Pet import requirements for American Samoa

American Samoa at a glance

The detail

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of the in dependent nation of Samoa. Because American Samoa is in Oceania, transit countries on the way can impose extra live-animal rules even when the destination file looks straightforward. Dogs and cats must be at least 6 months of age at the time of entry.

Import requirements

Dogs and cats must be at least 6 months of age at the time of entry. Animals younger than 6 months are not permitted entry.

All pets must meet the following prior to travel:

1.

ISO microchip implanted prior to vaccinations/testing

2.

Minimum age of 6 months

3.

Spay/neuter completed with certification

4.

Rabies vaccination series (2 vaccines) with proper timing

5.

Valid FAVN (RNATT) test meeting requirements

6.

Required vaccinations (species-specific)

7.

Internal and external parasite treatments within 30 days

8.

Completed USDA 7001 Health Certificate

9.

All documents submitted and approved prior to travel

10.

Import Permit issued prior to departure

Personal pet imports are subject to the same requirements as commercial imports, in cluding import permit approval and full compliance with all veterinary and documentation requirements.

All animals imported must have an import permit issued by the Department of Agriculture and comply with all entry requirements. Animals must be shipped in accordance with the approved permit conditions.

American Samoa is a rabies-free territory and may impose additional requirements or restrictions depending on the country of origin. Owners are responsible for ensuring compliance prior to travel.

-

All documents must be submitted in advance and approved prior to travel

-

Owners must carry copies of all documentation during transit

-

Failure to comply may result in denial of entry or re-export at the owner’s expense

Identification and microchip

A 15-digit ISO-compatible microchip is required for all pets.

If another microchip type is used:

• The owner must provide a scanner for compatibility verification.

All documents must in clude the microchip number.

The veterinarian must confirm on the CVI/Health Certificate that the microchip was scanned and verified.

Rabies and vaccinations

Rabies Requirements

-

Rabies vaccination is required for all pets

-

First vaccination must be administered at or after 3 months of age

-

Second vaccination must be administered at least 30 days after the first vaccination

-

The most recent rabies vaccination must remain valid for at least 6 months after arrival

-

Rabies vaccination details (manufacturer, lot number, expiration date) must be in cluded on documentation

Dogs must:

• Receive in itial puppy series and annual boosters
• Have most recent vaccination administered within the past year
• Puppies must receive final vaccination at 16 weeks of age

Cats:

-

FVRCP (Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

Tests and treatments

A FAVN test is required for all pets entering American Samoa regardless of origin.

Requirements:

• Results must remain valid for at least 6 months after arrival
• Test must be conducted at an approved laboratory
• Microchip number must be in cluded on the submission form
• Test takes approximately 30 days to complete
• OIE-FAVN valid for 36 months from blood draw date

Administered by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian and documented on the health certificate:

-

Internal parasite treatment (must in clude tapeworms) within 30 days prior to entry

-

External parasite treatment within 30 days prior to entry (fleas, ticks, mites)

-

Heartworm testing is strongly recommended, and pets should be on prevention

Health certificate and permits

A CVI or equivalent Health Certificate must meet the same requirements as CVI APHIS Form 7001.

Requirements:

• Must be completed within 14 days of departure
• Must be completed by an accredited or of ficial veterinarian

The CVI must in clude:

• Microchip number
• Vaccinations
• Tests
• Treatments

After completion:

• Submit all documents via email to Animal Services to obtain an Import Permit.

-

Required prior to entry

-

All documents must be submitted via email to Veterinary Services for review

-

Upon approval, the Department of Agriculture issues the import permit

-

The permit must be obtained prior to travel and referenced on travel documentation

American Traveler Declaration:

https://travelerdeclaration.as.gov/

For import requirements and checklists, contact:

info.animalservices@doh.as

Quarantine

American Samoa does not have a quarantine facility.

-

Animals may be in spected upon arrival by a Quarantine Veterinary Officer

-

If documentation is complete and the animal is healthy, pets may be released to the owner

-

Additional in spection or isolation measures may be required if concerns arise

Restrictions and banned breeds

Internal Parasite Treatment

Must:

• Be administered within 30 days of arrival
• Cover tapeworms

Examples:

• Drontal
• Nexgard Combo for cats
• Praziquantel-based products for dogs

External Parasite Treatment

Must:

• Be administered within 30 days of arrival
• Protect against fleas, ticks, and mites

Additional

• Heartworm test strongly recommended

All parasite treatments must be administered or supervised by a veterinarian.

Prohibited Breeds (not permitted entry):

-

Pit Bull (in cluding American Pit Bull Terrier and crosses)

-

American Bulldog

-

American Staffordshire Terrier

-

Dogo Argentino

-

Boerboel

-

Fila Brasileiro

-

Cane Corso

-

Presa Canario

-

Mastiff (all types)

-

Tosa Inu

-

Kangal

-

Rottweiler

-

Japanese Tosa

Restricted Breeds (may be permitted under special conditions):

-

Akita

-

Bull Terrier

-

Chow Chow

-

Doberman Pinscher

-

Rhodesian Ridgeback

-

German Shepherd

Customs, agents, and airports

Highly Recommended

Airports:

1.

Pago Pago International Airport, Pago Pago (IATA: PPG, ICAO: NSTU)

Best Airport:

Pago Pago International Airport (PPG) is the primary port of entry. Travel from the mainland United States typically routes through Hawaii.

Water Port:

1.

Pago Pago Harbor, Pago Pago

-

Pets must arrive with all required documentation

-

Documentation is reviewed by Customs and/or Veterinary

-

Animals may be in spected upon arrival

-

Entry is permitted via air or sea (subject to approval)

-

Owners must notify authorities and ensure compliance prior to arrival

Export notes

When exporting pets from American Samoa:

-

Transit through Hawaii may require compliance with State of Hawaii import regulations

-

Rabies vaccinations and FAVN testing may be required for on ward travel

-

Owners should confirm requirements with destination country prior to export

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

Requirements for species other than dogs and cats should be confirmed directly with the Department of Health Veterinary Services prior to export.

Animal Welfare Regulations

American Samoa Department of Health – Veterinary Services

Email: info.animalservices@doh.as

Phone: +1 (684) 699-9445

-

It is recommended to begin the import process 6–7 months prior to travel

-

American Samoa enforces strict biosecurity controls as a rabies-free territory

-

Incomplete or in correct documentation may result in delays, denial of entry, or return of the animal at the owner’s expense

Official contacts

American Samoa Department of Health – Veterinary Services

Phone: +1 (684) 699-9445

Email: info.animalservices@doh.as

Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 4074

Pago Pago, AS 96799

Phone: +1 (684) 699-9272

Disclaimer

Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2026-03-18.

Next: measure your dog, find the kennel size, then get a free travel quote. Moving on military orders? PCS moves. Going to Hawaiʻi instead? Hawaiʻi has its own regime.

Other destinations: Australia · Cook Islands · Fiji · all destinations