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

Moving to Alabama with a pet takes more preparation than most people expect. Whether you are relocating from across the country or arriving from another nation, Alabama enforces specific health documentation rules that apply the moment your animal crosses the state line.

Skipping a step — like using the wrong certificate form or missing a rabies vaccination record — can delay your move or put your pet’s entry at risk. This guide walks you through every requirement for dogs, cats, birds, exotic animals, and international arrivals, plus exactly who to contact before you arrive.

What Documents Do You Need to Bring a Pet Into Alabama

The foundation of Alabama’s pet import system is the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). An Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is an official document issued by an accredited veterinarian certifying that the animal destined for interstate movement is healthy at the time of the veterinary inspection. You must have this in hand before you travel.

One important change affects which form is accepted. Effective January 1, 2019, APHIS form 7001 “United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals” is no longer approved for interstate movement of small animals into Alabama by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (AGI). Using this outdated form will not satisfy Alabama’s entry requirements.

Important Note: Alabama does accept electronic CVIs — but only through approved platforms. Alabama currently accepts electronic ICVIs provided by Global Vet Link and AgView. Make sure your vet uses one of these two systems if going paperless.

Here is a summary of the core documents you need to gather before entering Alabama with a pet:

• An official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian in your state of origin
• Proof of current rabies vaccination (for dogs and cats over three months of age)
• Vaccination tags bearing the same serial number and year as the vaccination certificate
• A copy of the health certificate to be forwarded to Alabama’s State Veterinarian upon arrival

All certificates for interstate shipment must carry the approval of the state animal health official of the state of origin. Your vet cannot simply sign the form — it also needs sign-off from your home state’s animal health authority before it is valid for Alabama entry.

If you are also reviewing requirements for neighboring states, see how Alabama’s rules compare to pet import laws in Georgia or pet import laws in North Carolina.

Dog Import Requirements in Alabama

Dogs face the most detailed set of entry requirements under Alabama law. All dogs over three months of age imported into Alabama for any purpose, with the exception of those for exhibition purposes and those to be in the state for a limited time, shall be accompanied by a certificate of health issued by a licensed graduate veterinarian and approved by the proper livestock sanitary official of the state of origin, stating that the dog is free from symptoms of any infectious or communicable disease, did not originate within an area under quarantine for rabies, and has received a standard dose of rabies vaccine within twelve months of date of entry.

The rabies vaccination timing matters. The CVI must be issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry, and dogs over three months of age must be vaccinated for rabies within 12 months prior to entry. Both the type of vaccination and the date of administration must appear on the CVI.

Pro Tip: Schedule your vet appointment no more than 30 days before your move date. A CVI issued earlier than 30 days before crossing the Alabama state line may not be accepted.

A few additional rules apply to all dogs entering the state:

• Puppies under three months of age may be admitted without vaccination.
• This section does not apply to any dog which is imported into the state for exhibition purposes and which does not remain in the state for more than 21 days.
• No dog or domesticated cat infested with screwworms shall be shipped or otherwise imported into Alabama for any purpose.

A copy of the health certificate shall be forwarded promptly to the State Veterinarian of Alabama after your dog arrives. Keep a second copy for your own records as well.

Alabama also has specific regulations around certain breeds and dangerous dog designations. Before you move, review pit bull laws in Alabama and dog leash laws in Alabama so you are prepared for local ordinances in your new community.

Cat Import Requirements in Alabama

Cats entering Alabama follow the same core documentation framework as dogs, with a few nuances worth understanding. All dogs and domesticated cats to be moved or transported into Alabama for any purpose shall be accompanied by an official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection showing that the animals have been officially vaccinated against rabies when the animal reaches three months of age and subsequently in accordance with the intervals specified in the vaccine’s license, and identified by vaccination certificates and tags bearing the same number and year as that of the certificate.

This means your cat needs both a current rabies shot and a matching tag — not just a vaccination record alone. The tag number must match the certificate number exactly.

Kittens under three months of age may be admitted without vaccination. If your kitten has not yet reached the three-month threshold by the time you move, you are not required to vaccinate before entry — but you should still obtain a CVI confirming the animal appears healthy.

Common Mistake: Many cat owners assume that because the CDC does not require proof of rabies vaccination for cats entering the United States from abroad, Alabama has no rabies requirement either. Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States at the federal level — but Alabama state law does require it for cats over three months of age moving interstate. These are two separate sets of rules.

If you are curious about other Alabama laws that affect cat ownership, the state’s position on declawing cats in Alabama is also worth reviewing before you settle in.

Bird and Exotic Pet Import Requirements in Alabama

Birds and exotic animals involve a more complex regulatory picture in Alabama, combining state-level oversight with several layers of federal authority.

Pet Birds (Interstate Movement)

For pet birds moving between states, APHIS does not regulate the interstate movement of pets by their owners. That means there is no federal permit required when you drive or fly your pet bird from another U.S. state into Alabama. However, Alabama’s state rules still apply, and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries may require notification for certain species — especially wild or semi-wild birds.

Dogs, cats, small domesticated rodents (such as hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rats, and mice), and many common cage birds are generally legal to own without a special wildlife permit. Alabama law imposes relatively few state-level restrictions on traditional household pets and low-risk animals.

Exotic and Wild Animals

Wild and semi-wild animals face a stricter process. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries may require circuses, animal shows, and similar exhibitors to notify the State Veterinarian before bringing wild animals into Alabama. Testing, cleaning, or disinfection may be required as a condition of entry.

Alabama maintains a firm restricted species list. Alabama takes a firm stance against certain nonnative and high-risk animals. Restricted species include nonnative coyotes and foxes, feral swine, black bears originating outside Alabama, giant African land snails, all species of tegus.

Reptiles and amphibians fall into a more complex category. Native, non-protected species may be kept within possession limits set by ADCNR hunting and fishing regulations. Many commonly sold, captive-bred nonnative reptiles, such as leopard geckos or corn snakes, are not specifically prohibited unless they appear on a restricted list.

Key Insight: Violations of Alabama’s wildlife possession and importation rules can result in seizure and forfeiture of animals, fines, and criminal charges. Research your specific species before you move — not after.

The following table summarizes common pet categories and their general import status in Alabama:

Animal Type	CVI Required	Rabies Vaccine Required	Special Permit Needed
Dogs (3+ months)	Yes	Yes (within 12 months)	No (standard entry)
Puppies (under 3 months)	Yes	No	No
Cats (3+ months)	Yes	Yes	No (standard entry)
Kittens (under 3 months)	Yes	No	No
Common cage birds	Recommended	N/A	No (for most species)
Exotic/wild animals	Yes	Species-dependent	Often yes — verify with ADCNR
Restricted species	N/A	N/A	Entry prohibited

Alabama also has specific rules around certain animals that straddle the line between pet and livestock. If you are bringing backyard chickens, be sure to check backyard chicken laws in Alabama, and review hedgehog ownership laws in Alabama if that is your pet of choice.

Requirements for Pets Coming From Outside the United States

If you are moving to Alabama from another country, your pet must clear two separate sets of rules: federal U.S. entry requirements and Alabama’s state-level import rules. Both apply, and neither overrides the other.

Federal Entry Requirements

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.

CDC regulations govern the importation of certain animals capable of carrying diseases that can be transmitted to humans (zoonotic diseases). Pets taken out of the United States are subject upon return to the same regulations as those entering for the first time.

For dogs specifically, the State Veterinarian at the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries should be notified within 72 hours of the arrival of any imported dog required to be placed in confinement under CDC regulation.

International Bird Import Requirements

Bringing a pet bird into the U.S. from abroad involves multiple federal agencies. Depending on the type of bird you have, APHIS regulations may vary. Due to the possibility of carrying or transmitting certain diseases to the U.S. poultry industry, some pet birds are regulated as poultry and must meet different requirements. Check current advisories for bird import restrictions on the APHIS Pet Travel website.

Importers must submit the import permit application at least 7 business days prior to shipping the birds. You need to know your route of travel and specify a travel date before applying. Additionally, the original import permit is valid for 30 days and must accompany all pet bird shipments.

Restricted Animals at the Federal Level

The CDC prohibits the importation of African rodents, bats, and nonhuman primates as pets under any circumstances. These prohibitions exist regardless of what Alabama state law says — federal law takes precedence.

Import requirements vary depending on the specific commodity and country of origin. Importers are responsible for meeting all requirements to avoid refusal of entry or penalties due to noncompliance with import requirements.

Important Note: You may still need a permit from another federal agency like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is the importer’s responsibility to comply with the requirements of all regulatory agencies.

To see how Alabama’s international pet entry rules compare to other states, review pet import laws in Texas or pet import laws in Colorado for additional context.

How to Find a Federally Accredited Vet Before You Move

Getting the right CVI starts with finding the right veterinarian. Not every licensed vet is authorized to issue official interstate health certificates — you need one who is both state-licensed and USDA-accredited.

Veterinarians in the employ of the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, or of the state livestock sanitary service, or accredited veterinarians approved by the recognized animal health official of the state of origin, are authorized to inspect and issue official certificates of veterinary inspection.

Here is how to locate a federally accredited vet in your current state before your move:

1. Use the USDA APHIS Vet Search Tool — Visit the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website and use the accredited veterinarian locator to find qualified vets in your area.
2. Contact your state’s veterinarian office — For questions or clarification on any of the requirements, contact the State or Territorial veterinarian’s office. They can confirm which local vets are accredited and familiar with Alabama’s specific requirements.
3. Ask about electronic CVI capability — Confirm your vet can issue certificates through Global Vet Link or AgView, the two platforms Alabama currently accepts for electronic CVIs.
4. Book early — Schedule your appointment no more than 30 days before your move date, since the CVI has a limited validity window for Alabama entry.
5. Bring all vaccination records — Your vet will need your pet’s full vaccination history to complete the CVI accurately, including the lot number and type of vaccine previously administered.

Pro Tip: Airlines generally require health certificates for traveling pets. In addition, airlines may charge fees or have rules about allowing certain types of pets onboard. If you are flying into Alabama, confirm your airline’s specific pet documentation requirements at the same time you arrange your CVI — the timelines often overlap.

If you are moving from a state that has its own detailed pet import process, check resources for pet import laws in Pennsylvania, pet import laws in Ohio, or pet import laws in Michigan to handle both ends of your move.

Who to Contact in Alabama Before You Arrive With a Pet

Reaching out to the right Alabama agencies before you cross the state line can prevent delays and ensure your paperwork is in order. Here are the key contacts and resources to know:

Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (AGI) — Animal Industries Division

This is the primary state authority for pet import rules. They oversee CVI requirements, the restricted species list, and any special entry permits for exotic animals. Alabama licensed and accredited veterinarians may purchase ICVI booklets by contacting the office at 334-240-7255. Pet owners can also call this number to ask questions about specific documentation requirements before arriving.

• Website: agi.alabama.gov — Import Requirements
• Phone: 334-240-7255

Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) — Epidemiology Division

ADPH handles rabies control and zoonotic disease oversight. If your dog was imported from outside the U.S. and placed under CDC confinement orders, the State Veterinarian at the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries should be notified within 72 hours of the arrival of any imported dog required to be placed in confinement.

• Website: adph.org/epi

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR)

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources governs native wildlife, game species, endangered species, and collection and possession rules. If you are bringing a reptile, amphibian, or any animal that could be classified as wildlife, contact ADCNR to confirm whether a permit is required.

• Website: outdooralabama.com

USDA APHIS (for international arrivals)

When bringing live animals into a state or territory, you may need to provide health certificates for the animals or ensure updated vaccinations. For international arrivals, APHIS is your primary federal contact for import permits, quarantine requirements, and port-of-entry procedures.

• Website: aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel

CDC — Division of Global Migration and Quarantine

If your dog arrives from a country with active canine rabies transmission, CDC oversight applies. Failure of the owner to comply with confinement requirements should be promptly reported to the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, CDC.

• Phone: 404-639-3441
• Website: cdc.gov — Bringing an Animal into the U.S.

Key Insight: The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries regulates animal health, livestock, and some exotic animal importation — but local county and city ordinances can add another layer of rules. Always check with your specific destination municipality, especially for exotic pets or animals that fall into gray areas under state law.

Once you have settled in, it helps to understand the full picture of Alabama’s animal regulations. Explore leash laws in Alabama and rooster crowing laws in Alabama to stay on the right side of local rules from day one. If you are also planning a move to another state, resources like pet import laws in Illinois, pet import laws in Missouri, pet import laws in New Jersey, pet import laws in Washington, and pet import laws in Wisconsin can help you plan ahead.

Alabama’s pet import rules are straightforward once you know what to gather. Start with a USDA-accredited vet, get your CVI issued within 30 days of your move, confirm your rabies vaccination records are current, and reach out to AGI if you have any questions about your specific animal. A little preparation before you leave makes for a much smoother arrival for both you and your pet.