Department of Livestock

All breeds.

• Companion animals traveling with their owners and not destined for a pet store or change of ownership require only proof of current rabies vaccination. A CVI and Permit are not required unless they are an international import, or from a rabies quarantine or Foot and Mouth Disease area.
• Companion animals (i.e., private sale) on a change of ownership or destined for a pet store must have a CVI, current rabies certificate and vaccination (if animal is old enough to meet vaccination eligibility), and an import permit number. US travelers only.
• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and Permit

• Rabies:
  • Companion animals traveling with their owners and originating from a non-rabies quarantine area are required to travel with a current rabies certificate and their rabies vaccination must be current. This is for United States travelers only - is not the requirement for international shipments.
  • Companion animals originating from a rabies quarantine area, regardless of whether change of ownership or not, call the Department of Livestock (406-444-2976) prior to leaving to obtain permission to ship from one of our on-staff vets. These animals must travel with a CVI and an import permit number issued by calling the above number. US travelers only.
• Foot and Mount Disease (FMD):
  • Companion animals entering from an international border and a non-FMD incident area will be required to meet the import requirements as listed for US travelers in regards to change of ownership or rabies quarantine origin. Must also contact the Helena APHIS office at 406-449-2220 for international shipping requirements into Montana.
  • Companion animals originating from a confirmed FMD case country must first contact our office at 406-444-2043 to convey exposure potential and site location of origin, these shipments will be reviewed on a case-by-case shipment basis. If the shipment is deemed by a veterinarian with the Montana State Veterinarian's office as low risk and eligible for importation as outlined in the FMD Prevention & Response Protocol, III., then the animal(s) must first meet the following requirements:
  • Any animal(s) to be imported must be held in quarantine for seven days prior to exportation from the exporting country and bathed with a one-to-one vinegar and water solution to the entire body of the animal immediately prior to the quarantine period and immediately prior to exportation. Additionally, the animal must be quarantined to the premises of destination for a minimum of ten days with no cloven-hoofed animal contact for the quarantine period and bathed with a one-to-one vinegar and water solution to the entire body of the animal immediately prior to the quarantine period and prior to quarantine release in Montana.
  • The quarantines must be overseen by a designated veterinarian in both the country of origin and at destination in Montana. The name of the Montana veterinarian responsible for overseeing the quarantine in Montana must be provided prior to issuance of a permit from the Dept of LS. The quarantine facilities must at a veterinarian's clinic in both country of origin and after animal's arrival in Montana.
  • A current rabies certificate (if animal is vaccination eligible age), a CVI and an import permit number must be obtained prior to entrance into Montana. The permit must be obtained Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.