Pet Import Laws in Texas: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know Before Moving

Relocating to Texas with a pet is exciting — but if you skip the paperwork, you could face serious problems the moment you cross the state line. Texas enforces specific entry requirements for dogs, cats, birds, and exotic animals, and the rules get more complex when your pet is coming from outside the United States.

Whether you are driving in from a neighboring state or flying internationally, understanding pet import laws in Texas before you move protects your animal and keeps you on the right side of state and federal regulations. This guide walks you through every requirement, document, and agency contact you need.

What Documents Do You Need to Bring a Pet Into Texas

The documentation you need depends on your pet’s species, age, and where it is coming from. Texas does not require a single universal entry form for all animals, but certain records are non-negotiable regardless of species.

For dogs and cats, the most critical document is a current rabies vaccination certificate. All dogs and cats 12 weeks of age or older must be vaccinated against rabies and be accompanied by a rabies vaccination certificate — or a pet passport containing required information — dated and signed by the veterinarian who administered the immunization.

A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) is not required for dogs and cats entering Texas, and no agency serves as a repository for CVIs for these species. However, the situation is different if you are flying. Although not required by Texas law, most airlines require a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within seven to ten days prior to travel, so you should check with your airline for their exact requirements.

For livestock, poultry, and exotic livestock species, the documentation bar is higher. Generally, agricultural animals entering Texas must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or Health Certificate issued by a veterinarian within 30 to 45 days prior to entry.

Important Note: As of January 1, 2026, all import Certificates of Veterinary Inspection must be submitted electronically. Paper CVIs are no longer accepted by the Texas Animal Health Commission.

As of January 1, 2026, all import certificates of veterinary inspection (CVIs) must be electronic. If your vet is not yet set up for electronic CVI submission, confirm this well before your move date to avoid last-minute delays.

Here is a quick-reference summary of common documentation requirements:

Animal Type	Rabies Certificate	CVI Required	Entry Permit
Dogs and Cats (domestic)	Yes (12+ weeks)	No	No
Livestock and Poultry	Varies by species	Yes (electronic)	Often required
Exotic Livestock	Varies	Yes (electronic)	Varies by species
Pet Birds (domestic)	No	Contact TAHC	Contact TAHC
Pet Birds (international)	No	USDA import permit required	Yes (federal)

Dog Import Requirements in Texas

Dogs are the most commonly moved pets, and Texas keeps the interstate requirements relatively straightforward. The single most important rule is the rabies vaccination requirement, which applies to every dog entering the state regardless of origin.

Each dog 12 weeks of age or older to be transported into Texas for any purpose shall be admitted only when vaccinated against rabies and the time elapsed since the most recent vaccination has not exceeded the manufacturer recommendations for the vaccine.

Your rabies vaccination certificate must include specific information to be valid at the Texas border. Documentation must be provided by a vaccination certificate or passport showing the date of vaccination, vaccine used, revaccination due date, identification information for the vaccinated animal, contact information of the animal’s custodian, and the signature or computerized signature and contact information of the veterinarian responsible for administration of the vaccine.

If you have a very young dog, there are additional confinement rules to follow. If the dog is less than 12 weeks of age, the custodian shall confine the animal until 30 days subsequent to its initial vaccination.

Texas also specifies which vaccines are acceptable. Veterinarians in Texas are restricted to using vaccines approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); however, for entry purposes only, dogs traveling into the state may be inoculated against rabies with killed, modified live, or recombinant vaccine. Once your dog is settled in Texas, you will need to ensure ongoing compliance with local ordinances, which may be stricter than state law.

Pro Tip: After arriving in Texas, contact a local veterinarian to confirm your dog’s vaccination schedule meets both state and local requirements — some cities and counties impose stricter rabies vaccination timelines than the state minimum.

There is no breed-specific ban at the state level in Texas, but individual cities may have their own restrictions. For a full breakdown of local dog regulations, including leash laws by city, see the pet laws in Texas overview and the specific rules for dog leash laws in Dallas and pit bull laws in Texas.

Cat Import Requirements in Texas

The requirements for bringing a cat into Texas mirror those for dogs in most respects. Rabies vaccination is mandatory for cats 12 weeks of age and older, and you must carry proof of that vaccination with you during transport.

Each cat 12 weeks of age or older to be transported into Texas for any purpose shall be admitted only when vaccinated against rabies and the time elapsed since the most recent vaccination has not exceeded the manufacturer recommendations for the vaccine.

The vaccination certificate requirements are identical to those for dogs — the document must show the vaccination date, vaccine used, revaccination due date, the animal’s identification information, and the administering veterinarian’s credentials. A pet passport that contains all of this information is also acceptable.

One important nuance applies if you recently vaccinated your cat for the first time. If the cat is less than 12 weeks of age, the custodian shall confine the animal until 30 days subsequent to its initial vaccination. This confinement rule also applies when an initial vaccination was given fewer than 30 days before you arrive in Texas.

Texas law does not require a CVI for cats entering from another state, and there is no mandatory health inspection at the border. That said, your airline may require a health certificate if you are flying, so always verify carrier policies ahead of time.

Key Insight: Even if your cat’s rabies vaccination is current under the laws of your previous state, you must still carry the physical vaccination certificate during travel into Texas. Verbal confirmation or digital records stored only on your phone may not satisfy a border inspection.

After settling in Texas, ensure that your dog or cat remains in compliance with rabies vaccination requirements by contacting a veterinarian in your area, as local vaccination ordinances may be more restrictive than state law. For a broader look at what Texas law requires of pet owners once you are living in the state, the leash laws in Texas resource is a helpful starting point.

Bird and Exotic Pet Import Requirements in Texas

Bringing birds and exotic animals into Texas involves a more complex web of state and federal regulations. The rules vary significantly depending on whether the animal is a common companion bird, a wild-caught species, or a legally defined “dangerous wild animal.”

Pet Birds Moving Between States

For pet birds moving between U.S. states, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) oversees entry requirements. Live poultry entering Texas from an avian influenza-affected state must have a negative test within 72 hours of entry and receive specific TAHC permission granting the movement. Prior to movement, all individuals moving poultry into Texas must call the TAHC at 512-719-0777 for Texas entry requirements, including certificate of veterinary inspection, entry permit, and testing details.

Note that the USDA draws a clear distinction between companion birds and poultry. For import purposes, livestock (including cows, goats, potbellied pigs, and other species), poultry (including chickens), and birds of prey (including falcons) are not considered pets. If your bird falls into a regulated poultry category, it is subject to livestock-level import requirements rather than companion animal rules.

Exotic and Dangerous Wild Animals

Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 822, Subchapter E defines and regulates “dangerous wild animals,” discussing local control and registration, liability for animal attack and escape, and proper treatment of wild animals.

Dangerous animals under Texas law can include a lion, a tiger, an ocelot, a cougar, a leopard, a cheetah, a jaguar, a bobcat, a lynx, a serval, a caracal, a hyena, a bear, a coyote, a jackal, a baboon, a chimpanzee, an orangutan, a gorilla, or any hybrid of an animal listed.

Exotic pet ownership in Texas operates under a layered regulatory system. Local counties and cities often impose additional restrictions that can be more stringent than state requirements. Some municipalities completely ban certain exotic animals regardless of state permits, while others require additional local licensing. Before you move with an exotic animal, research both state and local rules for your destination city or county.

Texas doesn’t take exotic animal regulations lightly, and failing to comply with state laws can result in hefty fines, legal troubles, or the heartbreaking loss of a beloved pet.

Common Mistake: Assuming a state-level exotic animal permit automatically satisfies local ordinances. Always check with your destination city or county before transporting an exotic animal into Texas, as municipal rules can be far more restrictive.

For more on what exotic species are and are not permitted under U.S. law, see this resource on United States laws on exotic pets. If you own a hedgehog or are considering one, the hedgehog ownership laws in Texas page covers state-specific rules in detail.

Requirements for Pets Coming From Outside the United States

If your pet is traveling into Texas from another country, you must satisfy both federal entry requirements and Texas state requirements. Federal rules come first — your pet must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection before Texas-specific rules apply.

The federal government regulates the entry of pets into the United States; requirements set forth at the state level are in addition to meeting federal requirements.

Dogs and Cats From Outside the U.S.

All dogs and cats imported into the United States must be healthy upon arrival. If a dog or cat appears to be sick at the port of entry, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense may be required.

Rabies vaccination is required for dogs entering from high-risk countries. The CDC requires valid proof of rabies vaccination for dogs arriving from countries at high-risk for dog rabies. Critically, even if the CDC grants an exemption in certain circumstances, Texas does not follow suit. Even if the CDC states that dogs or cats under certain circumstances do not need to be vaccinated against rabies for entry into the U.S., the animal still needs to be vaccinated against rabies in accordance with Texas state law for entry into Texas.

There is also a confinement rule tied to the timing of vaccinations. If an initial vaccination was administered less than 30 days prior to arrival in the United States, the custodian must confine the dog or cat for the balance of the 30 days. Plan your vaccination schedule accordingly so your pet is not subject to a home quarantine period after a long international move.

Birds From Outside the U.S.

Bringing a pet bird into the United States from another country requires federal-level coordination well before your travel date. Prior to bringing your pet bird back to the U.S., you must contact the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services to request an Import Permit.

Once your bird arrives, quarantine is mandatory. The bird must be kept inside, apart from all other birds and poultry, for a minimum of 30 days. These are mandatory home quarantine requirements. A VS veterinarian will test your bird again approximately 14 days after arrival in the U.S. and look for physical signs of illness.

Other Exotic Animals From Outside the U.S.

Some wild species of dogs, cats, turtles, reptiles, and birds, although imported as pets, may be listed as endangered or threatened and could be protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) or other wildlife laws and regulations such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act or the Wild Bird Conservation Act.

Depending on your destination state, your pet may need to meet state entry requirements in addition to federal entry requirements. Pet owners are responsible for meeting all federal and state requirements. This means you cannot rely solely on federal clearance — Texas state rules apply the moment your animal enters the state.

For questions about importing live animals, birds, or germplasm into the U.S., contact the USDA APHIS National Center for Import and Export by email at VS.Live.Animal.Import.Export@aphis.usda.gov or by calling (301) 851-3300, option 2.

How to Find a Federally Accredited Vet Before You Move

A federally accredited veterinarian is not the same as a licensed veterinarian. If your move involves international travel, flying with a pet, or transporting regulated species, you may need a vet with USDA accreditation to complete your animal’s health certificate.

A USDA-accredited veterinarian has completed formal training from the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) in the state or states they are licensed to practice medicine in. Accreditation is state-specific and voluntary — not all veterinarians are accredited.

There are three practical ways to locate one:

1. Ask your current vet directly. Call and ask your local veterinarian if they or another veterinarian in their practice is accredited, or if they know of someone who is.
2. Use the NVAP online search tool. Use the NVAP self-search tool for finding accredited veterinarians in your area. This tool is available on the USDA APHIS website and lets you search by state and zip code.
3. Confirm state-specific accreditation. Make sure your USDA-accredited veterinarian is accredited in the state you are seeing them in. APHIS cannot endorse your health certificate if your veterinarian is not accredited in the state where they are practicing medicine.

If you are traveling with birds or livestock rather than companion animals, there is an additional requirement. If you are traveling with or shipping birds or livestock, make sure your veterinarian has a Category II accreditation status for completion of international health certificates for birds or livestock.

Pro Tip: Start searching for a federally accredited vet as soon as you know your move date. Health certificates have strict validity windows — often just 7 to 10 days before travel — so you want to know exactly who will issue yours before the clock starts ticking.

Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as you decide to travel. They will help you determine your destination country’s or state’s pet entry requirements and assist you through the process.

Who to Contact in Texas Before You Arrive With a Pet

Navigating pet import laws in Texas is easier when you know exactly which agency handles which animal. Texas splits jurisdiction across several state and federal bodies, and contacting the right one early can prevent costly mistakes.

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) — Zoonosis Control

The DSHS is your primary contact for questions about bringing dogs and cats into Texas. They oversee rabies vaccination requirements and handle zoonotic disease concerns. You can reach the DSHS Zoonosis Control division at (512) 776-7255. Their official import and export requirements page is maintained at dshs.texas.gov.

Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)

The Texas Animal Health Commission regulates the entry of many livestock, poultry, and exotic livestock species into the state and for interstate shows and exhibitions. If you are moving with horses, goats, pigs, poultry, or exotic livestock, the TAHC is your first call.

• Permits Help Desk: 512-719-0777 (available 24 hours)
• Toll-free: 1-800-550-8242
• Email: permits@tahc.texas.gov
• Website: tahc.texas.gov

State and federal rules regarding animal movement, travel, entry and show requirements, and international import and export can be complex and involve more than one government agency, but the goal is always the same — to ensure the health of animals in the state.

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

APHIS handles federal-level import requirements, especially for international pet travel, bird imports, and animals regulated under the Animal Welfare Act. Key contacts include:

• Pet travel general inquiries: Visit aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
• Live animal import questions: VS.Live.Animal.Import.Export@aphis.usda.gov or (301) 851-3300, option 2
• Texas export staff (Austin): expcerttx@aphis.usda.gov or (512) 383-2411
• Country-specific travel and health certificates: 844-820-2234

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine may be contacted at CDCAnimalImports@cdc.gov or 1-800-232-4636 for additional requirements for animals arriving from another country. The CDC is particularly relevant if you are importing a dog from a country classified as high-risk for dog rabies, as their requirements layer on top of both federal APHIS rules and Texas state law.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)

Texas Parks and Wildlife requires permits for the possession or rehabilitation of a variety of wild animal species in Texas. If you are moving with a native Texas wildlife species, a raptor, or any animal that falls under wildlife — rather than livestock or companion animal — classifications, contact TPWD at 1-800-792-1112.

For additional context on Texas-specific animal ownership laws — including rules for backyard animals and less common pets — these resources cover the regulations you may encounter after your move: backyard chicken laws in Texas, goat ownership laws in Texas, beekeeping laws in Texas, and backyard pig laws in Texas.

Final Checklist Before You Move to Texas With a Pet

Use this checklist to confirm you have covered every requirement before your move date:

• Rabies vaccination certificate current and not expired (dogs and cats 12 weeks and older)
• Vaccination certificate includes all required fields: date, vaccine type, revaccination date, animal ID, vet credentials
• If flying, airline-specific health certificate obtained within 7 to 10 days of travel
• Electronic CVI obtained for livestock, poultry, or exotic livestock (required as of January 1, 2026)
• TAHC contacted for poultry or livestock entry permits
• USDA APHIS import permit obtained for birds arriving from outside the U.S.
• Federally accredited vet identified and appointment scheduled before travel window opens
• Local city and county ordinances checked for exotic animal restrictions at destination
• CDC requirements reviewed for pets arriving from international locations
• TPWD permit obtained if moving with wildlife or raptor species

Getting the paperwork right before you move saves you from delays, quarantine surprises, and potential fines. Contact the appropriate Texas agency for your specific animal type as early as possible — most recommend reaching out weeks, not days, before your planned arrival date.