USDA regulations for traveling with "livestock"
Traveling with your pet pig
Written By Brittany Sawyer Feb 2015
In order to cross state lines with livestock (whether it's a pet or not) you still have to follow the USDA guidelines. While we do not consider potbellied pig (also known as mini pigs) "livestock", the USDA has protocols that everyday families must follow to be in compliance. (International travel is a bit different and the link to that section has also been included.) These rules may change month to month or year to year, but the USDA doesn't care if you read the wrong information, according to them, it is YOUR responsibility to ensure you are following the rules and regulations of the area in which you are traveling in.
Written By Brittany Sawyer Feb 2015
In order to cross state lines with livestock (whether it's a pet or not) you still have to follow the USDA guidelines. While we do not consider potbellied pig (also known as mini pigs) "livestock", the USDA has protocols that everyday families must follow to be in compliance. (International travel is a bit different and the link to that section has also been included.) These rules may change month to month or year to year, but the USDA doesn't care if you read the wrong information, according to them, it is YOUR responsibility to ensure you are following the rules and regulations of the area in which you are traveling in.
For example, in the state of Virginia, where I live, the USDA website allows you to choose the state you will be traveling to and this is what is listed for Virginia.
As you can see, the state of Virginia does not differentiate between farm pigs, pet pigs, mini pigs or any other types of "swine". They are all considered pigs because that's exactly what they are....pigs. This section goes into further detail once I click the word swine.
What this tells me is that if I was bringing a pig into Virginia, the pig must "bear" an ID number, typically meaning ear tag (and in Virginia, a metal ear tag issued by the state is an acceptable ID tag), but in some cases, in other states, a microchip would suffice, as long as the ID number is listed on the CVI (certificate of veterinary inspection) or health certificate. This also tells me that if my pig comes from an area that is NOT pseudorabies or brucellosis free, my pig will require blood testing to be sure the test is negative within 30 days of coming into the state or a document approved by the state vet ensuring my pig has not had contact with other pigs who may be infected. Most vets do not want to put their license on the line and take your word for it without having first hand knowledge that this is, in fact, true, so they will test your pig to be sure they are in compliance. This is a BIG deal.
Some of the states are very detailed and categorize animals while others only list certain animals and the regulations are confusing or unclear. The best way to determine what you need to do is to contact the state vet (in writing) and ask about your particular circumstances. Allow time to get all of this done, it definitely doesn't happen overnight, so plan ahead if you're planning on traveling with your mini pig.
Some of the states are very detailed and categorize animals while others only list certain animals and the regulations are confusing or unclear. The best way to determine what you need to do is to contact the state vet (in writing) and ask about your particular circumstances. Allow time to get all of this done, it definitely doesn't happen overnight, so plan ahead if you're planning on traveling with your mini pig.
From my understanding, they can confiscate your animal, the vehicle used to illegally transport and also a require that you pay a hefty fine if you do not follow the rules. If you are getting a pig from out of state and you do not have a health certificate or CVI (certificate of veterinary inspection), any animal exposed to the illegal pig is also at risk. It is simple to make an appointment with your vet's office if you plan to travel with your pig (first ensuring your vet is credentialed to write health certificates) and schedule an appointment to have any necessary blood work done, a general inspection of the pig and identification markers, if needed, rather than risk someone finding out later that you transported an animal illegally and suffering those consequences. This includes receiving a piglet from an out of state source, please ensure proper guidelines are followed so you don't put your pig at risk. This certificate should accompany your animal when traveling. Typically a CVI or health certificate is good for 30 days, most states require the CVI be done within the 30 day time frame to ensure you're bringing a healthy pig into the states that require it. But this changes and some states only accept a health certificate that is less than 10 days old, so please check with the destination state. Please check the rules for any state you cross through if you are traveling a long distance so you can be sure you are in compliance with all the regulations. It is against the law to transport a pig without a CVI and the reasons they're required is to help and prevent the spread of disease and infections to other parts of the country and keep it contained in areas affected. Do NOT risk transporting without one, it just isn't worth it.
Some states require blood testing while others do not, some states require visible identification, like an ear tag, while others are ok with a microchip or none at all....even if you're only passing through a state, you still have to follow the guidelines for each state you go to or travel through. Not every vet is certified to write a health certificate, you can ask you get if he/she is credentialed to do so or check the link to find one that is able to write a health certificate for you or your pig. PLEASE CHECK FOR YOURSELF, DO NOT TRUST SOMEONE ELSE'S RESEARCH BECAUSE IT CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE OR DEATH FOR YOUR PIG!!!!
This is the international link to see what the requirements are.
Click Here
Travel within the US (if your state is not listed, they may not require a health certificate to travel into, however, whatever states you're crossing through or going to may be different and their rules will need to be followed)
Click Here for travel within the US
And finally, finding a vet to write/test for a health certificate.
Click Here to find an accredited veterinarian to write a CVI
Each state has a state vet, here's the 2014 state vet list sorted by state...should you have questions or need additional information, this is the person that you would need to contact. Click Here
Here is a link with tips for traveling with your pig. Some may find this info useful.
http://www.petswelcome.com/articles/tips-for-traveling-with-your-potbelly-pig
Some states require blood testing while others do not, some states require visible identification, like an ear tag, while others are ok with a microchip or none at all....even if you're only passing through a state, you still have to follow the guidelines for each state you go to or travel through. Not every vet is certified to write a health certificate, you can ask you get if he/she is credentialed to do so or check the link to find one that is able to write a health certificate for you or your pig. PLEASE CHECK FOR YOURSELF, DO NOT TRUST SOMEONE ELSE'S RESEARCH BECAUSE IT CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE OR DEATH FOR YOUR PIG!!!!
This is the international link to see what the requirements are.
Click Here
Travel within the US (if your state is not listed, they may not require a health certificate to travel into, however, whatever states you're crossing through or going to may be different and their rules will need to be followed)
Click Here for travel within the US
And finally, finding a vet to write/test for a health certificate.
Click Here to find an accredited veterinarian to write a CVI
Each state has a state vet, here's the 2014 state vet list sorted by state...should you have questions or need additional information, this is the person that you would need to contact. Click Here
Here is a link with tips for traveling with your pig. Some may find this info useful.
http://www.petswelcome.com/articles/tips-for-traveling-with-your-potbelly-pig
Traveling with your pig FAQ
Traveling by Train or Bus
Q: Can my pet travel with me on a train or bus?
A: Most states restrict the travel of pets on trains or buses. Exceptions are made for guide or service dogs. Check with your carrier to find out if your pet can come with you and what rules and regulations apply.
Q: Can my pet travel with me on a train or bus?
A: Most states restrict the travel of pets on trains or buses. Exceptions are made for guide or service dogs. Check with your carrier to find out if your pet can come with you and what rules and regulations apply.
Traveling by Boat
Q: How do I prepare my pig for traveling in my boat?
A: For personal boats, take time to allow your pet to become familiar with your boat.
Q: What items should I bring with me to keep my pig safe?
A: Bring the following items:
Q: How will my pet go to the bathroom when on a boat?
A: You can train your pig to use a piece of astroturf, a box of sod or newspaper. For some pigs, that use litter boxes, make sure there is a litterbox secured to the floor inside the boat. However, do not be surprised if your pig doesn't want to go potty in a strange litterbox in a strange location.
Q: What should I do to prepare when traveling on a cruise with my pig?
A: To prepare for traveling with a pet on a cruise:
Q: What are some other things to think about when traveling by boat?
A: Here are some other things you should think about:
Traveling by Car
Q: What can I do to prepare my pig for traveling in a car?
A: If your pig does not ride well in a car, consider leaving your pig at home, with friends or family, or in a boarding facility.
A: To keep your pig safe and healthy:
Traveling by air
Q: How do I prepare my pig for traveling in my boat?
A: For personal boats, take time to allow your pet to become familiar with your boat.
- Provide a ramp for your pig to easily get on and off the boat, or carry your pig on and off the boat, if possible.
- Call ahead to make sure the marina or park is pet/pig friendly.
Q: What items should I bring with me to keep my pig safe?
A: Bring the following items:
- Your pet should wear a proper-fitting personal flotation device (a life jacket) at all times to keep your pig safe in and around water, even if they know how to swim.
- Applying sunscreen prevents sunburn to your pig, especially pigs with light skin and short or thin haircoats. You can chose any pet safe sunscreen, picking the higher SPF will reduce the amount of times per day that you will have to apply it, but if you will be on a boat for the day, remember they can get extreme sunburn just like people, so apply liberally.
- Provide non-slip bathroom rugs to assist your pig from sliding on the wet boat and from burning their hooves. If the walkway is boring your feet, it is also bring your pigs feet.
- You should have your pig in a carrier, or on a harness or leash to prevent them from jumping or falling overboard. Pigs are top heavy, so accidentally falling in the water is a real possibility. Some pigs LOVE the water, so they may actually jump off of a boat to get in. You know your pig best, so use what you know to protect your pig.
Q: How will my pet go to the bathroom when on a boat?
A: You can train your pig to use a piece of astroturf, a box of sod or newspaper. For some pigs, that use litter boxes, make sure there is a litterbox secured to the floor inside the boat. However, do not be surprised if your pig doesn't want to go potty in a strange litterbox in a strange location.
Q: What should I do to prepare when traveling on a cruise with my pig?
A: To prepare for traveling with a pet on a cruise:
- For public boats, check with the boating company to find out their requirements and restrictions.
- Most boating companies will require you to provide a regulation carrier and a way to leash/control your animals.
- You will also need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and possibly a travel form, depending on the areas that you will be visiting.
Q: What are some other things to think about when traveling by boat?
A: Here are some other things you should think about:
- When traveling by boat, your pig should have exercise and potty time before boarding and when you make stops.
- When traveling to foreign countries, you will need an International Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate).
- You may also need a permit and have to fill out a form. Information about pet passports to foreign countries can be found at Pet Travel (Click the words Pet Travel to go to their website)
- Some pets get motion sicknesses on boats. If your pig becomes motion sick in the car, it will likely be sick on a boat. Talk to your veterinarian about alternate traveling suggestions or medications.
Traveling by Car
Q: What can I do to prepare my pig for traveling in a car?
A: If your pig does not ride well in a car, consider leaving your pig at home, with friends or family, or in a boarding facility.
- If you don't often take your pig in the car, start with short trips to "fun" destinations (such as a pig-friendly park or play area) to help your pig get used to riding in a car.
- If your pig gets car sick, talk to your veterinarian about alternate traveling suggestions or medications to keep them comfortable.
A: To keep your pig safe and healthy:
- Make frequent stops (about every 2-3 hours) to allow your pig to go to the bathroom and get some exercise.
- Properly restrain your pig in the car to prevent injury to your pets, you and to other drivers. Preferably a crate.
- Do not let your pig ride in the back of a truck. If your pig must ride in the truck bed, they should be confined in a protective kennel that is secured to the truck to prevent injury. Please consider weather/temperature as well when this must be done.
- Pets, in general, should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside the window. Dirt and other debris can enter their eyes, ears and snout and cause injury or infection.
- Pigs should not be allowed to ride on the driver's lap or near the driver's feet. Small pets should be confined in crates or in travel-safe beds, and larger pets should be appropriately restrained with harnesses attached to the car's seat belts.
- Pigs should be transported in carriers.
- Providing a familiar blanket and/or safe toy can help make your pig more comfortable during the trip.
- Properly restrain your pig when traveling in cars or other vehicles, and never leave your pig in your vehicle without you.
- If you are planning to travel outside of your state, you will need to check the above guidelines to be sure your pig doesn't need a CVI (certificate of veterinarian inspection) or a health certificate. (That information is above)
Traveling by air
- If you’re traveling by air and considering bringing your pig with you, talk with your veterinarian first. Air travel can put some pets at risk, especially older pigs. Your veterinarian is the best person to advise you regarding your own pig’s ability to travel. If your pig is not an emotional support pet, your pig will need to travel in the cargo section of the plane and not with you in the cabin. This is not recommended, or ideal. Pigs have a very small lung capacity under normal circumstances, so any additional pressure on your pigs already "not so great" lungs may hurt your pig.
- Pack for your pet as well as you would for yourself if you’re going to travel together. In addition to your pet’s food and medications, this includes bringing copies of their medical records, information to help identify your pet if it becomes lost, first aid supplies, and other items. Refer to our Traveling with Your Pet FAQs for a more complete list. (above)