Pet transport state requirements, in one place.

Dogs from designated quarantine areas need a state import permit in addition to the CVI.

Since SB 312 (January 2026), paper CVIs are no longer accepted — everything goes through CDFA’s electronic system. The CVI is valid only 10 days, and the vet must have eCVI access before scheduling.

The standard CVI window is 30 days, but it drops to 10 days if the pet is going to a PACFA-licensed shelter or rescue facility. The VS 7001 form is not accepted.

Georgia exempts private pet transport but requires a CVI when ownership changes hands (sale, adoption, transfer) — so rescue transport still needs one.

Hawaii requires 2 rabies shots + a FAVN titer test (1–2 months for results) + a health certificate within 14 days. Either the 5-Day-or-Less program ($185) or up to 120 days of quarantine ($1,080). Not viable for standard rescue transport timelines — plan 2–3 months ahead.

Illinois requires a state import permit (online at entrypermit.agr.illinois.gov) and the CVI number is linked to the permit. APHIS 7001 is not accepted.

Massachusetts has one of the highest rabies age thresholds in the US — 26 weeks (6 months). A 20-week-old puppy does not need a rabies cert here, though it would in most states. Rabies must be within 12 months prior.

Vaccines must be given ≥14 days before entry; the entry permit is issued to a Maine-licensed shelter. DHLPP + Bordetella + Rabies are required, minimum age is 8 weeks, and heartworm-positive dogs are NOT eligible. No direct-to-adopter imports are allowed.

Mississippi uses a 26-week (6-month) rabies threshold and stricter timing — rabies must be within 6 months prior.

Montana requires a free import permit beyond the CVI. Email livpermits@mt.gov or fax 406-444-1929. GlobalVetLink/AgView eCVI users are exempt.

North Carolina exempts private pet transport but requires a CVI for a change of ownership — rescue transport still needs one.

New Hampshire is the only state requiring canine distemper vaccination within 1 year, in addition to rabies.

New Jersey is the only state that does not require a rabies certificate for import (it’s still needed for an NJ dog license).

New Mexico has one of the tightest standard CVI windows at 15 days. Unvaccinated dogs must be confined.

Nevada requires an entry permit (online at agri.nv.gov) in addition to the CVI. APHIS 7001 is not accepted.

Pennsylvania is the most restrictive for rescue-to-shelter: a DAPP combination vaccine (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) is required for dogs entering licensed kennels, APHIS Form 7001 has not been accepted since 2018, and the CVI is valid 60 days. If the receiving organization is a licensed kennel, all rules apply.

Rhode Island requires first-time vaccinated adult dogs to wait 30 days after the rabies shot before entering — easy to miss for last-minute vaccinators.

Texas is the only state where rescue transport genuinely does not require a CVI. A rabies certificate is still required for dogs 3 months and older.

Utah sets a minimum import age of 8 weeks — younger puppies cannot be imported unless traveling with their mother.

Washington is the only state requiring a negative heartworm test for rescue dogs 6 months and older being rehomed — a roughly $40–80 vet visit on top of the CVI. (Private pets owned over a month need only a rabies cert, no CVI.)

West Virginia uses a 26-week (6-month) rabies threshold. Puppies under 6 months are exempt from rabies, though a CVI is still required.