By Hilary Stern, DVM
For The Birds
1136 South De Anza Blvd, Suite B.
San Jose, CA 95129

Apply for a CITES permit
a. CITES permits are required for all pet birds (except budgerigars and cockatiels) traveling outside of the United States, and are issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

b. Call the USFWS at (800) 358-2104 and talk to an agent to get up-to-date information on your application. Make sure to get a phone number from them for the Wildlife Service of your country of destination. The agent can also help you with getting an application form (or go to the USFWS web site).

c. CITES permits currently cost $25 (but double-check to be sure), and take 3-6 weeks to be issued. Make sure to apply well before your date of travel.

d. When applying for a CITES permit you will need to include a copy of your purchase receipt showing you acquired your bird in the United States or a letter explaining in detail how and when you acquired the bird. Make sure to speak to the agent regarding this if you have questions, as you don't want your application process to be delayed.

Contact the airline you will be traveling on

e. Different airlines have differing requirements for international travel. Make sure you know what the requirements are, and that you follow them to the letter.

Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian, and have it validated by the USDA.

a. Take your bird(s) to your veterinarian to have them examined. Your veterinarian can then issue you a health certificate.

b. Call the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) phone number on the health certificate to get up to date information on how much they charge for validating health certificates.

c. Mail the original copy of the health certificate to your local USDA office. The mailing address is listed on the health certificate under the heading "Foreign Shipments". Include the required fee.

Make sure your bird is permanently identified.

a. Your bird will need a leg band and/or a microchip before leaving the country. Discuss this with your veterinarian when you bring your bird in for a health certificate.

Contact the local consulate of the country to which you are traveling.

a. Some countries require that your bird's health certificate by validated by their consulates. Check to find out if this is true in your case.

Contact the Wildlife Service of the country to which you are traveling.

a. Phone numbers can be obtained from the USFWS at (800) 358-2104.

b. Find out what import or export permits are required by that country. Make sure to tell them if you plan to return to the United States with your bird.