Travel of Dogs, Cats and Pet Birds in/out of Florida FAQ

The pet must have:

• An Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) within 30 days of issuance, unless the pet is privately owned and traveling with its owner or meets an exception listed in Rule 5C-3.009, Florida Administrative Code, and
• Documentation of current rabies vaccine, if the pet is three months of age or older.

It is an official state health form completed by a veterinarian who examines and determines that your pet:

• Is free of infectious and communicable diseases,
• Did not come from an area that is under quarantine for rabies, and
• Has not been exposed to a rabid animal.

The health certificate should also include documentation that your dog or cat is current on its rabies vaccination if the pet is 3 months of age or older.

National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) Form #51, Rabies Vaccination Certificate (or state equivalent), is normally provided by the veterinarian at the time of vaccination and can be used as proof of vaccination when traveling. At a minimum, the Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) must show the same information that comes from the NASPHV Form #51, Rabies Vaccination Certificate, to include the manufacturer, vaccine type, lot/serial number and expiration date.

No, a health certificate is only valid for 30 days after the date the veterinarian signs it.

No, but you must have proof with you that your pet is currently vaccinated for rabies.

There are some counties in Florida that do require pets to wear a rabies tag, although it is not a Florida requirement.

Yes, the dog or cat is exempt from vaccination against rabies if:

• A licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and
• Has certified in writing that, at this time, vaccination would endanger the animal's health because of its age, infirmity, disability, illness or other medical considerations.

Contact the airlines as early as possible to make the appropriate reservations for your pet to travel. Some airline companies may require a health certificate and/or a certificate of acclimation (both can be obtained from your veterinarian), but this varies by company and type of flight. Also, some airlines may not honor a health certificate for pet travel unless it is within 10 days of examination — again, this varies by airline company and type of flight.

NOTE: Airlines are not required to enforce state importation laws or import regulations of foreign countries. Even though the airlines may not require a health certificate, you must comply with the import regulations of the state or country of destination, and this may include a health certificate, proof of rabies vaccination, etc.

Please be aware that airlines do not have to accommodate animals either in passenger or cargo. If you have a preference, you must make arrangements in advance and choose an airline that will accommodate your needs.

Each state has its own requirements, which may differ from Florida's requirements. You should check with each state in which you plan to travel. You may obtain the most current information by calling the state’s Department of Agriculture or State Veterinarian's Office. View a current list of State Veterinarian Offices.

International travel is regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Information about requirements can be found at the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website.

The pet must have documentation of current rabies vaccination once it is in Florida. 

For non-poultry pet birds:

• An Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI or health certificate) issued by a USDA-accredited and state-licensed veterinarian in the state of origin must accompany the pet bird.
• The health certificate is valid for 30 days from the time of examination for entry into Florida.
• Certain exotic or wildlife species of birds (e.g., raptors or protected species) may require a special permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Contact the FWC at (850) 488-6253.

If the pet bird is considered poultry:

• In addition to the requirements above, a negative Pullorum-Typhoid (PT) test conducted within 30 days prior to entry is required and must be recorded by the veterinarian on the health certificate.
• Further details may be found in Administrative Rule 5C-3.
• Poultry from states not currently affected by avian influenza (AI) must have proof of AI clean status within 21 days of entry. If entering Florida from a state that is affected by AI, please contact the State Veterinarian's Office at (850) 410-0900 prior to entry. For more information, visit Poultry Movement Requirements.

Regardless of the species of pet bird:

• A health certificate is required from a full-time, salaried veterinarian of the agency responsible for animal health of the national government in the exporting country of origin.
• The health certificate is good for 30 days from the time of examination for entry into the U.S.
• An import permit must be obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and
• Arrangements must be made for quarantine at a designated port of entry.

Details can be found at the USDA website.

Certain species of exotic birds may also require permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and may require a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

• Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 1-800-358-2104.
• Contact the FWC at (850) 488-6253.

Most states require the following:

• Health examination and health certificate completed within 30 days prior to entry, signed by a Florida-licensed and federally accredited veterinarian.
• Current rabies immunization; requirements for dogs and cats may vary from state to state.

You or your veterinarian can obtain up-to-date information from State Veterinarian Offices. Call them for any recent changes.

Special requirements for quarantine are necessary if traveling to Hawaii. Procedures to minimize the quarantine period require testing for rabies immunity, and details can be found at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s website.

It is also recommended that you check well in advance with commercial air, train or ship travel companies that you intend to use for any applications, fees and paperwork they may require. 

You will need to meet the requirements of the country of destination (or travel), which may include:

• An application for import approved by the country of destination’s consulate,
• An international health certificate from a Florida licensed and accredited veterinarian,
• Possible testing and vaccinations, and
• Endorsement of papers by a USDA APHIS Veterinary Services veterinarian.

Information can be found at the USDA APHIS website, but your best source of assistance in Florida is to call the USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Area Office in Gainesville at (352) 313-3060, or the USDA Import/Export Center in Miami at (305) 526-2926.

For dogs and cats, arrangements and paperwork for travel to rabies-free countries, such as the United Kingdom, may take six months or longer and may include but not be limited to:

• Microchipping,
• Rabies testing and
• Special import application, to avoid lengthy quarantine requirements.

It is important to check with your airline or cruise line for special requirements well in advance of expected travel.

Pet birds may require quarantine at ports of exit/entry, which may require fees and advance reservations.