Give the veterinarian the destination
Tell the issuing veterinarian the pet is entering Ohio so the CVI is completed for Ohio’s import rule.
The short answer
Ohio’s Department of Agriculture says all dogs and cats imported into the state must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and meet rabies vaccination requirements. Puppies must also meet Ohio’s applicable age requirements.
At a glance
What to prepare for an Ohio trip
Health certificate (CVI)
All imported dogs and cats must travel with a CVI.
Rabies
The pet must meet Ohio’s rabies vaccination requirements and the record should travel with the animal.
Young puppies
Ohio separately flags puppy age requirements; verify the exact rule for the puppy’s age and type of transfer.
Plan the paperwork
Details that can change the trip
Carry the vaccination record
Keep the rabies certificate with the health certificate and confirm the pet’s identifying details match.
Check sale, adoption, and puppy cases early
Age and transfer circumstances can change what is required. Breeder, rescue, shelter, and adoption moves should be confirmed with Ohio before pickup.
Important before you book
The Ohio agency’s public summary does not replace case-specific confirmation. For a young puppy, shelter transfer, sale, adoption, or current disease alert, confirm the applicable rule with Ohio Animal Health before travel.
Ground transport
Snout Route service in Ohio
Snout Route coordinates door-to-door ground pet transport in Ohio 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
Ohio pet transport FAQ
Does Ohio require a health certificate for dogs and cats?
Yes. Ohio says all dogs and cats imported into the state must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.
Does Ohio require rabies vaccination?
Imported dogs and cats must meet Ohio’s rabies vaccination requirements. Carry the current vaccination record with the pet.
Is there a special rule for puppies?
Yes. Ohio’s import summary says puppies must meet age requirements. Confirm the exact requirement for the puppy and transfer type before booking the veterinary appointment.
Planning an Ohio 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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