Bird Transport Service Helping You Import Birds to the USA
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Pet Bird Relocation Tips
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Our Open Library of
Pet Bird Relocation Tips
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We provide free support on bird transport.
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After paying thousands of dollars, many of our questions were left unanswered.
If you’re planning international travel with your parrot, don’t worry— we are here to pass you the advice, from one bird owner to another.
Don’t forget to explore our open resource library on pet relocation. And remember, requirements for bird import to the USA vary by species and country of origin. To get the exact details for your situation, reach out to us, and we’ll help you navigate the process!
Why do we offer free help with Bird Transport?
Why
do we offer free help with Bird Transport?
expand to read more
If you’re planning international travel with your parrot, don’t worry— we are here to pass you the advice, from one bird owner to another.
Don’t forget to explore our open resource library on pet relocation! And remember, requirements for bird import to the USA vary by species and country of origin. To get the exact details for your situation, reach out to us, and we’ll help you navigate the process!
How It Works
Step 1: Choose Your Free Consultation
Step 2: Ongoing Guidance & Support
Step 3: Travel Prep & Paperwork Support
Bird Transport FAQ
Bird Transport
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a bird?
The base cost of transporting a bird is around $1500 to $2000 — covering paperwork fees, veterinary exams, quarantine, and plane ticket, assuming you handle everything yourself. If you need to hire a “broker” or a “relocation service”, expect the cost to rise by a couple to a few thousands.
Read our in-depth guide on How much does it cost to ship a bird to the USA for key insights to make your pet relocation journey more affordable.
What are the requirements to travel with my bird to the US?
For all birds (regardless of species):
- USDA Import Permit (exempt only if entering from Canada via land border)
- Veterinary Export Health Certificate
- USDA Quarantine (unless eligible for exemption based on origin)
- USDA Port Inspection
Additional requirements depending on species:
- Import Permit from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
- Export Permit from the origin country
This list covers the key permits and requirements, but additional forms and details may be needed. Our in-depth guides are coming soon— contact us today for free and specific guidance for your case.
Do I need an import permit to ship my bird to the US?
Yes, there are two main types of import permits. The USDA import permit is required for all birds regardless of species (exempt only if entering from Canada via land border), to ensure they meet health and safety standards. The second type, issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is only required for the protected species. Many common parrots are actually protected and need a USFWS import permit(s).
Don’t worry! Check out our article to find out whether your bird needs a USFWS import permit.
How long is the application process to import a bird to the US?
It typically takes 1 to 3 months to import a bird to the US, depending on the species. Many common parrots are highly regulated and require complex paperwork. We recommend starting the process 6-8 months before your move to account for potential delays, especially if it is your first time traveling with a parrot internationally.
Not sure? Read our article: How long does it take to import a bird to the USA.
Does my bird need to be vaccinated to travel to the US?
No, but if you’re concerned about your bird’s health before or during transport, consult your vet about recommended vaccinations. Be sure to review the “Veterinary Export Health Certificate”, as it specifies that the Newcastle disease vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and that birds must not be vaccinated against any H5 or H7 subtype of avian influenza.
In-depth tips on parrot international travel are coming soon — stay tuned! In the meantime, feel free to reach out with any questions!
Do I need to hire a customs broker to ship a bird to the US?
If your bird requires complex paperwork and shipping as cargo, you’ll likely need a customs broker. However, if you’re flying with your bird, you can probably handle it yourself with careful preparation.
Be cautious with “brokers” marketed to pet owners — many offer premium service packages that you can manage yourself. These are better described as “agencies” or “coordinators”. Strictly speaking, customs brokers are licensed professionals authorized to clear goods through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Contact us if you think you need a customs broker. We can walk you through the essentials to make sure you are not overpaying.
Is it true that I can only import two birds to the USA?
The two-bird limit applies only to “exotic birds” under USFWS rules. You can ship up to five birds per adult per year under USDA’s “pet travel” rules, as long as the species are not considered “exotic”.
If your birds are on the Approved Captive-Bred Species List, they are NOT considered exotic and are exempt from the limit, allowing you to import up to five.
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How Long Does It Take to Import a Bird to the US?
USFWS and USDA Permits Explained
The Short Answer:
Don’t count on the official estimated time if it is your first time shipping birds to the USA.
Our Tip:
The Import Side: Regulations for International Travel with Parrots
Obtaining import permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is often the most time-consuming part of bird transport. They require applications to be submitted at least
While not all pet birds require a USFWS import permit, many commonly kept parrots are strictly regulated and need multiple permits, for example the African Grey Parrot, Macaw, and Yellow-Crested Cockatoo.
To import birds to the US, you will need USFWS import permit(s) if your bird is listed under:
- CITES Appendix I Species → CITES import permit issued by USFWS
- WBCA (Wild Bird Conservation Act)** → WBCA import permit issued by USFWS
- ESA (Endangered Species Act) → ESA import permit issued by USFWS
Our Tip:
Useful Links:
How Many Birds Can You Bring to the US? USDA & USFWS Rules for Importing Birds
Our Tip:
The Export Side: Export Permits for International Travel with Parrots
Some pet birds, like budgerigars (budgies), are not listed under CITES. This means they do not require export permits and are generally exempt from the strict regulations designed for endangered species.
Our Tip: