Ill or exposed dogs cannot enter under the ordinary rule
A dog exposed to, infected with, or showing signs of a communicable disease must be treated, recovered, reexamined, and certified disease-free before entry.
The short answer
Dogs entering New Jersey generally need a health certificate completed and signed by a veterinarian in the state or country of origin within 30 days of travel. New Jersey publishes no specific ordinary state import requirements for cats. Rabies is not specifically required for dog import, but municipal licensing after arrival can require current vaccination.
At a glance
What to prepare for a New Jersey trip
Dogs
A dog generally needs a veterinary health certificate completed within 30 days of travel.
Cats
New Jersey publishes no specific ordinary state import requirement for cats.
After arrival
Municipal dog licensing—and many local cat licensing rules—can require current rabies vaccination.
Plan the paperwork
Details that can change the trip
Keep the dog’s certificate after arrival
The certificate should identify the dog and list origin, destination, owner or consignor information, and vaccination details when applicable. The owner should retain import records in New Jersey.
Check the destination municipality
Dogs 7 months or older generally need local licensing. The timing depends on whether the dog already holds an out-of-state license and how long it will remain; many municipalities also license cats.
Important before you book
“No specific cat import requirement” does not mean no paperwork can ever apply. A shelter, rescue, carrier, veterinarian, municipality, federal rule, or temporary animal-health order may still add requirements.
Ground transport
Snout Route service in New Jersey
Snout Route coordinates door-to-door ground pet transport in New Jersey 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
New Jersey pet transport FAQ
Does a dog need a health certificate to enter New Jersey?
Generally, yes. The certificate should be completed and signed by a veterinarian in the origin state or country within 30 days of travel.
Does New Jersey have a specific ordinary import requirement for cats?
No. The state guidance says there are no specific ordinary cat import requirements, but local, facility, federal, or temporary rules may still apply.
Is rabies vaccination required to import a dog into New Jersey?
Not specifically for state import. However, dogs 7 months or older generally need municipal licensing, and current rabies vaccination is required for that license.
Planning a New Jersey move?
Tell us where your pet is going.
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