The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) protects and promotes U.S. agricultural health, regulates genetically engineered organisms, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and manages wildlife damage.

The Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) is APHIS's secure online system for creating, issuing (complete, sign, date), submitting, and endorsing health certificates for international export of live animals and germplasm from the United States to other countries.

APHIS regulates the import of agricultural commodities into the United States to protect the health and value of America's agriculture. These commodities include live plants, plant cuttings, seeds, cut flowers and greenery, fruits and vegetables, pest organisms, soil, wood products, and related items.

Many businesses that buy or sell warm-blooded animals, exhibit them to the public, transport them commercially, or use these animals for research, teaching, testing, or experiments, must be licensed and/or registered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).