What the health certificate confirms
Florida describes the certificate as the veterinarian’s statement that the pet is free of infectious and communicable disease, is not from a rabies-quarantine area, and has not been exposed to a rabid animal.
The short answer
A dog or cat entering Florida generally needs an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection valid within 30 days and current rabies documentation if the pet is three months or older. Florida lists an exception for a privately owned pet traveling with its owner and other exceptions in Rule 5C-3.009. Because a commercial transporter is carrying the pet, confirm applicability with the State Veterinarian rather than relying on the owner-travel exception.
At a glance
What to prepare for a Florida trip
Health certificate (OCVI)
Generally required within 30 days, unless a listed exception applies.
Rabies
Current veterinarian-issued documentation is required for pets three months of age or older.
Sale or adoption
Dogs and cats entering to be sold must also meet Florida’s Pet Law.
Special alert
Florida currently imposes extra NWS documentation and movement restrictions based on exact origin.
Plan the paperwork
Details that can change the trip
New World Screwworm restrictions
Florida’s temporary rule currently requires added documentation for warm-blooded animals from high-risk areas. Animals from an infested zone require prior permission and an FDACS Certificate of Animal Movement, a five-day OCVI, inspection language, and treatment documentation. Florida also currently bars shelter animals from an infested state.
Movement within Florida
Florida says it has no separate state requirements for moving dogs or cats within Florida, although current rabies vaccination remains required at four months of age and older.
Important before you book
The NWS county lists and definitions are temporary and can change quickly. Check the exact pickup county against FDACS’s live page immediately before the veterinary appointment and dispatch.
Ground transport
Snout Route service in Florida
Snout Route coordinates door-to-door ground pet transport in Florida as part of service across the 48 contiguous U.S. states, Alaska, and Canada. We review the route and the documents supplied for the trip before pickup; the pet owner and veterinarian remain responsible for satisfying the applicable government requirements.
Primary sources
Check the official rule before travel
These links go to the agencies responsible for the requirements summarized on this page.
Common questions
Florida pet transport FAQ
Does a pet transported by a company need a Florida health certificate?
Florida generally requires an OCVI. Its privately owned pet exception is written for a pet traveling with its owner, so a transported trip should be confirmed with FDACS.
How recent must the Florida health certificate be?
The normal interstate OCVI is valid within 30 days of issuance. Temporary disease controls may require a much shorter window.
Does Florida require rabies paperwork?
Yes. For interstate entry, current veterinarian-issued rabies documentation is required for a dog or cat three months of age or older.
Planning a Florida move?
Tell us where your pet is going.
Share the pickup, destination, timing, and care needs. We’ll review the route and tell you what we need before the trip is confirmed.
Get a Quote →