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

Relocating to Arizona with a pet takes more than packing a travel crate and hitting the road. Pets are often considered part of the family, but traveling with a pet isn’t as simple as just booking a flight or driving across the border — they need the correct paperwork to avoid being held up during travel. Whether you’re moving from another U.S. state or arriving from abroad, Arizona has specific entry requirements that apply to dogs, cats, birds, and exotic animals alike.

Getting ahead of these requirements saves you from delays, fines, or having your pet held at the border. This guide walks you through every major rule you need to know about pet import laws in Arizona — from the paperwork your vet must sign to the agencies you should call before you arrive.

What Documents Do You Need to Bring a Pet Into Arizona

The foundation of Arizona’s pet import laws is a single, non-negotiable document: the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. All animals transported or moved into the state of Arizona shall be accompanied by a valid, official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) from the state of origin. This requirement applies broadly across species, so whether you’re bringing a dog, cat, or bird, the CVI is your starting point.

Arizona requires a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or health certificate within 30 days of import, with the original signature. That 30-day window is important — if your move gets delayed or your travel dates shift, you may need to schedule a new exam with your vet to keep the certificate valid.

• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) / Health Certificate — issued by a licensed, accredited veterinarian within 30 days of entry
• Rabies vaccination records — required for dogs and recommended for cats; must comply with NASPHV Compendium standards
• Species-specific documentation — additional permits or health statements for birds and exotic animals
• Entry permit number — required for livestock; may be waived for eligible animals when an electronic CVI is used

Pro Tip: Schedule your pet’s veterinary exam no more than 2–3 weeks before your move date. This keeps your CVI well within Arizona’s 30-day validity window and gives you buffer time if your vet needs to reissue the document.

The health documentation shall be attached to the waybill or in the possession of the driver of the vehicle or person in charge of the animals. Keep physical copies accessible throughout your trip — not just saved on your phone. If you’re stopped at a port of entry or an agricultural inspection station, inspectors need to see the originals.

Effective September 2024, the import permit requirement for eligible animals imported into Arizona is waived when an electronic certificate of veterinary inspection (eCVI) is issued and received, as long as all other import requirements are met under Arizona Revised Statutes. Ask your vet whether they can issue an eCVI, as this can simplify the paperwork process significantly.

An animal affected with or recently exposed to any infectious, contagious, or communicable disease, or which originates in a state or federal quarantine area, shall not be transported or moved into the state of Arizona unless a permit for the entry is first obtained from the Arizona State Veterinarian’s Office. If your pet has been ill or if your origin state has an active disease outbreak, contact Arizona’s State Veterinarian before you travel.

Dog Import Requirements in Arizona

Dogs are the most commonly imported pets into Arizona, and the state’s requirements are straightforward but firm. In addition to the standard CVI, Arizona requires a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection within 30 days of import with the original signature, and requires that the animal is currently vaccinated against rabies (12 weeks and older) according to the requirements of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies Control.

One rule that surprises many out-of-state pet owners: rabies vaccine titers are not accepted for entry into Arizona. Even if your dog has a documented titer result showing adequate immunity, Arizona does not recognize this as a substitute for an actual rabies vaccination. Your dog must have a current, administered vaccine on record.

After you arrive, Arizona law requires that dogs be licensed at the county level. Rabies vaccination is required for dogs only as a prerequisite to obtaining a license (ARS 11-1010). When a state-level requirement for rabies vaccination is not in effect for cats, it is the veterinarian’s responsibility to know whether local jurisdictions have rabies vaccination requirements in place.

• CVI / health certificate — required within 30 days of entry, original signature required
• Rabies vaccination — required for dogs 12 weeks and older; titers not accepted
• Dog license — must be obtained from your county after arrival; rabies vaccination is a prerequisite
• Disease-free origin — dog must not originate from a rabies quarantine area

Important Note: Arizona does not accept rabies antibody titers in place of a current vaccination. Even if your dog has a passing titer from a certified lab, you must have documentation of an actual administered rabies vaccine to cross into Arizona.

If you’re moving to a specific city, check local ordinances as well. Just because an animal is legal to own in the state doesn’t mean the city you live in allows it — many local cities and counties have their own restrictions on which animals are legal to keep. For example, some municipalities have breed-specific regulations that go beyond state law. You can learn more about dog leash laws in Arizona and pit bull laws in Arizona to understand what rules may apply once you’re settled.

Once you’re living in Arizona, it’s also worth reviewing German Shepherd laws in Arizona if you own a large or working breed, as some jurisdictions apply additional requirements for certain dog types.

Cat Import Requirements in Arizona

Cats entering Arizona follow the same core documentation requirement as dogs — a valid CVI issued within 30 days of entry. However, the rabies vaccination rules differ slightly for cats compared to dogs.

Per AAC R3-2-616, a dog or cat shall be accompanied by a health certificate that documents the animal is currently vaccinated against rabies according to the requirements of the NASPHV Compendium. This means the vaccination requirement applies to cats being imported just as it does to dogs, even though Arizona’s state-level licensing mandate only explicitly names dogs.

When a state-level requirement for rabies vaccination is not in effect for cats, it is the veterinarian’s responsibility to know whether or not local jurisdictions have rabies vaccination requirements in place. Even if rabies vaccination is not required at the state or local level, vaccination of all dogs and cats is strongly recommended.

• CVI / health certificate — required within 30 days of entry, original signature required
• Rabies vaccination documentation — required per AAC R3-2-616 for imported cats
• Health status — cat must be free from signs of infectious or communicable disease
• Non-quarantine origin — cat must not originate from a rabies quarantine area

Key Insight: Arizona’s state-level dog licensing law doesn’t explicitly mandate rabies vaccination for cats, but the import rule (AAC R3-2-616) does require vaccination documentation when crossing into the state. Check with your destination county for any additional local requirements after arrival.

After settling in, review county-specific rules for cat licensing and vaccination. Pima County, for instance, uses an online licensing system and processes renewals through participating veterinary clinics. Fees vary depending on whether your animal is altered or unaltered, and discounts are available for qualifying seniors, disabled residents, low-income households, and service animal owners.

Bird and Exotic Pet Import Requirements in Arizona

Arizona takes a significantly stricter approach to birds and exotic animals than it does to cats and dogs. The rules here involve both the Arizona Department of Agriculture and the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and in some cases federal agencies as well.

Birds

In order to move your birds to Arizona, you will also need a health certificate. You should prepare and get the health certificate in time. The certificate should be issued by an accredited veterinarian, and it requires information that your bird is not infected with Avian Chlamydiosis and that your bird wasn’t exposed to other birds infected with the same virus in the previous 30 days.

The Avian Chlamydiosis (also known as psittacosis) statement is a specific requirement that goes beyond what’s needed for dogs and cats. If your bird has been in contact with other birds recently, make sure your vet documents the exposure history carefully before issuing the health certificate.

Exotic and Wild Animals

Arizona has some of the strictest laws regarding exotic animals. The state restricts ownership and possession of a variety of exotic animals to entities that have the animals for wildlife management, wildlife rehabilitation, public health, education, or commercial photography.

A.R.S. §17-306 makes it illegal for anyone to import, transport, release, or possess live wildlife within the state. Only specific wildlife authorized by the commission or defined in Title 3, Chapter 16 is permitted to be kept as pets in Arizona.

A person may import mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles not listed as restricted wildlife under R12-4-406 without a special license, provided the animals are accompanied by a valid license, permit, or other form of authorization from another state, the United States, or another country, and accompanied by the health certificate required under 3 A.A.C. 2, Article 6, and this Article, when applicable.

Animal Type	Health Certificate Required	Additional Requirements	Governing Authority
Dogs	Yes — within 30 days	Current rabies vaccination; no titers accepted	AZ Dept. of Agriculture
Cats	Yes — within 30 days	Rabies vaccination per NASPHV Compendium	AZ Dept. of Agriculture
Pet Birds	Yes — accredited vet	Avian Chlamydiosis-free statement; no exposure in past 30 days	AZ Dept. of Agriculture / USDA APHIS
Non-restricted Exotics	Yes	Valid license or permit from origin state or country	AZ Game and Fish Dept.
Restricted Wildlife	N/A — generally prohibited	Special license required; most prohibited entirely	AZ Game and Fish Dept.

Arizona Administrative Code R12-4-406 covers restrictive live wildlife in the state. The section includes a comprehensive list of animals prohibited from being kept in the state as pets. This list includes crocodilians, certain large constrictors, venomous reptile species, and many other animals. Review the full list before importing any non-traditional pet.

There could be local ordinances banning certain pets. It is always wise to check with the local animal control agency or city government to ensure that owning a specific type of exotic pet does not violate local laws. You can also review United States laws on exotic pets and hedgehog ownership laws in Arizona for more detail on how specific species are treated at both the state and federal levels.

If you’re moving livestock-adjacent animals like goats or backyard pigs, those fall under separate livestock importation rules. See goat ownership laws in Arizona and backyard pig laws in Arizona for guidance specific to those animals.

Requirements for Pets Coming From Outside the United States

If you’re relocating to Arizona from another country, your pet must clear both federal U.S. entry requirements and Arizona’s state-level import rules. Federal requirements — particularly for dogs — have changed significantly in recent years, so it’s critical to verify the current rules before you travel.

Dogs Entering from Outside the U.S.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the primary authority for dog imports, including dogs entering or returning to the United States. The CDC’s requirements now center on a specific certification form rather than the traditional export health certificate.

The Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before the dog leaves the United States. For a dog receiving its first rabies vaccination, the form must be completed no less than 28 days after the vaccine was administered. Booster vaccines are considered valid immediately as long as there has been no lapse in vaccine coverage.

USDA-endorsed export health certificates issued after July 31, 2025, are not accepted for re-entry, and you will need to have the Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form. If you’re a U.S. citizen returning from abroad with your dog, this is the key document you need in place before departure.

For dogs that have been in countries classified as high-risk for dog rabies:

• Foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies within the last 6 months must have a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility, land at the airport associated with the facility, and meet additional requirements.
• A Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, endorsed by an official government veterinarian of the exporting country, is required
• CDC defines a passing or adequate antibody titer as a titer that is ≥0.5 IU/mL.
• If foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries do not have a valid rabies serology titer, the dogs must be quarantined for 28 days at a CDC-registered animal care facility after they are examined and revaccinated.

Common Mistake: Many pet owners assume a standard rabies certificate from their foreign vet is sufficient for U.S. re-entry. It is not. The CDC requires a specific government-endorsed form — either the Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination or the Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip — depending on where your dog was vaccinated.

Pet Birds Entering from Outside the U.S.

Pet birds arriving from foreign countries face one of the most involved import processes of any common pet type. USDA Veterinary Services port personnel will oversee the transport of your pet bird to the Animal Import Center (AIC) to start a 30-day quarantine period.

You must contact the VS port veterinarian at least 72 hours prior to arrival to alert port personnel of your arrival and discuss arrival plans. Failing to provide this advance notice can result in your bird being denied entry or held indefinitely.

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. Refer to the live animal requirements to bring any livestock, poultry, or commercial birds into the United States. If your bird falls into one of these categories, you’ll need to work through a separate, more complex import process.

Once your pet clears U.S. federal entry, Arizona’s state-level requirements still apply. You’ll need to present the appropriate CVI or health certificate to comply with Arizona Department of Agriculture rules, in addition to whatever federal documentation was required at the port of entry. The USDA APHIS pet travel page is the most current official source for federal requirements by species.

How to Find a Federally Accredited Vet Before You Move

Several of Arizona’s import requirements — and nearly all international pet travel requirements — specifically require a USDA-accredited veterinarian, not just any licensed vet. Understanding the difference and finding the right provider before your move is essential.

A USDA-accredited veterinarian is a licensed vet who has been approved by USDA APHIS to issue official health certificates and other federal documentation. Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as you decide to travel. They will help you determine your destination’s pet entry requirements and assist you through the process.

Here’s how to locate one:

1. Use the USDA APHIS Vet Search Tool — Visit aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel and use the accredited vet locator to find USDA-accredited veterinarians in your current state before you move, or in Arizona once you arrive.
2. Ask your current vet directly — Check with your veterinary clinic whether there is a USDA-accredited veterinarian in the practice. Many multi-vet practices have at least one accredited provider.
3. Plan for timing — The Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before the dog leaves the United States. For a dog receiving its first rabies vaccination, the form must be completed no less than 28 days after the vaccine was administered. Build this timeline into your moving plans.
4. Verify endorsement capability — Pet owners cannot submit documents to USDA offices directly. All submissions must be made by the veterinarian through VEHCS (the Veterinary Export Health Certification System). Confirm your vet is registered in this system before your appointment.
5. For exotic animals — Many exotic pets require special diets and housing requirements, and veterinary care can be difficult to find because many vets do not treat exotic pets. Search specifically for exotic animal veterinarians in your destination area of Arizona well in advance.

Pro Tip: If your current vet is not USDA-accredited, don’t wait until the week before your move to find one who is. Accredited vets can have limited appointment availability, and the endorsement process through USDA’s VEHCS system adds additional processing time on top of the exam itself.

If you’re moving to Arizona from another state and want to compare how Arizona’s requirements stack up against your origin state, resources like California dog laws, Florida dog laws, and Ohio dog laws can give you a sense of how each state approaches animal regulation differently.

Who to Contact in Arizona Before You Arrive With a Pet

Knowing the right agencies to contact before your move can prevent delays, fines, and the stress of having your pet held at an inspection point. Arizona has multiple agencies with overlapping jurisdiction over pet imports, and the right contact depends on your animal type.

Arizona Department of Agriculture — State Veterinarian’s Office

This is your primary contact for dogs, cats, birds, and most domestic pets. Call (602) 542-4293 from 8 AM to 5 PM MST, Monday through Friday. The State Veterinarian’s Office handles CVI review, entry permit numbers, and disease-related import questions.

For livestock or animals requiring an entry permit number, email your CVI (health certificate) to the Department with all required information attached if not already on the CVI. The office works through requests in the order they are received and provides entry permit numbers by email, so submit early.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Questions about exotic pets can be directed to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. This agency governs the import, possession, and transport of wildlife and exotic animals under Arizona Administrative Code R12-4-406. If your pet falls into a gray area — such as a hybrid animal, a reptile species, or any non-traditional companion animal — contact AZGFD before your move to confirm whether a special license or permit is required.

USDA APHIS

For questions or clarification on any interstate or international animal movement requirements, contact the State or Territorial veterinarian’s office. USDA APHIS also maintains a dedicated pet travel resource at aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel that covers both interstate and international requirements by species.

CDC (for international arrivals)

If you’re bringing a dog from outside the United States, the CDC is your federal point of contact for import documentation and high-risk country classifications. The CDC Dog Import Form must be completed online before your dog arrives at a U.S. port of entry.

Your Destination County

Consider checking with your local city and county for their regulations regarding what pets you can and can’t own. It is your responsibility to comply with all local laws, ordinances, and covenants before importing or possessing live wildlife. County animal control offices handle dog licensing, vaccination verification, and local breed restrictions after you arrive.

Agency	Contact / Resource	Best For
AZ Dept. of Agriculture — State Vet	(602) 542-4293 | Mon–Fri 8AM–5PM MST	Dogs, cats, birds, CVI questions, entry permits
AZ Game and Fish Dept.	azgfd.com	Exotic animals, restricted wildlife, special licenses
USDA APHIS	aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel	Interstate and international pet travel, accredited vets
CDC Importation	cdc.gov/importation	International dog imports, high-risk country rules
Local County Animal Control	Varies by county	Dog licensing, local ordinances, breed restrictions

Arizona’s pet import laws are manageable when you plan ahead. The key steps are getting your CVI issued within 30 days of travel, confirming your pet’s vaccinations are current and properly documented, and reaching out to the relevant agency for your specific animal type before you arrive. For animals that fall outside the standard dog-and-cat category, build extra lead time into your planning — the requirements are more complex and the agencies involved are more numerous.

If you’re also navigating Arizona’s rules around backyard animals or poultry after your move, resources like backyard chicken laws in Arizona and rooster laws in Arizona can help you understand what’s permitted in your specific location.