United States pet travel requirements
Moving a pet between U.S. states is governed by the receiving state, not the federal government. In practice almost every state expects a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection completed by a licensed, USDA-accredited veterinarian, plus current rabies vaccination documentation for dogs and cats.
What United States specifically expects
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection
A CVI is issued after an accredited veterinarian physically examines your pet and confirms it is free of signs of infectious disease and fit to travel. Most states treat a CVI as valid for 30 days from the exam date, and many airlines shorten that to 10 days before departure. Because the certificate cannot be issued in advance of the exam, clinic availability — not paperwork — is usually the real deadline.
Rabies vaccination
Dogs and cats traveling across state lines are normally required to be currently vaccinated for rabies, with a certificate showing the vaccine product, date administered, expiration, and the veterinarian who gave it. Puppies and kittens too young to be vaccinated may need an exemption letter or may not be eligible to travel at all in some states.
Who sets the rules
USDA APHIS accredits the veterinarians who complete health certificates, but interstate and territorial entry rules are set by the receiving jurisdiction, and airlines add requirements of their own.
Airlines and ground transporters
Carriers routinely impose stricter rules than the destination state: a shorter certificate window, an acclimation statement, crate specifications, or a temperature embargo. Confirm your airline's health certificate window before you schedule the veterinary exam.
Document checklist
- CVI completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian, dated inside your destination's and airline's window
- Current rabies vaccination certificate for each dog and cat
- Microchip number recorded on the certificate when your pet has one
- Airline-specific forms, crate documentation, or acclimation statement if flying
Check the official source
USDA APHIS Veterinary Services and the destination state's animal-health authority publishes the current requirements. Rules change, and your airline or transporter may require more than the destination does.
Official United States pet entry informationWe’ll book the veterinary appointment for you.
CVI Ready identifies a veterinary clinic that handles travel health certificates, confirms it can meet your dates and driving radius, and books the exam. If we can’t secure a qualifying appointment, your coordination fee is refunded.
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This page is general information, not veterinary or legal advice. CVI Ready is an independent pet travel coordination service, not a veterinary practice. Certificate issuance and all medical decisions are made by the licensed veterinarian who examines your pet.