Ultimate Guide to Pet Relocation Paperwork

When moving with pets, having the right paperwork is crucial to avoid complications. Here's what you need:

• Health Certificate: A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by a USDA-accredited vet within 10 days of travel (or 30 days for some states like Alaska).
• Vaccination Records: Proof of up-to-date vaccines, including rabies (at least 30 days before travel), DHPP for dogs, and FVRCP for cats.
• USDA Approval: For international moves, get USDA-endorsed health certificates, vaccination proof, and pay applicable fees.
• State-Specific Rules: States like Hawaii, Alaska, and New York may require additional permits, parasite treatments, or even quarantines.

Start early to manage deadlines and avoid delays. For added convenience, consider professional pet relocation services to handle complex requirements.

3 Key Steps to Transporting your Pets Overseas

Required Health Documents

When relocating pets within or outside the U.S., you'll need specific health documents to meet legal requirements and ensure your pet's well-being. These papers confirm your pet's health and help protect animals at your destination.

Health Certificate Requirements

A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) is required for interstate pet travel. This document must be:

• Issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian
• Completed within 10 days of travel for most states
• Signed and dated, including a physical examination record
• Include pet identification details like a microchip number or physical description

Some states have additional rules. For example, Hawaii requires a rabies antibody test at least 120 days before arrival, while Alaska only accepts certificates issued within 30 days of entry.

Pet Vaccination Rules

Your pet’s core vaccinations need to be up-to-date and properly documented. Common required immunizations include:

Vaccine Type	Timing Requirements	Documentation Needed
Rabies	At least 30 days before travel	Original certificate with vet signature
DHPP (Dogs)	Within 1 year	Vaccination record
FVRCP (Cats)	Within 1 year	Vaccination record

Veterinary records should include:

• Vaccination dates, lot numbers, and next due dates
• The veterinarian’s license number
• Contact details for the clinic

USDA Travel Approval

For international travel, USDA endorsement is a must, in addition to health certificates and vaccination records.

1. Initial Veterinary Visit

A USDA-accredited veterinarian will complete the required international health certificates based on your destination’s regulations. These forms differ by country and must be filled out accurately.

2. USDA Endorsement

Submit your documents to a USDA APHIS Veterinary Services office. Processing typically takes 7–10 business days and requires:

• Original health certificates
• Proof of required vaccinations
• Payment of endorsement fees (currently $38 per certificate as of 2025)

3. Final Documentation

Store all endorsed documents in a waterproof folder and make several copies. Some countries require the original USDA-endorsed certificates to be shown upon arrival.

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State and Import Rules

Navigating state and import rules is key to handling your pet's relocation paperwork without delays.

Import Permit Guidelines

Every U.S. state has its own rules for relocating pets. Most require an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI), but states like Hawaii, Alaska, and New York have stricter standards. These may include extra paperwork or even quarantine measures. To avoid issues, check the destination state's requirements early, submit your applications on time, and keep copies of everything.

These permits often tie into additional health measures, which are explained below.

U.S. State Requirements

Beyond basic permits, some states enforce stricter health protocols.

• Hawaii has detailed quarantine rules and waiting periods after health tests. However, meeting certain criteria can shorten the quarantine time.
• Alaska requires proof of parasite treatments and may have seasonal restrictions depending on the time of year.
• Border states often have unique requirements beyond standard procedures, so it's crucial to double-check their specific certifications and tests.

If you're unsure, consider working with pet relocation experts who are familiar with these state-specific regulations.

Document Management

Once you've gathered all the necessary legal paperwork, the next step is managing these documents efficiently. Staying organized and handling paperwork promptly can make the entire pet relocation process much smoother.

Here are some practical tips to keep things on track:

• Declutter: Go through your documents, remove anything outdated, and keep only what’s necessary.
• Pack and Protect: Use protective materials to safeguard your paperwork from damage during transit.
• Label Clearly: Mark boxes with destination details and any specific handling instructions to avoid confusion.

For more complex moves, consider hiring professional pet relocation services. For example, MOD24 connects you with verified, licensed movers who are well-versed in handling pet relocation documentation.

Staying on top of your document management helps ensure everything is in order, keeping the process compliant and stress-free.

Next Steps

With your paperwork in order, it's time to plan your move. Use MOD24's platform to connect with verified movers and book reliable services quickly and easily.

Here’s how to coordinate your move effectively:

• Book Professional Services: Use MOD24's online system to secure a licensed mover in under 10 minutes. Need help? Their chat support can assist with any last-minute paperwork questions.
• Upgrade to VIP Membership: For $49/year (free for the first year), MOD24’s VIP membership offers perks like:
  • $200 off cross-country moves
  • One month of free storage
  • $50 off car shipping
  • Access to their VIP Concierge Service
• Save on Packing Supplies: Take advantage of MOD24's 20% discount to keep important items, like your pet's documents, safe during the move.

Keep your pet's documents accessible by storing digital copies in the cloud and placing physical originals in a waterproof container. Scheduling your move 3–4 weeks in advance allows time for processing any updates or permits, helping ensure everything goes smoothly.