Length of stay matters
Tennessee’s published dog-and-cat entry summary ties the ordinary CVI requirement to stays longer than 15 days. A veterinarian, carrier, facility, or special order may still require paperwork for a shorter stay.
The short answer
Tennessee requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, valid for 30 days, when a dog or cat is entering the state for more than 15 days. Current rabies vaccination is required for dogs 3 months of age and older and cats 6 months of age and older.
At a glance
What to prepare for a Tennessee trip
Health certificate (CVI)
A CVI valid for 30 days is required when the animal will be in Tennessee for more than 15 days.
Dog rabies
Dogs 3 months of age and older need a current rabies vaccination.
Cat rabies
Cats 6 months of age and older need a current rabies vaccination.
Plan the paperwork
Details that can change the trip
Dog and cat age thresholds differ
Do not assume one rabies age applies to both species: Tennessee publishes 3 months for dogs and 6 months for cats.
NWS orders can shorten the timeline
Tennessee renewed its NWS interstate movement order on September 4, 2026. Animals outside an infested zone but within an infested state need a CVI valid for no more than 7 days with Tennessee’s required screwworm-free statement. Animals coming from an infested zone need a CVI valid for no more than 5 days, documented effective treatment, prior permission and an entry permit approved within 48 hours before entry, and must be free of wounds.
Important before you book
For an NWS-affected origin, use the emergency order rather than the ordinary 30-day CVI timing. For infested-zone animals, effective oral or injected treatment must be administered 12 hours to 14 days before entry; effective topical treatment must be administered 72 hours to 14 days before entry. Check Tennessee’s current Animal Health Alerts and September 4 NWS order →
Ground transport
Snout Route service in Tennessee
Snout Route coordinates door-to-door ground pet transport in Tennessee 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
Tennessee pet transport FAQ
When does Tennessee require a CVI for a dog or cat?
Tennessee’s published summary requires a CVI valid for 30 days when the animal is entering for more than 15 days.
At what age does Tennessee require rabies vaccination?
The published thresholds are 3 months for dogs and 6 months for cats.
Can an NWS alert change the ordinary rule?
Yes. An affected origin can trigger a shorter inspection and certificate window plus additional statements, treatment information, or authorization.
Planning a Tennessee move?
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