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

Moving to New Jersey with a pet is not as simple as loading up the car and hitting the road. The state has specific legal requirements that apply the moment your animal crosses the border — and the paperwork you need depends heavily on what kind of pet you own.

Whether you are relocating from a neighboring state or flying in from across the country, getting your documents in order before you arrive protects both your pet and your legal standing. This guide walks you through every requirement New Jersey enforces, from health certificates to exotic pet permits, so you can move with confidence.

Important Note: New Jersey’s pet import regulations are governed by multiple agencies. Dogs fall under the NJ Department of Health, exotic and nongame animals fall under the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and livestock fall under the NJ Department of Agriculture. Make sure you are contacting the right agency for your specific pet.

What Documents Do You Need to Bring a Pet Into New Jersey

The documents you need depend on your pet’s species, but the foundational requirement for most animals entering New Jersey is a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also called a health certificate or official health certificate (OHC).

Dogs imported into New Jersey are required to be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI or “health certificate”) completed and issued by a veterinarian licensed in the country or state of origin within 30 days of travel. This is a firm deadline — a certificate dated more than 30 days before your travel date will not be accepted.

Here is a quick overview of what the CVI must include for dogs, according to New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 8:23-1.1:

• Confirmation the dog is free from rabies and other communicable diseases
• Confirmation the dog has not recently been exposed to any communicable disease
• The breed, sex, age, point of origin, point of destination, the name and post office address of the consignee or owner and the consignor or seller, and if the dog has been vaccinated, the type and date of vaccination
• Screwworm status — the certificate must state that the dog is either free from screwworm or was found to be infested with screwworm and was held in quarantine and treated until free

The CVI and other importation records should be maintained by the animal owner in New Jersey. Keep physical and digital copies in a safe place after you arrive.

Pro Tip: Schedule your vet appointment no more than two to three weeks before your move date. This gives you a buffer in case of delays while keeping the certificate within the 30-day window required by New Jersey law.

For exotic and nongame species, the document requirements expand significantly. The NJDEP mandates that any exotic pet brought into the state must have the appropriate permits before arrival. For restricted species, owners must provide documentation proving legal acquisition, health certifications from a licensed veterinarian, and, in some cases, an importation permit.

When you travel with a pet, your destination state or territory may have animal health requirements, such as obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing, or administering treatments. Always verify the current requirements with the relevant New Jersey agency before you travel, as regulations can be updated.

Dog Import Requirements in New Jersey

Dogs face the most clearly defined import rules of any pet category in New Jersey. Dogs shall not be brought into this state excepting when in transit or for breeding, laboratory, or exhibition purposes unless accompanied by a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian of the state or nation of the dog’s origin indicating that the dog is free from rabies and other communicable disease and has not recently been exposed to any such disease.

One of the most commonly misunderstood points involves the rabies vaccine. New Jersey does require dogs being imported into the state to have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country or state of origin within 30 days of travel. A rabies vaccination is NOT required for importation. However, that exemption ends quickly once you arrive.

All dogs over 7 months of age must be licensed — and therefore vaccinated — within 10 days of arrival. In practical terms, this means that even if your dog does not need a rabies vaccine to cross the border, you will need one almost immediately after settling in. Dogs arriving in New Jersey with a valid rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian from another state may qualify for licensure if the duration of immunity extends through at least 10 of the 12-month licensing period.

Requirement	Details
CVI / Health Certificate	Required; issued within 30 days of travel by a licensed vet in the state or country of origin
Rabies Vaccine (for import)	Not required at the border
Rabies Vaccine (post-arrival)	Required for dogs 7+ months old; must be licensed within 10 days of arrival
Entry Permit	Not required
Communicable Disease Status	Must be certified disease-free; dogs exposed to illness cannot enter until treated and re-certified

Dogs with clinical signs of communicable diseases, or those exposed to communicable diseases, shall not be imported into New Jersey until treated, fully recovered, examined, and then certified by a licensed veterinarian to be free of such diseases. If your dog has been recently ill or exposed to a sick animal, postpone your move until your vet can issue a clean bill of health.

Dogs that are imported into New Jersey — for example, dogs owned by military personnel reassigned to a base or post in New Jersey — from another country that have been vaccinated with a rabies vaccine not licensed by the USDA are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If this applies to you, contact the NJ Department of Health well in advance.

You can find more about dog leash laws in Pennsylvania if you are moving from a neighboring state, or review dog leash laws in Delaware for another common point of origin before crossing into New Jersey.

Cat Import Requirements in New Jersey

Cats receive notably different treatment under New Jersey import law compared to dogs. Cats do not require a CVI to enter New Jersey. There is no state-level mandate requiring you to carry a health certificate when bringing a cat across the border for personal relocation purposes.

That said, the absence of a legal requirement does not mean you should skip the vet visit. A rabies vaccination is strongly recommended for all cats in New Jersey. The state’s own data underscores why: in New Jersey, several municipalities do require vaccination of cats against rabies and licensure through ordinance. Since 1989, when raccoon rabies entered the state, 409 cats have been confirmed with rabies compared with only 7 dogs.

Key Insight: Even though New Jersey does not require a health certificate for cats at the state level, your airline almost certainly does. Most carriers require a CVI for any animal traveling in the cabin or cargo hold, regardless of the destination state’s rules.

If you are flying with your cat, check your airline’s specific requirements well before your travel date. Most airlines require a CVI to accompany any animal on a flight. You may end up needing that certificate for your carrier even if New Jersey does not ask for it at the state level.

For cats, the practical checklist when moving to New Jersey looks like this:

• CVI: Not required by state law, but recommended and often required by airlines
• Rabies vaccine: Not required for import, but strongly recommended and required by some municipalities
• Municipal check: Verify whether your specific city or county has additional cat licensing or vaccination ordinances
• Records: Keep vaccination history and any existing vet records accessible after arrival

CDC requires that cats appear healthy upon arrival to the United States. Cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry and may be denied entry into the United States if they have evidence of a zoonotic disease. If a cat appears to be ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense might be required before the cat is allowed to enter the United States. This applies primarily to cats arriving from outside the US, but it is worth noting for any international move.

Bird and Exotic Pet Import Requirements in New Jersey

New Jersey takes a much more structured approach to birds and exotic animals than it does to cats and dogs. New Jersey has one of the most stringent exotic pet permitting systems in the country, overseen by the Division of Fish and Wildlife under the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

The first question to answer is whether your specific animal requires a permit at all. A permit is not required for the following: Birds — budgerigar (budgie), cockatiel, canary, zebra finch, society finch, peafowl, domestic birds (chickens, domestic ducks/geese, etc.). Mammals — Syrian/golden hamster, gerbil, guinea pig, domestic rabbit, pot-bellied pigs, miniature pigs, pygmy goats, mice and rats, llamas, and alpacas. Common reptiles such as the American anole, common iguana, boa constrictor, and tokay gecko are also exempt.

If your animal is not on the exempt list, you will likely need an Exotic and Nongame Individual Hobby Permit before you bring it into the state. The Exotic and Nongame Individual Hobby permit is issued for the possession of regulated exotic and nongame wildlife for pets or for hobby purposes. The permit fee is $10.00, or $20.00 for permits that include birds. The fee is per permit, not per animal.

Some species are outright prohibited regardless of permit status. The following may not be kept as pets or for hobby purposes for any reason: Quaker (monk) parrot, wallaby, wild canids, wild felids, primates, venomous snakes, and alligators.

Common Mistake: Many people assume that because they legally owned an exotic pet in another state, they can simply bring it to New Jersey. That is not the case. The importation permit requirement applies whether the animal will be a new purchase or has been a pet in another state and you are moving into New Jersey.

For birds specifically, regulated species must be properly documented. All sales, purchases, and transfers must be accompanied by written documentation from the seller or transferor indicating in writing that the bird was captive-bred or domestically bred, or was in captivity prior to December 10, 1991. Proof of prior possession can include a New Jersey permit, original receipt, veterinary records, dated photographs, or affidavits from persons with relevant knowledge.

For a broader look at how exotic pet laws vary across the United States, see this overview of United States laws on exotic pets, or review New Jersey-specific animal regulations such as goat ownership laws in New Jersey and rooster crowing laws in New Jersey.

All Exotic and Nongame permits expire December 31 of the year issued unless otherwise noted. Annual renewal report form applications must be received by January 31. If not received by January 31, permit holders will be subject to penalties and fines. Plan accordingly if you are moving late in the calendar year.

If you are curious about animals with claws and how New Jersey handles their ownership, the animals with claws guide covers relevant species classifications.

Requirements for Pets Coming From Outside the United States

If you are bringing a pet to New Jersey from another country, you face a two-layer compliance challenge: federal US entry requirements and then New Jersey’s state-level rules. You must satisfy both.

At the federal level, the CDC and USDA are the primary regulators. CDC issues regulations to control the entry of dogs into the United States from other countries. These rules apply to all dogs, including puppies, service animals, and dogs that left the United States and are returning.

For dogs specifically, age and vaccination status are critical factors. Dogs must be at least 3 months of age to receive a rabies vaccine. Owners of dogs that are not currently rabies vaccinated or are less than 4 months of age should contact the CDC at CDCAnimalImports@cdc.gov as soon as possible in advance of the dog’s arrival to approve a confinement agreement allowing the dog entry into the United States.

For cats arriving from abroad, the federal standard is less paperwork-intensive. Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States. However, CDC recommends that all cats be vaccinated against rabies. New Jersey’s own recommendation aligns with this federal guidance.

Pet Type	Federal US Entry Requirement	Additional NJ State Requirement
Dogs	CDC rules apply; age and vaccination matter; confinement agreement may be needed for unvaccinated dogs	CVI within 30 days of travel; license + rabies vaccine within 10 days of arrival for dogs 7+ months
Cats	Must appear healthy; subject to port-of-entry inspection; no rabies vaccine required federally	No CVI required by state; rabies vaccine strongly recommended; check local municipal rules
Exotic Animals	USDA and CDC regulate specific species; African rodents banned entirely	NJDEP permit required before arrival; some species prohibited entirely
Birds	USDA APHIS may require permits for certain species; CITES rules apply to protected species	Permit required for regulated species; captive-bred documentation required

One federal prohibition worth knowing: CDC’s ban on importing all African rodents is still in effect. A person may not import or offer to import into the United States any rodent of African origin, whether dead or alive, including any rodent shipped directly to the United States from Africa.

CDC regulates the importation of animals into the US to prevent the spread of diseases. CDC may require imported animals to be quarantined or re-exported, and violators may be fined or imprisoned. Non-compliance is not a minor administrative issue — it carries serious legal consequences.

If you are moving from a state like Florida, Ohio, or Michigan, you are dealing with interstate movement only and the federal international entry rules do not apply — but you still need to satisfy New Jersey’s state-level requirements.

How to Find a Federally Accredited Vet Before You Move

The CVI required for dogs entering New Jersey must be issued by a veterinarian licensed in the state or country of origin. For international travel or for official USDA-endorsed documentation, you will need a federally accredited veterinarian — a vet who has been endorsed by USDA APHIS to issue official interstate and international health certificates.

Not every licensed vet holds federal accreditation. Here is how to find one before your move:

1. Use the USDA APHIS Vet Search Tool — The USDA maintains an online directory of accredited veterinarians searchable by state and zip code. Visit aphis.usda.gov and use the accredited vet locator to find a provider near you.
2. Ask your current vet directly — Many private practices have at least one accredited vet on staff. Ask specifically whether any of their veterinarians hold USDA federal accreditation.
3. Contact your state veterinarian’s office — The state vet in your current state can refer you to accredited practitioners in your area.
4. Book early — Accredited vets often have limited appointment availability. Schedule at least three to four weeks before your planned move date to stay within the 30-day certificate window.
5. Confirm what the appointment covers — Make sure the vet will complete the full CVI, not just a general wellness exam. Confirm they are familiar with New Jersey’s specific importation requirements.

Pro Tip: If you are flying with your pet, confirm with your airline whether they require the CVI to be issued on official USDA Form 7001 (the APHIS Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals) or whether a standard licensed-vet certificate is acceptable. Requirements vary by carrier.

For exotic animals, finding a vet experienced in your specific species is equally important. Ensure you have access to a veterinarian experienced with exotic animals before purchasing or transporting a pet. This is not just a practical recommendation — documentation from a knowledgeable exotic vet strengthens your permit application with NJDEP.

New Jersey’s wildlife regulations are broadly enforced, and having proper veterinary documentation on file protects you in any enforcement scenario.

Who to Contact in New Jersey Before You Arrive With a Pet

Knowing which agency handles your specific pet type saves time and prevents costly mistakes. New Jersey splits animal oversight across three primary agencies, and contacting the wrong one can delay your move.

Here is a breakdown of who handles what:

Pet Type	Agency	Contact
Dogs	NJ Department of Health (Veterinary Public Health)	609-826-4872
Livestock and Poultry	NJ Department of Agriculture (Animal Health)	609-671-6400
Wildlife and Exotic Animals	NJ Department of Environmental Protection (Fish and Wildlife)	908-735-5689
Exotic/Nongame Permits (Hobby)	NJDEP Wildlife Permits Unit	609-223-5450
Exotic/Nongame Permits (Clarification)	NJDEP Exotic and Nongame Permits Office	609-223-6055

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish and Wildlife Program issues a variety of permits pertaining to exotic and nongame wildlife species. If you own any animal that is not a standard dog or cat, this is your first call.

Before your move, work through this contact checklist:

• Dogs: Contact the NJ Department of Health if you have questions about the CVI or rabies licensing timeline. Contact your destination municipality to confirm local licensing requirements and deadlines.
• Cats: Contact your destination municipality directly to ask whether local ordinances require rabies vaccination or licensing for cats. Requirements vary by city and county in New Jersey.
• Exotic animals and birds: Contact the NJDEP Wildlife Permits Unit before you finalize your move date. It is recommended that you contact the Wildlife Permits Unit to confirm if a state or breeder is acceptable before placing a deposit for an animal. The same principle applies when moving an existing exotic pet — confirm eligibility before you travel.
• USDA questions: For federal-level questions about importing dogs or regulated species, contact USDA Animal Care at 301-851-3751.

Key Insight: New Jersey counties and cities may have stricter regulations than state law. Always check with your local government before acquiring or relocating any exotic pet. State compliance alone is not always sufficient.

Transporting exotic animals into or within New Jersey requires adherence to strict regulations. Starting the contact process at least 60 to 90 days before your planned move gives you time to gather documents, secure permits, and address any unexpected complications without delaying your relocation.

If you are moving to New Jersey from a state like Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, or Minnesota, remember that each state has its own outbound rules as well — your current state’s vet or agriculture department can help you confirm what documentation they will sign off on for your departure.

Getting ahead of New Jersey’s pet import requirements is straightforward once you know which documents apply to your animal and which agency to contact. Start with your vet, confirm your permit needs with NJDEP if applicable, and keep all records organized and accessible when you arrive.