Rules depend on the destination state
Moving a dog or cat between states is regulated at the state level, so the rules that apply to your trip depend on where your pet is going. There is no single national checklist. The practical approach is to confirm the requirements for your destination state, and for any state you will pass through if the rules apply there.
This guide explains what is commonly required and how to check. It is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source for your destination.
Paperwork that is commonly required
- Proof of rabies vaccination. Most states expect current rabies vaccination for dogs and cats above a minimum age. Keep the certificate signed by your veterinarian.
- A health certificate. Many states require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), often called a health certificate, issued by an accredited veterinarian within a limited number of days before travel. Some states or situations (for example animals moving for adoption) are stricter than others.
- Other vaccinations. Depending on the animal and the state, additional vaccines may be recommended or required. Ask your veterinarian.
- Identification. A microchip and collar tags help if an animal is ever separated from its crate or handler.
Requirements and time windows change, so check them close to your travel date rather than relying on what a friend did last year.
How to check your route
- Find the animal import rules for your destination state. The state veterinarian or department of agriculture publishes them.
- Ask your veterinarian whether they are USDA-accredited and can issue a health certificate for interstate travel, and how many days before departure it needs to be dated.
- Tell your transporter your full route when you request a quote. A good transporter asks about paperwork before you do, and helps you confirm what applies.
- Keep paper and digital copies of every document with the animal and with you.
Special cases
Rescue and adoption transports
Animals moved from shelters and rescues to adopters often face tighter entry requirements than pets traveling with their owners. If you run or work with a rescue, confirm the destination state's rules for animals moving for adoption. Our rescue partnerships page explains what a rescue needs to send us.
Senior and medically fragile pets
A veterinarian should confirm that a long trip is appropriate. See medical and special-needs transport for how we plan around medication and mobility.
When to see your veterinarian
Health certificates are dated, and states commonly expect them to be issued within a limited window before travel. That means the timing of your veterinary visit matters. Book the appointment once you have a firm travel date, and ask your veterinarian how many days before departure the certificate will be valid. If your trip may slip, ask what happens to the certificate.
A documents folder to prepare
- Rabies vaccination certificate, signed by your veterinarian.
- Health certificate (CVI), if your destination requires one.
- Records for any other vaccinations your veterinarian recommends.
- Microchip number and registration details.
- A copy of your pet's medical history for anything chronic.
- Written medication instructions with dosing times.
- Your contact details and your veterinarian's.
Keep paper copies in a folder and digital copies on your phone. Give your transporter copies before pickup.
If your route crosses several states
Requirements are generally set by the destination state, but if your transporter's route or schedule involves staying in other states, ask whether anything applies there. Tell your transporter if your plans might change. A good transporter will confirm what applies to your specific route rather than giving a generic answer.
Common mistakes
- Using a health certificate that has expired by the time the animal arrives.
- Assuming the rules are the same as last year, or the same as another state.
- Forgetting the rabies certificate, even when the vaccination itself is current.
- Not telling the transporter about the paperwork until pickup day.
- Waiting until the week of travel to book the veterinary appointment.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
- Are you accredited to issue a health certificate for interstate travel?
- How many days before departure should it be issued?
- Does my pet need any vaccinations or tests for this route?
- Is a long trip appropriate for my pet's age and health?
- Is there anything I should do about food, water or medication before and during travel?
Where to find official information
The authoritative sources are your destination state's veterinarian or department of agriculture, and USDA APHIS Veterinary Services. This guide covers travel between US states. International travel has its own, much stricter rules and is a separate process.
What your transporter should handle
Your transporter is responsible for the animals in their care, a clean, climate-controlled vehicle and secure crating. You are responsible for having the paperwork ready. Before pickup, tell your transporter what you have, and send copies. Happy Arrival Pets is a USDA APHIS registered Class T carrier, and we will help you confirm what applies to your route when you request a fixed quote.