the medical record. The Board considers ink signatures or verifiable digital signatures to be official. Please note, stamping is not an approved signature.

International Imports

Requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets traveling into Minnesota from a different country. Effective August 1, 2024, CDC has new requirements for all dogs entering or returning to the United States.

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)

To enter the State of Minnesota, all dogs, cats, and ferrets traveling from other countries require a valid CVI issued by a licensed/credentialed veterinarian from the country of origin (where the pet is coming from). Each animal listed on the certificate must have a physical examination performed by the signing veterinarian within 30 days of travel and found to be healthy with no signs of infectious, contagious, and/or communicable disease.  

The following information is required on a CVI to enter Minnesota:

• Consigner’s (owner or seller) name and physical address in the country of origin.
• Consignee’s (owner, buyer, or adopter) name, physical address and telephone number in Minnesota.
• Animal description and identification number (microchip or tattoo).
• Vaccine product names, date of administration, and duration of immunity (when they are next due).
• Date and results of any required tests.
• Statement of health declaring the animal fit to travel and free of infectious, contagious, and/or communicable disease.
• Veterinarian’s signature, printed name, and license number.
• Veterinarian’s contact information and stamp (if applicable).

Please note that the EU Pet Passport is NOT accepted as a valid CVI.

Animals traveling from countries or regions where screwworm is known to exist may enter the United States if they are accompanied by a certificate signed by a veterinary official of the region of origin stating:
•    The animal has been inspected for screwworm within 5 days prior to shipment to the United States, and
•    The animal is either free from screwworm OR
•    The animal was infested with screwworm, held in quarantine, and treated until free from screwworm prior to leaving the region.

Proof of Rabies Vaccination

Every dog, cat, or ferret three months of age or older traveling into Minnesota must be currently vaccinated for rabies and have valid proof of rabies vaccination. Proof can be in the form of a rabies certificate or other medical record documents if the following information is present:

• Name, address, and telephone number of the owner.
• Animal’s name, breed, size, sex, age, species, color, and/or identification number (microchip or tattoo).
• Vaccine name, manufacturer, serial number, expiration date, and duration of immunity.
• Date the vaccination was administered.
• Name, address, and license number of the veterinarian who administered or supervised the administration of the vaccine.
• Due date of the next rabies vaccination.

Please note, the EU Pet Passport can be accepted as proof of Rabies vaccination.

CVI for Movement from State of Entry

Dogs, cats, and ferrets that come into the U.S. through a port of entry in a state other than Minnesota, and will be staying longer than 20 days, will require a valid CVI from that state to move into Minnesota. This document is required to have all the information listed above as well as the address of the entry port and Minnesota contact information.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure all import requirements are met. Importers are encouraged to contact:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Bringing a dog into the U.S.
• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): Travel with a pet.
• Their airline.
• Any other state of travel to verify rules and requirements.

Documentation must be received by the Board at least seven days prior to the animal’s arrival in Minnesota. Importers should scan or take legible photos and email them to pet.travel.bah@state.mn.us for review.

Dogs and Cats Imported from Countries, in or near, Confirmed or Suspected African Swine Fever (ASF) in Swine Populations

Dogs and cats that are imported into the U.S. from countries with positive cases of ASF in or near them pose a threat to swine production systems in Minnesota. While there is no direct evidence that dogs or cats are biological carriers of ASF or become sick from ASF, there is concern that these animals, their carriers, and transport-associated materials are capable of carrying and spreading the disease. ASF virus particles can survive on animals’ fur and skin, ticks or other external parasites that may be imported on animals also pose a concern for disease spread and treats and food that contain pork may also contain infectious ASF virus.

To prevent the unintentional introduction of ASF, dogs or cats that have originated from or traveled through a country in which an ASF outbreak has been identified or suspected will be quarantined for a minimum of 10 days upon arrival in Minnesota. This quarantine may take place at the owner’s residence and allows time for disinfection and cleaning protocols to take place.

Details of the quarantine procedures include:

• All dogs must be bathed.
• All dogs and cats must be treated for fleas and ticks with a commercial product approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• All carriers and non-disposable items transported with the animal (dishes, toys, etc.) must be cleaned and disinfected in a Board approved manner.
• All disposable transport materials (bedding, food, treats, animal waste, etc.) must be disposed of in a Board approved manner.
• Quarantine animals may not be moved from the premises without permitted approval by the Board.
• Contact with quarantined animals by people must be limited. Contact with other animals is prohibited.

An agent of the Board will contact dog and cat owners prior to the time of arrival to address any questions and assist in the implementation of the quarantine procedures. Official quarantines may only be released by the Board or an agent of the Board.

Temporary ban: Caribbean Countries

As of July 2022, the Board continues a temporary ban on dogs or cats imported into Minnesota from the following country in the Caribbean due to high levels of ASF present in the swine population:

• Haiti

All other Caribbean nations are considered at increased risk for ASF, and imports will be subject to the above quarantine procedures.

All mammals and birds imported into the state must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI). A statement must be included on the CVI documenting the specific exemption for any of the species listed as prohibited in the bullet points below. Exemptions are listed under Minnesota Statute § 346.155 Subd. 7.

A Minnesota state law (Minnesota Statutes § 346.155) went into effect on January 1, 2005 that prohibits individuals with some exemptions, from purchasing, obtaining, or owning certain exotic animals in Minnesota. The following species are prohibited:

• All members of the Felidae (cat) family, except domestic cats. This includes, but is not limited to, lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, ocelots and servals;
• Bears;
• All nonhuman primates. This includes, but is not limited to, lemurs, monkeys, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, marmosets, lorises, and tamarins; and
• Any hybrid or cross between an animal listed above and a domestic animal, as well as offspring from all subsequent generations of those crosses or hybrids.

People who owned these animals prior to January 1, 2005 may keep them if the animals were registered with their local animal control authority by March 2, 2005 and if the owners comply with certain regulatory standards.

If a registered exotic animals is moved to a new location or transferred to a new owner, local animal control authorities must be notified in writing within 10 days of a change of address or location where the regulated animal is kept. For questions regarding the registration process or the law, please contact the local animal control authority.

For more details refer to the full text of Minnesota Statute § 346.155.

A person must not import live farmed Cervidae into the state from a herd that is infected with or exposed to CWD, or from a state or province where CWD has been detected in the farmed or wild cervid population in the last five years, unless the animal has tested not detected for CWD with a validated live-animal test.

Click here to view the distribution of CWD in North America.

Before importing live farmed Cervidae into Minnesota, the importer must obtain a permit from the Board of Animal Health. Imported farmed Cervidae must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection.

Cervidae carcasses may not be imported into the state from a CWD endemic area, as determined by the board, except for cut and wrapped meat, quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached, antlers, hides, teeth, finished taxidermy mounts, and antlers attached to skull caps that are cleaned of all brain tissue.

Request an import permit online or call the Board at 651-201-6804. It may take up to 24 hours to process the request for a permit. Email farmed.cervidae@state.mn.us with additional questions on imports.

Regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). For import restrictions and requirements contact Paula Phelps at 651-259-5213.

CVI

Horses imported into Minnesota must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection that includes official identification and the date of the last negative EIA test, except horses:

1. Brought into the state for participation in trail rides or exhibitions.
2. Entering a veterinary facility for treatment, surgery, or diagnostic procedures.

USDA VS Form 10-13, Owner/Shipper Certificate for Fitness to Travel to a Slaughter Facility is not an accepted form for horses imported into Minnesota and no Minnesota destinations are permitted to be documented on this form.

EIA tests

Horses must be negative to an official test for EIA conducted within 12 months prior to the date of importation, except:

1. Horses consigned directly to slaughtering establishments under federal inspection.
2. Suckling foals accompanying a negative dam.

Extended Equine CVI (EECVI)

Minnesota accepts the EECVI for horses imported into Minnesota from origin states that have also approved the use of the EECVI. Currently, the only company offering an EECVI option is Global VetLink. Please contact the company for additional information including an up to date list of participating states.

Racetrack Import Requirements

In addition to Minnesota Board of Animal Health equine import and exhibition regulations, the Minnesota Racing Commission requires the following for horses entering Canterbury Park or Running Aces racetracks:

Health Certificates

All horses (including pony/outrider horses) entering the grounds for the first time must be accompanied by an original Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) issued within ten (10) days of their arrival and a negative Coggins Test Certificate issued within 12 months of arrival. EHV-1 vaccination date and rectal temperature for each horse should be included on the health certificate. For those trainers shipping in and out, a copy of the health certificate valid for thirty (30) days will be available in the Commission’s veterinarian’s office upon request.

Vaccinations

Every horse entering the enclosure of the racetrack must have been vaccinated by a veterinarian with an FDA approved modified live or killed virus vaccine specific for EHV-1 not less than 14 days and not more than 4 months prior to date of entry. The specific product used and expiration date  as well as the date the horse was vaccinated must appear on the health certificate.

Piroplasmosis

Horses with a health certificate originating from a state with suspect cases of Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) must also have a negative test for Babesia equi taken within the previous 12 months. Currently this includes Texas, but is subject to change.

Documents must be attached in an email sent to the Minnesota Racing Commission prior to arrival.

Non-poultry bird species must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection.

Poultry is defined as livestock that are turkeys, chickens, waterfowl and game birds raised in captivity, excluding pigeons and doves.

For questions related to the importation of hatching eggs, poultry, or ratites, please call the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory at 320-231-5170.

Slaughter exemption

Poultry and ratites imported into the state that move directly to a state or federally licensed slaughter establishment are exempt from the requirements in this part.

Certificates

All hatching eggs, poultry and ratites must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), National Poultry Improvement Program (NPIP)  Form VS 9-3 (Report of Sale of Eggs, Chicks, and Poults), or an equivalent form as approved by the Board.

Import permit

An import permit must be obtained from the Board prior to importation of hatching eggs, poultry or ratites into the state. The application for an annual import permit must be endorsed by the official animal health agency of the state or country of origin and indicate that the requirements of this part have been met. A single move import permit can be obtained by completing and returning the single move request form.

Pullorum-typhoid

All hatching eggs, poultry, and ratites imported into Minnesota must:

1. Originate from a hatchery or breeding flock that is classified pullorum-typhoid clean under the plan; or
2. Be individually identified with a leg or wing band and be negative to a pullorum-typhoid test conducted within 30 days prior to importation.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae

Chicken hatching eggs, chicks, and chickens from commercial egg-type or meat-type chicken hatcheries or breeding flocks and turkey hatching eggs, poults, and turkeys from commercial turkey hatcheries or breeding flocks imported into the state must:

1. Originate from a hatchery or breeding flock that is classified Mycoplasma gallisepticum clean and Mycoplasma synoviae clean under the plan; or
2. Be individually identified with a leg or wing band and be negative to a Mycoplasma gallisepticum and a Mycoplasma synoviae test within 30 days prior to importation.

Salmonella enteritidis

Chicken hatching eggs, chicks, and chickens imported into Minnesota from commercial egg-type chicken hatcheries or breeding flocks must originate from a hatchery or breeding flock that is classified Salmonella enteritidis clean under the plan.

Sanitation monitored

Turkey hatching eggs, poults, and turkeys imported into the state from commercial turkey hatcheries or breeding flocks must originate from a hatchery or breeding flock that meets the requirements of the sanitation monitored program of the plan.

Shipping containers

Only new or cleaned and disinfected poultry boxes or containers shall be used to ship baby poultry into the state.

CVI

All goats or sheep imported into the state must be accompanied by a CVI except those:

1. Going directly to slaughter at a slaughtering establishment having federal inspection; or
2. Originating from a farm of origin in an adjacent state and consigned to a state-federal approved livestock market.

Contents of CVI

If official identification is required, the CVI must show the individual official identification number of each animal except:

1. Officially identified goats and sheep moving directly to slaughter if the CVI indicates the animals are officially identified and for slaughter only; or
2. Officially identified feeder animals that are being moved to a feedlot if the CVI indicates the animals are officially identified and that the animals are for feeding purposes only.

Owner/Hauler Statement (OHS)

All sheep or goats (excluding wethers under 18 months) imported into the state must be accompanied by an OHS when a CVI is not required. A CVI can always be used in place of an OHS when an OHS is required.

Official identification

Goats or sheep imported into Minnesota must be officially identified except those less than 18 months of age in slaughter channels that are moving directly to a:

1. Slaughtering establishment having federal inspection
2. State-federal approved livestock market. Animals must be slaughtered by 18 months of age.
3. Board-approved* terminal feedlot. Permit required. Animals must be slaughtered by 18 months of age.

*To find out if a premises is a Board-approved terminal feedlot, please call 651-201-6809.

CVI and official identification

Swine imported into the state must be officially identified and accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection except for swine:

1. Which move under an approved swine production system health plan;
2. Consigned to a state-federal approved livestock market which move directly from a farm of origin; or
3. Moving directly to slaughter at a slaughtering establishment under federal inspection.

Importation of feral swine prohibited

The importation into the state of feral swine or swine that were feral during any part of their lifetime is prohibited. Importation into the state of feral swine carcasses is prohibited except for cut and wrapped meat, hides, teeth, and finished taxidermy mounts.

All mammals and birds imported into the state must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI).

State law does not allow skunks or feral swine to be transported into Minnesota.

A statement must be included on the CVI for skunks entering the state due to an exemption under Minnesota Statute § 145.365 Subd 2. The statement must indicate the specific exemption that applies to the skunk(s) on the CVI.