Pet Import Laws in California: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know Before Moving
June 17, 2026
California has some of the most protective animal importation rules in the country — and missing even one requirement can mean your pet is turned away at the border or flagged by state inspectors after you arrive. Whether you are relocating from another state or returning from abroad, understanding exactly what paperwork, vaccinations, and permits California requires before you cross that state line can save you a serious headache.
This guide walks you through every key requirement for bringing dogs, cats, birds, and exotic pets into California, including what has changed under laws that took effect in 2026, how to find the right veterinarian before you move, and who to call if you have questions specific to your situation.
What Documents Do You Need to Bring a Pet Into California
Any person bringing an animal into California is required by state and federal laws to have certain documents stating that the animal is not carrying serious diseases, such as rabies. The specific paperwork you need depends on the species, whether the animal is changing ownership, and where it is coming from — but a few documents appear across nearly every situation.
The most common document is the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also called a health certificate. Only an accredited veterinarian is authorized to complete, issue, and sign a CVI. Your veterinarian can either use a state-sanctioned CVI from the state of origin, an electronic CVI from a third-party service provider, or the APHIS Form 7001.
- Rabies vaccination certificate — Required for dogs; must be signed and dated by a licensed veterinarian
- Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) / Health Certificate — Required for dogs being sold or changing ownership, all poultry, and recommended for many other species
- Entry permit — Required for most livestock; not required for dogs and cats traveling as personal pets
- Species-specific permits — Required for restricted exotic animals under California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulations
Pro Tip: If you are flying with your pet, contact your airline before you travel. Anyone transporting an animal on a commercial airline flight should call the airline company for any additional requirements they may have. Airlines often require health certificates issued within 10 days of the flight.
Within 10 days of departure, your veterinarian must issue a health certificate, as all airlines require. This certificate states that your pet is healthy and fit to fly. The health certificate must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and should include your pet’s microchip number, vaccination records, and a statement that your pet is free from infectious diseases.
For more on how California regulates pets beyond the import process, see this overview of pet laws in California.
Dog Import Requirements in California
Dogs face the most detailed set of requirements when entering California, especially if they are changing owners. Getting your paperwork in order well before your move date is essential.
Rabies Vaccination
The only vaccination required for a pet dog to come to California is for rabies. The State of California does not require other vaccinations for pets, but local (county/city) animal agencies may have other requirements. A completed rabies vaccination certificate must be signed and dated by a licensed veterinarian.
The rabies vaccine should be administered at least 28 days before travel, and pets must be re-vaccinated every three years. A rabies certificate with the vaccine’s name, lot number, expiration date, and the veterinarian’s original signature in blue ink should accompany the health certificate.
Age Requirement
All dogs over four months of age are required to be vaccinated. Dogs younger than four months are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement but should still be examined by a vet before travel.
Health Certificate for Dogs Changing Ownership
A major rule change took effect on January 1, 2026. Per SB 312, a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also known as a health certificate, is now required for all dogs imported into California for the purpose of sale, resale, adoption, or any other change of ownership.
The CVI must be issued by a licensed and accredited veterinarian and submitted electronically to both CDFA and the buyer within 10 days prior to entry into the state. CVIs can be submitted to CDFA via email at smallanimalcvi@cdfa.ca.gov.
The Puppy Importation Transparency Act (SB 312) requires dog importers to electronically submit health certificates to the California Department of Food and Agriculture within 10 days of shipment. The certificates identifying breeders and documenting the dog’s health will be made public, giving consumers and law enforcement access to critical information needed to identify unethical breeding and transport practices.
Important Note: Starting January 1, 2026, health certificates for dogs being imported into California with plans to be sold must be sent to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Animal Health Branch. There is no longer a requirement to send health certificates to the county health department where the dog will be sold.
Personal Pet Dogs (No Change of Ownership)
CDFA does not have any additional import requirements for cats or dogs not changing ownership. If you are simply relocating with your own dog, your main obligation is ensuring the rabies vaccination is current and documented. That said, local county or city animal agencies may have other requirements, so always check with the county or city you are traveling or moving to.
If you are also curious about leash rules once you arrive, check out the guide to dog leash laws in California to make sure you are compliant at the local level too.
Cat Import Requirements in California
Cats face a lighter documentation burden than dogs when entering California, but that does not mean you can skip preparation entirely.
All domestic cats must be healthy. A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also known as a health certificate, or a current rabies vaccination is not required by California state law for cats that are not changing ownership. However, your airline will almost certainly require a health certificate, so plan to get one regardless.
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. Many counties in California also have their own local rabies vaccination requirements for cats, so confirm the rules in your destination county before you arrive.
Key Insight: Even though California does not mandate a health certificate for personal cats at the state level, having one from a USDA-accredited vet is strongly advisable. It documents your cat’s health status, satisfies airline requirements, and can smooth over any questions from local animal control after you settle in.
What California does require for all cats is that they appear healthy. If a cat shows signs of illness at a port of entry or during inspection, further examination may be required at the owner’s expense. Keep your cat’s vaccination records, vet visit history, and any prescription documentation organized and accessible during the move.
Once you are settled in California, it is worth reviewing California’s broader pet laws to understand licensing, microchipping requirements that apply at the shelter level, and other local obligations.
Bird and Exotic Pet Import Requirements in California
California applies some of the strictest rules in the nation to birds and exotic animals. The state’s approach is built around preventing the spread of disease and protecting its unique native ecosystems from invasive species.
Pet Birds
All poultry imported into California require a CVI, except poultry from flocks classified as Pullorum-Typhoid Free by their state of origin or by the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) and accompanied by their NPIP 9-3 certification form. Entry permits are not required. Requirements may change in the event of a disease outbreak. In the event of a disease outbreak, review the CDFA Avian Health page to stay up-to-date on any additional requirements that are in place for poultry, pet birds, hatching eggs, and poultry products.
A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is required, and all poultry must be inspected by a USDA Category II accredited veterinarian within 30 days of movement into the state. For questions about exotic birds specifically, contact the California Department of Fish and Game at 916-928-5845 for birds traveling into California.
If you keep chickens, you should also be aware of backyard chicken laws in California, which govern how poultry can be kept at a residential property.
Exotic and Restricted Animals
California treats most non-domesticated wildlife as restricted by default, which is just one reason why it has some of the tightest exotic pet laws in the country. California’s wildlife possession rules can be found in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, especially the restricted list in Section 671. A permit is required to import, export, transport, or possess animals listed as restricted under Section 671, and there are additional restrictions from there.
It is unlawful to import, transport, or possess live animals restricted under Section 671 except under a permit issued by the department. California prohibits possession of enumerated species without a permit, and permits are not granted for private pet possession of most restricted wildlife.
| Animal Type | California Status | Permit Available for Private Pets? |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic dogs and cats | Allowed | N/A |
| Pet birds (non-poultry) | Allowed with CVI | N/A |
| Hedgehogs | Restricted (Section 671) | No |
| Primates | Restricted | No (scientific/educational only) |
| Wolves and wild canids | Prohibited as pets | No |
| Raccoons and skunks | Prohibited as pets | No |
| Rabbits (from RHD-affected areas) | Allowed with CVI | N/A |
Permits for importation of primates are typically only issued for scientific, educational, or exhibition purposes — not for private pet ownership. California law prohibits ownership of first-generation wolf hybrids (F1). Only low-content, later-generation wolfdog hybrids may be owned, and proper documentation is required.
The California Department of Public Health says that importing certain species of non-human primates, bats, reptiles, or carnivores into California requires a CDPH permit as well as quarantine conditions.
If you are researching a specific exotic species, the guide to United States laws on exotic pets provides a broader federal-level overview, and the article on hedgehog ownership laws in California covers one of the most commonly misunderstood restrictions in the state.
Rabbits
A CVI is required for rabbits traveling from a state or country diagnosed with Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) in the prior twelve months and must be issued within 72 hours of shipping to California. If your rabbit is coming from a state with no recent RHD history, a CVI is still recommended as a best practice even when not strictly required.
Requirements for Pets Coming From Outside the United States
Importing a pet from another country into California means satisfying both federal entry requirements (CDC and USDA) and California state requirements. Federal rules apply first at the port of entry; state rules apply once you are on California soil.
Dogs Coming From Outside the U.S.
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.
The requirements differ based on where your dog was vaccinated against rabies and which countries it has been in during the past six months:
- U.S.-vaccinated dogs returning from high-risk rabies countries: CDC requires all U.S.-vaccinated dogs that have traveled to a high-risk country for rabies within the past 6 months to have a “Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination” form. This form must be submitted by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before the dog leaves the United States.
- Foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries: 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.
- Microchip requirement: Dogs must be at least 6 months of age at time of entry or return to the U.S. and have an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip implanted before any required rabies vaccinations.
Common Mistake: The Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form is NOT the same form as a regular rabies vaccination certificate you might get from your veterinarian to register your dog with your local jurisdiction. It is a specific CDC form that must be completed and USDA-endorsed before your dog departs the originating country.
For foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries, a foreign veterinarian must complete a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, which must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian. The veterinarian who completes the form and endorses it can be the same person. This form must be completed no more than 30 days before the dog travels to the U.S., and is valid for one U.S. entry only.
Cats Coming From Outside the U.S.
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.
CDC importation requirements pertain solely to dogs. The CDC requires cats to be healthy to enter the U.S., and cats require no documentation of rabies vaccination at the federal level for U.S. entry. However, once inside California, local county rules may still require vaccination.
Birds Coming From Outside the U.S.
Prior to bringing your pet bird back to the U.S., you must contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services to request an Import Permit. To prevent the spread of avian diseases, birds coming into the United States are subject to quarantine. Pet birds meeting certain criteria may undergo this quarantine at home.
If importing small animals internationally, you must contact both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as they may have requirements and/or restrictions based on the country you are originating from.
How to Find a Federally Accredited Vet Before You Move
Many of California’s pet import requirements — and virtually all international pet import paperwork — must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Your regular vet may not hold this accreditation, so it is worth confirming well before your move date.
Only an accredited veterinarian is authorized to complete, issue, and sign a CVI. Your veterinarian can either use a state-sanctioned CVI from the state of origin, an electronic CVI from a third-party service provider, or the APHIS Form 7001.
Here is how to locate a USDA-accredited veterinarian in your current state before you relocate:
- Use the USDA NVAP Lookup Tool — The National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) maintains a searchable online directory. To find a USDA-accredited veterinarian near you, use the USDA’s search tool at the APHIS website.
- Ask your current vet — Check with your veterinary clinic whether there is a USDA-accredited veterinarian in the practice. Even if your primary vet is not accredited, they may be able to refer you to one nearby.
- Use GlobalVetLink or VSPS — As of June 2025, approved eCVI providers available for use by accredited California veterinarians include VSPS (USDA APHIS) and GlobalVetLink (GVL). These platforms can help you find accredited vets and facilitate electronic certificate submission.
- Contact the CDFA directly — For California-specific questions about which vet is appropriate for your animal type, call the CDFA Animal Health Branch at (916) 900-5002.
Pro Tip: Schedule your appointment with a USDA-accredited vet no later than two weeks before your planned move date. Health certificates are typically valid for only 30 days for interstate travel, and airlines require them to be issued within 10 days of the flight. Timing matters.
Remember that your accredited veterinarian has an essential role in the animal movement process, from completing the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and obtaining the permit number to knowing what constitutes official identification for each species.
If you are relocating from a neighboring state and want to compare requirements, the guides to dog leash laws in Arizona and dog leash laws in Florida can help you understand what rules you are leaving behind and what changes when you arrive in California.
Who to Contact in California Before You Arrive With a Pet
California’s pet import rules are administered by several agencies, and the right contact depends on what type of animal you have and what your specific situation involves. Reaching out before you arrive — not after — is the safest approach.
| Situation | Agency to Contact | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs or cats (health certificates, rabies) | California Department of Public Health (CDPH) | cdph.ca.gov |
| Dogs being sold or changing ownership (CVI submission) | CDFA Animal Health Branch | (916) 900-5002 | smallanimalcvi@cdfa.ca.gov |
| Livestock and poultry entry permits | CDFA Animal Health Branch Permit Line | (916) 900-5052 |
| Exotic or restricted species | California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) | (916) 928-5805 | LRB@wildlife.gov |
| Exotic birds traveling into California | California Dept. of Fish and Game | (916) 928-5845 |
| International animal shipments | USDA Veterinary Services | (916) 854-3900 |
| Local licensing and vaccination requirements | County or city animal control | Varies by county |
Animals that are not regularly domesticated or that are potentially detrimental to California’s native wildlife are regulated by California’s Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 671 and administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Anyone importing species that are restricted under this law should contact CDFW’s License and Revenue Branch at (916) 928-5805, (916) 902-9107, or LRB@wildlife.gov.
Pet owners who are moving their permanent residence to California should check with the local animal control agency in the city or county they are moving to about any requirements for pets, including pet licenses, in that area.
For questions about veterinary licensing or complaints about a California-licensed vet, contact the California Veterinary Medical Board at (916) 515-5220. For California-specific public health concerns related to animals, contact the Department of Public Health Veterinary Public Health Services at (916) 552-9740.
If you plan to keep specialty animals once you are settled in California, it is worth reviewing state-specific guides such as goat ownership laws in California, backyard pig laws in California, and American Bully laws in California to make sure your animals are fully compliant once you arrive.
Getting ahead of California’s pet import requirements is not just about avoiding fines — it is about protecting your animals and the broader ecosystem you are moving into. Start with your USDA-accredited vet, gather your documents early, and contact the right agency for your specific animal type before you hit the road.