A pet health certificate—often called a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for interstate movement—documents a veterinarian's examination and other required health information. Whether your pet needs one depends on the destination, species, age, purpose of travel, and current government rules.
Sometimes. For travel from one U.S. state or territory to another, USDA APHIS says the receiving state or territory sets the animal-entry requirements. Those requirements may include a health certificate, vaccinations, diagnostic tests, or treatments. USDA does not set one universal interstate pet-health-certificate rule for pet owners.
USDA APHIS — Take a Pet From One U.S. State or Territory to Another
A CVI is an official veterinary document used by many jurisdictions for animal movement. The exact form, required statements, vaccinations, tests, identification, and timing depend on the destination's rules.
A veterinarian completes the certificate after examining the animal and verifying whatever information the destination requires. For interstate trips, the destination state's rules determine who may issue the document and what form is acceptable.
There is no single nationwide validity period for every pet trip. Some jurisdictions use a 30-day window, while others use different timeframes or conditions. The destination rule—not a generic rule of thumb—controls.
No. A rabies vaccination certificate documents rabies vaccination. A CVI or travel health certificate can contain broader health and movement information. A destination may require one, the other, both, or additional documentation.
No. A pet transport company does not replace the veterinarian or government authority. The veterinarian issues the required veterinary documents, and the transporter should carry or receive the paperwork required for the route.
State-to-state rules are not uniform. A destination can distinguish between owner-accompanied pets and animals traveling for sale, adoption, transfer, breeding, exhibition, or other commercial purposes. Age, rabies status, origin, disease-control orders, and species can also change the requirements.
For international travel from the United States, the destination country sets the entry requirements. USDA APHIS says most countries require a health certificate, and many require the certificate to be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and then endorsed by APHIS.
USDA accreditation is voluntary and state-specific. When APHIS endorsement is required, the veterinarian issuing the international certificate must be USDA accredited in the state where they are practicing.
Some destinations require APHIS to endorse the certificate after the accredited veterinarian issues it. The required process and timing depend on the destination country.
USDA APHIS — Pet Travel
USDA APHIS — Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian
Canada is an international border, so U.S.–Canada trips follow the applicable federal entry requirements rather than ordinary state-to-state rules. Alaska trips can also involve Canadian transit depending on the route. Review the exact origin, destination, route, animal, and current rules before travel.
Use our U.S.–Canada pet border requirements page for current dog and cat entry guidance and official source links.
Use the Alaska entry section for destination requirements. If the ground route crosses Canada, the Canadian transit and border requirements also matter.
It depends on the destination state and the circumstances of the movement. Many states require a CVI for dogs entering from another state, while some rules include exceptions or different treatment based on age, ownership, purpose, or other factors. Check the destination state's current rule.
Requirements vary by destination. Some states require a CVI for cats entering from another state, while others apply different rules. Check the receiving state's current animal-entry requirements before travel.
There is no single validity period that applies to every U.S. state or international destination. The issuing and receiving authorities set the applicable timeframe for the specific trip.
Veterinary certificates are issued by veterinarians who meet the applicable destination requirements. For many international trips requiring USDA endorsement, the issuing veterinarian must be USDA accredited.
The trip may be delayed or the animal may be refused entry, quarantined, or become subject to other action depending on the destination's law. Verify the documents before pickup rather than trying to resolve missing paperwork at the border or destination.