Florida pet travel requirements
Florida requires an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for dogs and cats entering the state, with narrow exemptions. The rule lives in the Florida Administrative Code and is administered by the Division of Animal Industry.
What Florida specifically expects
- An Official CVI (OCVI) is required for dogs and cats entering Florida under Fla. Admin. Code 5C-3.009.
- Current rabies vaccination per the vaccine label is required for animals over the applicable age.
- Warm-blooded animals coming from New World screwworm-affected zones need a Certificate of Animal Movement with prior permission.
- Florida is a high-volume pet travel market — clinic availability, not the rule itself, is usually the constraint.
The general picture
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection
Most interstate movements into Florida are documented with a CVI completed by a licensed, accredited veterinarian after examining your pet. Airlines, ground transporters, and receiving organizations frequently require one even when the state does not.
Rabies vaccination documentation
Current rabies vaccination documentation is the record requested most often for dogs and cats entering Florida. Bring or upload the certificate showing the vaccine date, product, and administering veterinarian.
Timing window
Health certificates are typically expected to be issued within a short window before travel, and the exact window depends on your destination and transport method. Clinic availability is usually the real bottleneck, so book the exam early.
Who sets the rules
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry is the animal-health authority for Florida. Requirements change, so confirm current rules with that authority and with your airline or transporter before travel.
Check the official source
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry publishes the current entry requirements for Florida. Rules change, and your airline or transporter may require more.
Official FL pet entry requirementsWe’ll book the Florida 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 appointment. If we can’t secure a qualifying appointment, your coordination fee is refunded.
Starting at $89 · Veterinary fees paid directly to the clinic
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.