SMALL ANIMAL INTERSTATE TRAVEL

Whether you are traveling to see Grandma for the holidays or moving out of state, your pet may need some extra precautions met before entry into the state. Each state has their specific requirements before you can enter. Listed below is each state, with a hyperlink to their state-specific website, listing different requirements and vaccine timelines before you enter the state. It is essential to have a plan in place before you leave and to check with your airline as well. Airlines may have different qualifications than the state, and it is essential to remember both before traveling.

Sachse Veterinary Hospital can provide a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or an Interstate Health Certificate as an appointment. These usually consist of an examination by one of our Veterinarians and a confirmation of or to administer their Rabies Vaccination.

If you have any questions about receiving an Interstate Health Certificate or obtaining information about your animal’s Rabies vaccination, please contact the clinic.

Wishing you safe travels!
Sachse Veterinary Hospital

List of States

Alabama
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate. Must be vaccinated against Rabies with a vaccination certificate and tags bearing serial numbers not more than one (1) year prior to shipment. Puppies and domesticated kittens under 3 months of age may be admitted without vaccination. This does not apply to any dog or cat which is imported into the state for exhibition purposes and which does NOT remain in the state for more than 21 days.

Alaska
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Required a current rabies vaccination if three months of age or older. Animals that are over 12 weeks of age and cannot be vaccinated for rabies due to a medical condition must have an Exemption Form Rabies Vaccination Form (PDF 33K) signed by the examining veterinarian, signed by the owner, and approved by the State of Alaska prior to entry.

Arizona
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import with the original signature. Requires that the animal is currently vaccinated against Rabies (12 weeks and older) according to the requirements of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies Control. Rabies Vaccine Titers not accepted for entry into Arizona.

Arkansas
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate. Animals over the age of 4 months must be vaccinated against Rabies no more than 12 months prior to entry.

California
A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or a Health Certificate is NOT required for privately owned dogs entering California. Dogs imported into CA for the purpose of being sold or changing ownership require a health certificate issued by a licensed and accredited veterinarian within 10 days prior to importation. Animals over the age of 4 months must have a documentation proving current rabies vaccination.

Colorado
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Dogs imported into PACFA Licensed Facilities are required to have a CVI within 10 days of entry.

Connecticut
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import with the original signature. Requires that the animal is currently vaccinated against Rabies (12 weeks and older) according to the requirements of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies Control.  Must state that dog is free from clinical signs of infectious, contagious or communicable disease and is not from an area under rabies quarantine. No person, firm, or corporation shall import or export for the purposes of sale or offering for sale any dog under the age of eight (8) weeks unless such a dog is transported with its dam and no person firm or corporation shall sell within the state any dog or cat under the age of eight weeks.

Delaware
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Dogs over four (4) months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. Dogs may not originate in a rabies quarantine area. Cats over six (6) months of age must be vaccinated against rabies.

Florida
Requires that the animal is currently vaccinated against Rabies (12 weeks and older) with documentation of the vaccine. Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. CVI must state the dog is free from signs of infectious or communicable disease, did not originate within a rabies quarantine area, and are not known to have a history or exposure to a rabies-infected animal prior to importation.

Georgia
Requires that the animal is currently vaccinated against Rabies according to the requirements of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies Control. Both 1 and 3 year vaccinations are recognized. A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or a Health Certificate is NOT required for privately owned dogs entering Georgia. If the animal is intended for sale, trade, or exchange for a fee or other types of compensation, a CVI issued within the previous 30 days is required. In addition, companion animals traveling by commercial carrier are required to have a CVI issued within 10 days of shipment.

Hawaii
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 7 days or fewer of import, along with a dog/cat import form, two rabies vaccination certificates and a pre-payment no less than 10 days prior to arrival in order to qualify for the 5-Day-or-Less Quarantine Program or Airport Release Program. Animals meeting the requirements for the 5-Day-or-Less Program with a provision for direct release at the Honolulu Airport after inspection (See Checklist for 5-Day-or-Less Program). Animals not meeting the requirements may be quarantined for up to 120 days upon arrival.

Idaho
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal is currently vaccinated against Rabies according to the requirements of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies Control. Both 1 and 3 year vaccinations are recognized.

Illinois  
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal over 16 weeks of age is currently vaccinated against Rabies according to the requirements of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies Control. Must state that dog is free from clinical signs of infectious, contagious or communicable disease and is not from an area under rabies quarantine. This regulation shall not apply to dogs consigned to hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or licensed research institutions for research or teaching.

Indiana  
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal that is 3 months of age or older is currently vaccinated against Rabies according to the requirements of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies Control within the 12 months or within 36 months immediately prior to the animal entering depending on the vaccine used. Additional vaccinations are required for exhibition of dogs and cats in Indiana. No person, firm, or corporation shall import or export for the purposes of sale or offering for sale any dog under the age of eight (8) weeks unless such a dog is transported with its dam.

Iowa
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Dogs or cats originating from rabies-quarantined areas shall not be admitted. Requires that the dog that is 4 months of age or older is currently vaccinated against Rabies according to the requirements of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies Control. Cats do not have a rabies vaccination requirement.

Kansas
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal that is 3 months of age or older is currently vaccinated against Rabies according to the requirements of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies Control.

Kentucky  
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal that is 4 months of age or older is currently vaccinated against Rabies according to the requirements of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies Control.

Louisiana  
Required to have a current Official Health Certificate issued within 30 days of import.  OHC must state the dog/cat is healthy, free from signs of infectious or contagious diseases and signs of internal and/or external parasites. Requires that the animal that is 3 months of age or older is currently vaccinated against Rabies according to the requirements of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies Control within 12 months prior to entry.

Maine
A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or a Health Certificate is NOT required for privately owned dogs entering Maine. Dogs/cats imported for adoption, resale, or exhibition must have a CVI and an entry permit. Animals imported for resale, 3 months of age and older, must have a current rabies vaccination. Animals imported for exhibition may only reside at the place of exhibition and may not be moved to any private place or farm in Maine.

Maryland
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. CVI must include statement that the animal did not originate in an area under quarantine for rabies, has not been exposed to rabies within 6 months prior to importation, and has been vaccinated for rabies. Requires that the animal that is 4 months of age or older is currently vaccinated against Rabies according to the requirements of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies Control.

Massachusetts
Required to have a current Official Health Certificate issued within 30 days of import.  OHC must state the dog/cat is healthy, free from signs of infectious or contagious diseases and signs of internal and/or external parasites. Requires that the animal over 6 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies within 12 months prior to importation. Animals imported into Massachusetts that are not vaccinated for rabies must be vaccinated within 30 days of entry or at 6 months of age, whichever last occurs.

Minnesota  
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal that is 3 months of age or older is currently vaccinated against Rabies according to the requirements of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies Control.

Mississippi
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. CVI must include statement that the animal did not originate in an area under quarantine for rabies, has not been exposed to rabies within 6 months prior to importation, and has been vaccinated for rabies. Requires that the animal over 6 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies within 6 months prior to importation.

Missouri  
to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal over 4 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. All animals must be 8 weeks old to enter into commerce.

Montana
Dogs or cats over 3 months of age and traveling with their owners from a non-rabies quarantine area require only proof of rabies vaccination. Animals under 3 months of age, imported for breeding or destined for change of ownership, including pet store and shelter animals, required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import and an Import Permit. Animals from quarantine areas need special permission from the state Department of Livestock.

Nebraska
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. Dogs over 3 months of age, not vaccinated for rabies who are imported into the state shall be vaccinated within 30 days of entry.

Nevada
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies.

New Hampshire
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. CVI must state the dog/cat is healthy, free from signs of infectious or contagious diseases and signs of internal and/or external parasites. Requires that the animal over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. Animals brought into the state shall be inoculated against common canine viral diseases within one year, but not less than 7 days, before entry.  Animals under 3 months of age shall be vaccinated within 30 days after they have reached 3 months of age.

New Jersey
Dogs are required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Any dogs with clinical signs of communicable diseases, or those exposed, shall not be imported until treated and fully recovered (must be examined by a certified veterinarian). A rabies vaccination is not required. However, NJ law requires all dogs 7 months or older be licensed and a current rabies vaccination is a requirement to obtain a license. Cats do not require a CVI. A rabies vaccination is strongly recommended for all cats in New Jersey.

New Mexico
Required to have a current Official Health Certificate (OHC) issued within 30 days of import. OHC must show rabies vaccination within 12 months of entry for animals 3 months of age or older.

New York
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. CVI must state the dog/cat is healthy, free from signs of infectious or contagious diseases and signs of internal and/or external parasites. Requires that the animal over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies within 12 months prior to import. 1 or 3 year vaccine is accepted.

North Carolina
A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or a Health Certificate is NOT required for privately owned animals entering North Carolina. Animals must be vaccinated against rabies prior to entry or receive a rabies vaccination within one week on entry.

North Dakota
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. No animals less than 3 months old are accepted from area of rabies quarantine.

Ohio 
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. CVI must state the dog/cat is healthy, free from signs of infectious or contagious diseases and signs of internal and/or external parasites. Requires that the animal over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. Animals in transport must be accompanied by a currently valid rabies vaccination certificate.

Oklahoma
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies within 12 months prior to entry. 1 or 3 year vaccines are accepted.

Oregon
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal over 4 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies within 12 months prior to entry. 1 or 3 year vaccines are accepted. If animal is from an area or state under rabies quarantine, the rabies vaccine must have been given within the previous 12 months.

Pennsylvania
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies.

Rhode Island 
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. Adult animals six (6) months of age or older that have received only an initial, first time documented vaccination must have been vaccinated at least 30 days prior entry. Puppies/kittens 3 to 6 months of age that have received the initial rabies vaccine are provided exception from a 30 day waiting period.

South Carolina
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies.

South Dakota
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. CVI must state the dog/cat is healthy, free from signs of infectious or contagious diseases and signs of internal and/or external parasites. Requires that the animal over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. Animals are exempt from CVI requirements if staying for 30 days or less.

Tennessee 
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import, if animal is entering Tennessee for more than 15 days. Requires that the dog over 3 months of age or cat over 6 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies within 12 months prior to entry.

Texas
A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or a Health Certificate is NOT required for privately owned dogs entering Texas. Requires that the dog over 3 months of age or cat over 6 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies within 12 to 36 months prior to entry, depending on whether the vaccine was a 1 or 3-year vaccine.

Utah 
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. No person, firm, or corporation shall import or export any dog or cat under the age of eight (8) weeks unless such an animal is transported with its dam.

Vermont 
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. CVI must state the dog/cat is healthy, free from signs of infectious or contagious diseases and signs of internal and/or external parasites. Requires that the animal over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. Animals are exempt from CVI requirements if staying for 30 days or less.

Virginia
If the animal is passing through Virginia, or if the owner is a resident or moving to Virginia, then a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or a Health Certificate is NOT required for privately owned animals entering the state. If the animal is intended to be used for any purpose other than being a personal pet, such as sale, adoption, breeding, or use in promotional purposes, the animal must have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 10 days of import. Requires that the animal over 4 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies.

Washington
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. CVI must state the dog/cat is healthy, free from signs of infectious or contagious diseases and signs of internal and/or external parasites. Animals that are personal pets with a current rabies vaccination certificate and are traveling with their owners with no intent of a change in ownership are exempt from CVI requirements. Requires that the animal over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. Dogs 6 months and older must test negative for heartworm or be currently on a heartworm preventative. Dogs that have been owned by the same owner for more than one month and are traveling with their owners with no intent of change of ownership are exempt.

West Virginia
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. CVI must state the dog/cat is healthy, free from signs of infectious or contagious diseases and signs of internal and/or external parasites. Requires that the animal over 6 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies within 12 months from date of importation.

Wisconsin 
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. CVI must state the dog/cat is healthy, free from signs of infectious or contagious diseases and signs of internal and/or external parasites. Requires that the animal must be vaccinated against rabies.

Wyoming
Required to have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate within 30 days of import. Requires that the animal over 6 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies.

Resources:

Small Animal Interstate Travel Requirements
State by State Guide to Moving with Pets
Important Requirements for Companion Animals and Equines Chart
Interstate Animal Movement Requirements
State Animal Health Officials

7001 not accepted– Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin