Personal move or ownership transfer?
Confirm who owns the pet at pickup and delivery and whether money or another form of compensation is connected to the transfer. That distinction determines whether Georgia’s 30-day CVI rule applies.
The short answer
Dogs and cats entering Georgia must have proof of a current approved rabies vaccination. Georgia’s public guidance does not list a routine CVI for an ordinary personal-pet entry, but a pet entering for sale, trade, exchange, or other compensation must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within the previous 30 days.
At a glance
What to prepare for a Georgia trip
Health certificate (CVI)
A CVI is required within 30 days when a pet enters Georgia for sale, trade, exchange, or another compensated transfer.
Rabies
Dogs and cats entering Georgia must have proof of a current approved rabies vaccination.
Trip purpose matters
An existing-owner relocation and a breeder, rescue, sale, or adoption handoff may fall under different requirements.
Plan the paperwork
Details that can change the trip
Keep the rabies record with the pet
The current rabies certificate should travel with the dog or cat so the vaccination can be verified at handoff and after arrival.
Moving a bird or another species
Georgia requires a prior permit for exotic and pet birds, and other animal types can have separate rules. This dog-and-cat summary should not be used for another species.
Important before you book
County and city rabies rules can add requirements after arrival. The receiving owner should check the local jurisdiction where the pet will live.
Ground transport
Snout Route service in Georgia
Snout Route coordinates door-to-door ground pet transport in Georgia 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
Georgia pet transport FAQ
Does Georgia require a health certificate for every dog or cat?
Georgia’s public guidance requires a CVI issued within the previous 30 days for pets entering for sale, trade, exchange, or another compensated transfer. It does not list that CVI requirement for an ordinary personal-pet entry.
What rabies document should travel with the pet?
Dogs and cats entering Georgia should travel with proof of a current approved rabies vaccination.
Does an adoption or breeder delivery need extra review?
Yes. A trip involving a sale, adoption, breeder, rescue, or other ownership transfer should be checked against Georgia’s CVI rule before pickup.
Planning a Georgia 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.
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