Iowa's Companion Animal Import Requirements
DES MOINES, Iowa (Sept. 10, 2019) - Our thoughts go out to everyone who was affected by Hurricane Dorian. Now that hurricane relief efforts are underway, we encourage all Iowans to help however they can. If you are able to provide aid to lost or abandoned animals and choose to bring them into the state, please remember to follow Iowa’s import requirements outlined in Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 21.65.10.
- All dogs or cats entering the state must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) indicating freedom from disease or exposure to infectious or contagious disease.
- Dogs or cats originating from a rabies-quarantined area will not be admitted.
- All dogs over four months of age must have a current rabies vaccination with a USDA-approved rabies vaccine.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture also reminds animal caregivers that biosecurity is key to protecting animals and people in the state of Iowa. Anytime you bring a new animal into your home, commercial breeding facility, animal rescue or animal shelter, we encourage you to isolate it until you confirm it is illness-free. Biosecurity tips can be found at iowaagriculture.gov/biosecurity.
