Returning with Pets

For returning to the United States with pets, check the specific requirements that must be fulfilled by referencing the websites of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The U.S. Customs service also publishes a booklet.

Note: For those in particular returning with birds, check the following USDA sites:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/pet-bird-non-us.html for birds originating outside of the United States
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/returning-pet-bird-import.html for birds that originally went overseas from the U.S.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/bird-leg-bands.html -- leg band information for parrots originally imported into the U.S. before 1992.

A Foreign Service parrot owner reports the following:

Parrots coming back into the U.S. from countries which have had avian flu will need to go into quarantine for 30 days at a USDA facility. (Birds who have been in other countries can be quarantined at home). You can give them food so you aren't having the bird stressed with a diet change, and you can bring toys for them as well. They recommend making reservations 1-2 months in advance, though I was told they have never had to euthanize a pet bird for lack of space. The cost is around $315, plus there is an import permit of $94. If your parrot is listed under CITES (which protects exotic species...most parrots are listed), you will need a permit from Fish and Wildlife, which is another $100 or so. That process takes about 30 days as well. You should also make certain you still have your health certificate that you used to bring your bird to post in the first place.