Identify the exact receiving location
Confirm whether delivery is directly to an existing owner, a boarding kennel, shelter, rescue, breeder, pet store, or another licensed kennel. The destination changes the analysis.
The short answer
Pennsylvania does not require an import permit for dogs or cats. Additional CVI, vaccination, recordkeeping, isolation, or pre-transport requirements can apply when an out-of-state dog enters a licensed kennel or is imported for sale or adoption. Current emergency animal-health orders can also change requirements for pets arriving from affected areas.
At a glance
What to prepare for a Pennsylvania trip
Import permit
Pennsylvania does not require an import permit for dogs or cats.
Kennel destination
Out-of-state dogs entering licensed kennels can be subject to CVI, vaccination, and recordkeeping rules.
Sale or adoption
Dogs imported through licensed kennels for ownership transfer can face isolation or specified pre-transport requirements.
Plan the paperwork
Details that can change the trip
CVI form acceptance matters
Pennsylvania says the downloadable APHIS Form 7001 is not an approved interstate CVI. An accredited veterinarian should use a form accepted by the destination state.
Watch current animal-health orders
Pennsylvania issued heightened New World Screwworm controls in 2026 for susceptible animals arriving from affected areas. Check the current order and the pet’s origin and travel history before dispatch.
Important before you book
For a breeder, rescue, adoption, or kennel delivery, verify the current Dog Law requirements directly with the receiving organization and Pennsylvania before pickup; these cases can involve more than a routine rabies record.
Ground transport
Snout Route service in Pennsylvania
Snout Route coordinates door-to-door ground pet transport in Pennsylvania 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
Pennsylvania pet transport FAQ
Does Pennsylvania require an import permit for a dog or cat?
No. Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture says dogs and cats do not require an import permit.
Does every Pennsylvania pet move follow the kennel rules?
No. The destination and purpose matter. Licensed kennels, boarding facilities, rescues, breeders, sales, and adoptions can trigger rules that do not describe a direct relocation to an existing owner.
Can an ordinary downloadable APHIS Form 7001 be used?
Pennsylvania says the downloadable APHIS Form 7001 is not approved for interstate movement. Ask an accredited veterinarian to issue an accepted CVI when one is required.
Planning a Pennsylvania 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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