Health Certificates for Pet Transport: What You Need and When

A health certificate (officially called a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, or CVI) is required for interstate pet transport in most cases. You need it within 10 days of travel, and it must come from a licensed veterinarian. Without it, a professional driver should not accept your pet for transport.

TL;DR

• Most states require a health certificate for interstate pet transport
• Must be signed by a licensed vet within 10 days of travel
• The vet examines the pet and certifies they are healthy to travel
• Destination state requirements vary; check them before your vet appointment
• Some drivers require health certificates even for in-state trips; ask before booking

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What Is a Health Certificate?

A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) is an official document signed by a licensed veterinarian that certifies your pet:

• Is in good general health and fit to travel
• Is free from signs of infectious disease
• Has current vaccinations (typically rabies, and core vaccinations for dogs or cats)
• Meets the entry requirements for the destination state

The certificate includes your pet's description (species, breed, age, sex, color, weight), your contact information, the destination, and the veterinarian's signature, license number, and contact information.

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When You Need a Health Certificate

Interstate transport: Required for most US states. Some states have no formal requirement, but most destination states expect one, and professional transporters require one to take on the job.

Air travel: Required by all airlines for both in-cabin and cargo travel.

International travel: Required, and often needs to be endorsed by a USDA-accredited vet and processed through the USDA APHIS office. International requirements vary significantly by destination country.

In-state transport: Usually not required, but individual drivers may request one. Ask your driver.

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The 10-Day Rule

Most states require that the health certificate be issued within 10 days of transport. This is the federal guideline and is followed by most states.

This timing matters: do not schedule the vet visit too early. If your transport date shifts, you may need a new certificate. Schedule the vet visit as close to 10 days before pickup as practical.

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What Happens at the Vet Visit

The vet performs a physical examination of your pet. They check:

• General condition and body weight
• Eyes, ears, and skin
• Musculoskeletal movement
• Signs of respiratory illness
• Vaccination records

If the pet is healthy and vaccinations are current, the vet signs the certificate. If vaccinations need updating, the vet will administer them at this visit. This is also a good time to discuss anti-anxiety medication if your pet is travel-anxious.

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Destination State Requirements

Requirements vary. A few examples:

California: Requires a CVI for dogs and cats entering from out of state. Rabies vaccination required for dogs.

Florida: Requires a health certificate for dogs and cats. The certificate must state the pet is free from signs of infectious disease.

Hawaii: Hawaii has the most restrictive requirements of any US state. Dogs and cats must go through a quarantine process unless specific vaccination and titer test requirements are met months in advance. If you're moving to Hawaii, start the process at least 6 months before your planned move date.

Texas: Requires a CVI for dogs and cats entering from out of state.

Always verify the current requirements for your specific destination state before the vet appointment. State requirements change, and your vet may not be current on the destination state's specific rules.

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USDA Accreditation for International Travel

For international pet transport, the certificate must be signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and in many cases endorsed by the USDA APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) office. This endorsement can take 1 to 3 business days and may need to be done in person at a regional APHIS office.

Start international health certificate paperwork at least 2 to 3 weeks before travel to leave time for endorsement processing.

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What to Give Your Driver

At pickup, hand the driver a physical packet that includes:

• The signed health certificate (original or copy depending on what the driver requires)
• Vaccination records
• Your vet's contact information
• Any state-specific documentation required for the destination

Some drivers will also ask for an emergency vet contact at the destination. Have this ready.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I missed the 10-day window? You'll need a new health certificate. This is a new vet visit and examination, not just a signature update. Schedule a new appointment as soon as possible.

Can I get a health certificate from any vet, or does it need to be my regular vet? Any licensed veterinarian can issue a CVI. They do need to examine the pet in person. Telehealth vets cannot issue health certificates.

What if my destination state has different vaccination requirements from my home state? Your vet will know the standard interstate vaccination requirements. For states with specific requirements (Hawaii being the most notable), inform your vet of the destination at the start of the appointment.

Does my cat need a rabies vaccine for interstate travel? Most states do not legally require rabies vaccination for cats, but some do. More importantly, most professional transporters require it. If your cat is not vaccinated for rabies, address this at the vet visit before transport.

How much does a health certificate cost? Typically $50 to $150, depending on your vet and location. This includes the examination fee. Vaccinations are billed separately if needed.

Can the driver transport my pet without a health certificate? Professional drivers on Ferried should require a health certificate for interstate transport. If a driver is willing to skip this requirement, that is a signal they may not be taking other requirements seriously either.