✈️ Pet Health Certificate Requirements by State

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• Must show official vaccination against rabies, vaccination certificates and rabies tags.
• Puppies under 3 months of age may be admitted without vaccination.
• Dogs imported into the state for exhibition purposes and which do not remain in the state for more than 21 days are exempt.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI or Official health certificate required.
• Certification that dog has not been exposed to rabies and has been vaccinated against rabies.
• Dogs and cats imported from a rabies quarantine area must have an import permit.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required. Valid for 30 days.
• Certificate must contain an original signature and document that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies.
• All animals and poultry transported or moved into the state of, unless otherwise provided for in state regulation, must be accompanied by an official health certificate from the state of origin, and the documents must be in possession of the driver of the vehicle or person in charge of the animals.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• Must be vaccinated against rabies not more than 12 months prior to entry.
• Dogs under 3 months of age are exempt.
• Arkansas will accept a three (3) year rabies vaccination if the dog or cat has had at least one previous rabies vaccine.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI not required for privately owned dogs entering CA.
• Dogs over 4 months of age must have a certificate of current rabies vaccination, but no CVI.
• Persons bringing dogs into California with intent to sell or transfer ownership must have a health certificate completed by a licensed veterinarian within the 10 days prior to the date of importation.
• No specific exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required, w/n 30 days prior to entry.
• CVI must be issued by accredited veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry.
• Must indicate dog is free from rabies exposure.
• Dogs over 3 months of age must be vaccinated for rabies within 12 months prior to entry.
• Type of vaccination and date of administration must be listed on CVI.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• Health Certificate required.
• COH must be issued no more than 30 days prior to entry by a licensed veterinarian and approved by proper livestock sanitary official of state of origin.
• Must state that dog is free from clinical signs of infectious, contagious or communicable disease and is not from an area under rabies quarantine.
• Any dog over 3 months of age must have proof of current rabies vaccination given by veterinarian prior to date of importation; and must have no exposure to rabies within past 100 days.
• Any person may import from another state any licensed dog with a collar and tag and keep the dog in the state for not more than 30 days without complying with COH or rabies requirements.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• Official Health Certificate required.
• Dogs over 4 months of age must be vaccinated for rabies.
• Type of rabies vaccine and date of administration must be included on the OHC.
• Dogs may not originate in a rabies quarantine area.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• Except for dogs imported only for exhibition purposes in state less than six months, CVI required w/n 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.
• Dogs 3 months of age and older must have current rabies vaccination.
• Dogs originating from areas under quarantine for rabies must have prior permission from the Department of Agriculture for entry.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required for dogs flying in from another state (not those arriving by car).
• Dogs 12 weeks of age or older must have proof of a current rabies vaccination. Both 1 and 3 year vaccinations are recognized.
• All pets, except fish and rodents, entering GA for sale, trade, or exchange for a fee or other type of compensation must be accompanied by a CVI issued within the previous 30 days. The CVI must record proof of the health requirements for each species.
• Companion animals traveling by commercial carrier require a CVI issued within 10 days of shipment, showing proof of required vaccinations.
• No specific exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• Health certificate required.
• Health certificate must be accompanied by a dog import form, two rabies vaccination certificates and 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.
• Those dogs meeting the requirements qualify for the 5- Day-or-Less Program with a provision for direct release at the Honolulu Airport after inspection.
• Dogs not meeting the requirements may be quarantined for up to 120 days upon arrival.
• Puppies and kittens unable to meet the requirements of the 5 - Day -or -Less Program will be quarantined for 120 days.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• All dogs must be free from communicable diseases and require a current rabies vaccination. Dogs 3 months of age and older originating from a rabies quarantine area require a special permit.
• All animals transported or moved into the state shall be accompanied by a CVI, unless specifically provided otherwise in state regulations.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• CVI must be issued within 30 days of arrival and show freedom from disease.
• Dogs must originate in a non-rabies quarantine area.
• Dogs 16 weeks of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies.
• Dogs consigned to hospitals, pharmaceutical companies or licensed research institutions for research or teaching are exempt from CVI and rabies requirements.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• CVI must be completed by licensed veterinarian within 30 days immediately prior to entry.
• Entry permits not required unless the dog originates from a rabies quarantine area.
• Every dog 3 months of age or older must be vaccinated for rabies within the 12 months or 36 months immediately prior to entry (depending on whether 1 or 3 year vaccine was used).
• An animal suspected of having rabies may not be transported into IN.
• An animal that has been exposed to an animal infected with rabies may not be brought into IN for one year from the date of exposure.
• Additional vaccines are required for the exhibition of dogs and cats in IN.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• CVI must indicate apparent freedom from disease or exposure to infectious or contagious disease.
• All dogs 4 months of age and older must have a current rabies vaccination.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• Dogs over 3 months of age must have proof of a current rabies vaccination.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• All dogs over 4 months of age imported for sale, exhibition or any other purpose shall be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
• Service dogs are exempt from CVI requirement, but must have a current rabies vaccination certificate.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• Official Health Certificate required.
• OHC must be issued by an accredited veterinarian and must show immunization against rabies within 12 months prior to entry.
• OHC must state the dogs are healthy, free from signs of infectious or contagious diseases and signs of internal and/or external parasites.
• Dogs and cats 3 months of age and younger are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI not required.
• Dogs not imported for resale, 3 months of age and older, must have a current rabies vaccination.
• Dogs imported for adoption, resale or exhibition must have a CVI and an entry permit. Dogs imported for exhibition may only reside at the place of exhibition and may not be moved to any private place or farm in Maine.
• Dogs, cats and ferrets exposed to any contagious or infectious disease or originating from a location under quarantine may not be imported into Maine.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• CVI must include statement that the dog (1) did not originate in an area under quarantine for rabies, (2) has not been exposed to rabies within 6 months prior to importation, (3) has been vaccinated for rabies.
• Puppies under 4 months of age are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement.
• Dogs entering the state temporarily for exhibition purposes are exempt from the CVI requirement.
• Dogs and cats consigned directly to research facilities or licensed dealers are exempt from the CVI requirement.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• Official Health Certificate required.
• OHC must state animals are healthy, free of symptoms of infectious or transmissible disease and internal and/or external parasites and exposure to any infectious, contagious disease, and internal or external parasites.
• Dogs over 6 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies within 12 months of importation.
• Any dogs that enter into Massachusetts shall be segregated and placed under quarantine for a 90- day period or may be released by order of the Director.
• Dogs and cats imported for exhibition purposes are exempt from OHC requirement.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI or Official Interstate Health Certificate required.
• Dogs being imported from out of state for exhibition:
• Dogs must have an official interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) filled out by a United States Department of Agriculture accredited veterinarian in the animal's state of origin
• Dogs 12 weeks or older must be currently vaccinated against rabies. Dogs less than 12 weeks of age from a rabies quarantined area are not allowed entry. The disease vaccinated against (i.e. rabies), date of vaccination, and (if possible) date of expiration must be listed on the CVI.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• CVI must show that all dogs 3 months of age and over have been vaccinated or revaccinated for rabies, and must include the name of the vaccine, the serial number and the date of vaccination.
• CVI is not required for (1) Dogs or cats for research at educational and scientific institutions, (2) Dogs, cats, or ferrets entering a veterinary facility for treatment, surgery, or diagnostic procedures, (3) Dogs, cats, or ferrets temporarily entering the state if there is no change of ownership and if the animal will be leaving the state within 30 days; and (4) Dogs and cats originating from an adjacent state and entering a kennel licensed by the Board if the following conditions are met.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• Must show the dog is free from all contagious and infectious diseases and recent exposure thereto.
• Dog must not have originated in an area under quarantine for rabies, or exposed to rabies.
• Dogs must be properly vaccinated against rabies within 6 months prior to entry.
• Dogs and cats under 3 months of age may be admitted without a rabies vaccination.
• Dogs, cats, and ferrets for exhibition, change of ownership, adoption or unaccompanied by owner, must have an official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued by an accredited veterinarian with the following compliance:
• Apparently healthy and free from all contagious and infectious diseases and recent exposure thereto.
• Did not originate within an area under quarantine for rabies, or exposed. Dogs, cats, and ferrets accompanied by owner (not for purposes of exhibition, change of ownership, adoption etc.) are not required to have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• All dogs entering Missouri must be accompanied by a CVI.
• Dogs over four (4) months of age must be vaccinated for rabies.
• All dogs must be 8 weeks old to enter into commerce.
• For exhibition dogs, a certificate of Veterinary Inspection is required showing an individual listing of the common name(s) of the animal(s) and appropriate descriptions of animal(s) such as sex, age, weight, coloration, and must be individually identified as defined in Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 71... or any other means approved by the state veterinarian and listed on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI generally not required.
• Dogs over 3 months of age and traveling with their owners from a non-rabies quarantine area require only proof of rabies vaccination.
• Dogs under 3 months of age, imported for breeding or destined for a change of ownership must have a CVI, a current rabies vaccination (if the dog is old enough to meet vaccination eligibility), and an import permit. Animals from quarantine areas need special permission from the state Department of Livestock.
• Import permits are required for companion animals originating from rabies or Foot and Mouth Disease quarantine areas.
• No specific exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• CVI must certify that the dog is currently immunized 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.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• A current rabies vaccination at 3 months of age is required.
• All animals require a CVI issued within 30 days prior to entry. Health documents must accompany each animal transport.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• Entry permit is not required.
• Dogs brought into the state for resale shall be inoculated against common canine viral diseases within one year, but not less than 7 days, before entry.
• CVI must certify that the dogs are free from visual evidence of contagious and infectious diseases.
• Dogs shall not enter the state from an area under quarantine for rabies.
• Every dog 3 months of age and older shall be vaccinated against rabies.
• Dogs under 3 months of age shall be vaccinated within 30 days after they have reached 3 months of age.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• All dogs imported into NJ are required to be accompanied by CVI or health certificate within 30 days of travel (N.J.A.C 8:23- 1.1)
• 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 specifically 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.
• Exceptions include dogs in transit or for breeding, laboratory, or exhibition purposes.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• Official Health Certificate required, issued within 15 days of entry.
• No entry permit is required.
• OHC must show a rabies vaccination within 12 months of entry for dogs 3 months of age or older.
• An Official Health Certificate is required for all animals.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• Health Certificate required.
• HC must state that the examination revealed no clinical evidence of infectious or communicable disease, including external parasites and fungi, and that to the best of the veterinarian's knowledge, the dog has not recently been exposed to such infectious or communicable disease.
• Must be vaccinated against rabies within 12 months prior to date of importation. The 3 year vaccine is acceptable but must be noted as such on the HC.
• The rabies immunization requirement for dogs does not apply if the is under 3 months of age or if the veterinarian certifies that the life of the dog would be endangered by the vaccination.
• For dogs and cats, the Health Certificate shall show that the dog or cat was examined by a veterinarian within 30 days of entry into NY. In addition, the Health Certificate must list the date of examination, breed, sex, and age of the dog or cat, state or country of origin, and full name and complete address of the consignee and consignor.
• Dogs and cats (1) passing through the state to points beyond, (2) brought into the state for temporary residence or exhibition and (3) which enter the state for delivery to research institutions, dealers or other persons registered or licensed and regulated by the USDA are exempt from the Health Certificate requirement as long as they are properly restrained at all times and under the immediate control of the owner or custodian, and are accompanied by proof of rabies vaccination.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• Health Certificate required.
• HC must be issued within 30 days of entry.
• For dogs, 4 months of age or older, a rabies vaccine within 12 months of entry is required.
• If not vaccinated for rabies upon entry, a dog shall be immediately securely confined and be vaccinated for rabies within one week after entry. The animal shall remain confined for two weeks after vaccination.
• Health Certificate requirements do not apply to: (1) a dog or cat brought into NC for exhibition purposes if the animal is confined and not permitted to run at large; or (2) a dog or cat brought into NC accompanied by a certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian showing that the dog or cat is apparently free from and has not been exposed to rabies and that the dog or cat has received the rabies vaccine within the past year.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• CVI required for dogs entering the state for longer than 30 days.
• Dogs over 3 months of age shall have been vaccinated in accordance with the specifications of the vaccine used.
• No dogs less than 3 months old are accepted from areas quarantined for rabies.
• No specific exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• CVI must indicate freedom from disease.
• Dogs must be currently vaccinated against rabies.
• Dogs in transit must be accompanied by a currently valid rabies vaccination certificate.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• CVI required within 30 days of entry into Oklahoma.
• Dogs 4 months and older must have had a rabies vaccination within 12 months prior to entry.
• The type of vaccine and the vaccination date must be included on the CVI.
• 3-year rabies vaccines will be recognized for dogs, cats, and ferrets if the primary vaccination and subsequent boosters are documented on the CVI.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required, issued less than 30 days prior to entry.
• For all dogs 4 months and older, the rabies vaccination must be current. 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.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• All dogs, must have a CVI with a statement that there has been no known exposure to rabies within the last 100 days and the dog does not originate from an area under quarantine for rabies.
• All imported dogs 3 months of age and older need proof of a current rabies vaccination on the CVI.
• Show dogs in the state for 30 days or less are exempt from CVI requirements.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• Dogs 3 months of age and older must be accompanied by proof of a rabies vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian.
• Adults 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 to entry.
• Puppies 3 to 6 months of age that have received the initial rabies vaccine are provided exception from a 30 day waiting period.
• CVI is required for all dogs, cats, and ferrets imported, including, but not limited to, all animals for commercial, research, wholesale, retail, animal rescue, adoption, foster, exhibition and education.
• Animals may only be imported for the purpose of fair, show, or exhibition if the importation is for less than ten (10) consecutive days. CVIs are required, unless the responsible party overseeing the management of the exhibition demonstrates that all requirements are met, including:
• Maintaining a list of all animals imported for the event.
• RI-licensed vet available.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• CVI will be valid for 30 days.
• Rabies vaccination is required for dogs 4 months of age or older.
• A 1-year booster vaccine is required for puppies.
• Dogs and cats require a rabies vaccination within 3 years of entry and a rabies certificate on adult (1 year or older) dogs or cats.
• No dog or cat may be imported from an area under quarantine for rabies.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• Dogs 3 months of age or older must have current rabies vaccination.
• Dogs must be free from any signs of communicable, infectious or contagious diseases.
• Dogs are exempt from CVI requirements if staying for 30 or less days.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI, valid for 30 days, required if animal is entering TN for more than 15 days.
• Dogs more than 3 months of age shall be vaccinated against rabies not more than 12 months prior to entry.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI not required.
• If coming into the state via airline, owner must comply with any health certificate requirements provided by the airline.
• Dogs at least 12 weeks of age must have current rabies vaccination and vaccination certificate issued within the last 12- 36 months, depending on whether it was a 1 or 3-year vaccine.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• CVI required for animals over 3 months of age.
• Dogs over 3 months of age must have a rabies vaccination.
• Rabies vaccination date, vaccination name, and expiration date must be provided on CVI.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• Official Health Certificate (or similar certificate) required for dogs imported for sale, resale, exchange, or donation.
• Certificate must be issued by a veterinarian licensed in the state or country of origin.
• Must certify that dog has been inspected and is free of visible signs of infections or contagious or communicable disease.
• If the dog is over 3 months of age, it must have a current rabies vaccination or is a specific breed for which a rabies vaccination is not age-appropriate.
• No specific exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• Dogs over 4 months old must have a current rabies vaccination. Both 1 and 3 year vaccinations are accepted.
• CVI must be issued within 10 days prior to entry.
• No dog less than 8 weeks old can be imported without it dam.
• Rabies vaccination exceptions: (1) any companion animal passing directly through Virginia in interstate commerce; (2) any companion animal kept properly under the control of owner when passing through VA, (3) companion animals brought into state by citizen as personal pet and (4) any companion animal brought into VA for less than 10 days for hunting or legal exhibition purposes. [CVI requirements would still apply.]

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• CVI must identify each animal and certify the rabies vaccination is current and the animal does not originate from an area under quarantine.
• Dogs 6 months of age or older may be required to be tested negative for heartworm.
• Dogs that are family pets, have been owned more than one month, and are not going to be sold or have a change of ownership and are traveling by private conveyance with their owner or handler are exempt from the heartworm test requirement.
• Dogs, cats or ferrets less than 90 days of age do not require a rabies vaccination.
• Dogs, cats or ferrets that are family pets and have current rabies vaccination certificates and are traveling by private conveyance with their owners are exempt from the CVI requirement.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• CVI must state that veterinarian has observed no signs of any infectious disease.
• Dogs over 6 months of age must be vaccinated for rabies within the previous 12 months from date of importation.
• CVIs expire after 30 days of issuance.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• CVI must include date of last rabies vaccination and due date for revaccination.
• Rabies vaccine is required for dogs five months and older.
• Rabies vaccination must have been administered by a licensed veterinarian.
• All sexually intact dogs must have documentation showing it has tested negative on a brucellosis test and have an import permit issued by DATCP.
• No exhibition exception found.

As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:

• CVI required.
• All dogs 3 months of age and over must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian and must be accompanied by a current rabies vaccination certificate.
• No exhibition exception found. change. Check with the state you are visiting for the most up-to-date requirements. More information is available at www.akcgr.org.