The animal must appear healthy
Illinois requires the shipment to be free from visible evidence of disease and not originate from an area under rabies quarantine.
The short answer
Dogs and cats entering Illinois must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within 30 days before entry. Animals 16 weeks of age or older must be vaccinated against rabies, with the vaccination date and manufacturer information recorded on the CVI.
At a glance
What to prepare for an Illinois trip
Health certificate (CVI)
Dogs and cats entering Illinois need a CVI issued within 30 days before entry.
Rabies
Dogs and cats 16 weeks or older must be vaccinated, and the CVI must include the vaccination date and manufacturer information.
Destination details
The CVI must include a complete destination name and address in Illinois.
Plan the paperwork
Details that can change the trip
Licensed-facility deliveries
If the animal is going to an Illinois Animal Welfare Licensee, the CVI must also include a Department-issued permit number.
Check the document before pickup
Confirm the issue date, pet description, origin and destination details, rabies information, and any required permit number before the driver departs.
Important before you book
A CVI that is timely but missing the complete Illinois destination or required rabies details may not satisfy the state rule.
Ground transport
Snout Route service in Illinois
Snout Route coordinates door-to-door ground pet transport in Illinois 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
Illinois pet transport FAQ
Does Illinois require a health certificate for dogs and cats?
Yes. Illinois requires a CVI issued within 30 days before entry for both dogs and cats.
At what age must rabies vaccination appear on the Illinois CVI?
Dogs and cats 16 weeks of age or older must be vaccinated against rabies, and the CVI must record the vaccination date and manufacturer information.
When is an Illinois permit number needed?
If the animal is being transported to an Illinois Animal Welfare Licensee, the CVI must also include a permit number issued by the Department.
Planning an Illinois move?
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