(a) Entry permit requirements.
  (1) All animals entering Texas from any state, territory, or foreign country shall have an entry permit unless excepted by this chapter.
  (2) Entry permit requests shall be directed to the commission by either writing to Texas Animal Health Commission, c/o Permits, P.O. Box 12966, Austin, Texas 78711-2966; or by telephoning (512) 719-0777 or 1-800-550-8242. In order to obtain a valid permit, the permit requester must provide the commission information necessary to determine that the animals comply with applicable entry requirements, the destination of the animals, and contact information for the requester.
  (3) The entry permit number shall be written on a valid certificate of veterinary inspection by the issuing accredited veterinarian and the certificate must accompany the shipment. If a certificate of veterinary inspection is excepted by §51.3 of this chapter (relating to Exceptions), then the permit number shall be written or affixed onto the appropriate documents accompanying the shipment. The permit is valid for 15 days after issuance.
(b) Certificate of veterinary inspection.
  (1) All animals entering Texas from any state, territory, or foreign country shall have a certificate of veterinary inspection unless excepted by this chapter.
  (2) The certificate of veterinary inspection shall state that:
    (A) the veterinarian found the animals to be free of symptoms or evidence of communicable or infectious diseases;
    (B) the animals were subjected to tests, immunizations, and treatment required by rule of the commission. Animals that have been vaccinated or tested for any disease as required by the commission shall be individually officially identified on the certificate of veterinary inspection; and
    (C) additional language may be required for a specific species or disease as provided in this chapter.
  (3) A certificate of veterinary inspection is valid for 30 days after issuance.

Source Note: The provisions of this §51.2 adopted to be effective June 3, 2002, 27 TexReg 5182; amended to be effective March 4, 2007, 32 TexReg 753; amended to be effective June 30, 2015, 40 TexReg 4211; amended to be effective May 17, 2023, 48 TexReg 2481