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Export cats to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, USA: certificate 8696

Apply online to export cats to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, USA.

From:
Animal and Plant Health Agency
Published
19 October 2021
Last updated
5 May 2026 — See all updates
Destination country:
USA
Commodity type:
Pets
Certificate status:
Active

From 1st August 2024, this certificate should only be used for the export of cats to Massachusetts. From that date, dogs entering or returning to Massachusetts must do so using certificate 8860.

Exporting from England, Scotland and Wales

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales, you must apply for this export health certificate (EHC) using the online service.

If you’re in Northern Ireland, you must apply to DAERA.

1. Check what you need for your export

Find out about the requirements for export in the guidance notes.

Download a specimen certificate Export of cats to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, USA: certificate 8696, version 3.

2. Apply online

You’ll need:

  • a Government Gateway account
  • a Defra account

If you don’t already have them you’ll need to register for these accounts, and so will your official vet or inspector.

Start now

Registration takes around 5 minutes. Official vets and inspectors will also need to have their registration checked by APHA.

Register and sign in as an official vet or inspector.

Read the accessibility statement for this service.

Applying online means you can:

  • see the status of your applications
  • always use the latest version of the EHC
  • copy existing applications
  • apply for multiple certificates

Exporting from Northern Ireland

If you’re in Northern Ireland, you no longer need to download this EHC. You will complete the EHC template as part of the DAERA online application process (DECS).

For more information, see the DECS Application User Guide

  1. Find out about the requirements for export in the guidance notes and Export of cats to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, USA: certificate 8696, version 3.

  2. Start your application.

Make sure you examine the latest version of the EHC and guidance notes as they are sometimes updated. The latest versions are on this page.

Help with your application

In England, Scotland and Wales, call APHA on 03000 200 301.

In Northern Ireland, call DAERA on 02877442060.

Find out about call charges.

Updates to this page

Published 19 October 2021
Last updated 5 May 2026 show all updates

  1. Process for applying for EHC in Northern Ireland has changed

  2. EHC and guidance notes updated

  3. From 1st August 2024, this certificate should only be used for the export of cats to Massachusetts.

  4. Guidance removed regarding dogs entering the USA from 1st August 2024 as it is no longer applicable.

  5. From 1st August 2024, this certificate should only be used for the export of cats to Massachusetts. From that date, dogs entering or returning to the United States must do so using certificate 8860.

  6. Updated EHC and NFG

  7. Certificate now available on EHC online.

  8. First published.

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