All birds require a 30 day quarantine on arrival in the USA. For other animals you should enquire at a US Embassy, but your travel agent may also be able to assist.

Pet passports

Pets do not need passports to enter the USA. However, in many cases you will need special Import Permits.

Microchipping

This is a new way of identifying your pet. It consists of inserting a microchip with relevant names and addresses just under the skin of your pet. If you have already had your pet microchipped, simply contact the service provider to give them the updated address for you and your pet. This new system is proving popular since it cannot fall off, as tags can, and it is also inexpensive. For example, the cost in Arizona for this process is $20 per pet.

The microchipping service Home Again (www.homeagainid.com) has returned upward of 250,000 pets using this method. The US Navy favors it so strongly that the Kings Bay Naval Base in Georgia has made it mandatory, 'chip your pet, or do not own one'.

Finding a vet

The easy way to find a veterinarian in the USA is to refer to the Yellow Pages, a telephone advertising directory that is supplied to every residence that has telephone service.