Pet Import Laws in Indiana: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know Before Moving
June 1, 2026
Moving to Indiana with a pet involves more paperwork than most people expect — and missing even one document at the wrong moment can delay your move or put your animal at risk of being turned away.
Indiana enforces specific entry requirements for dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, and exotic animals, all overseen by the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH). Whether you are relocating from a neighboring state or arriving from another country, knowing exactly what you need before you hit the road protects both you and your pet.
This guide walks you through every major category of pet import laws in Indiana so you can prepare with confidence.
What Documents Do You Need to Bring a Pet Into Indiana
Before your pet crosses the Indiana state line, two categories of paperwork are non-negotiable: a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination. Getting these in order well before your move date is the single most effective thing you can do to avoid complications.
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)
The Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) must contain a physical description of the animal — such as breed, sex, age, and color — that sufficiently identifies the individual animal, and it must be completed by a licensed and accredited veterinarian within the 30 days immediately prior to the animal entering Indiana. Scheduling this appointment too early is one of the most common mistakes pet owners make, so plan your vet visit carefully around your actual move date.
Important Note: Indiana does not accept USDA Form 7001 for interstate movements unless it is a hard-copy printed by USDA in multipage carbon-copy format with a unique certificate number, or a PDF version validated by USDA with an official signature and unique certificate number. A standard printout of this form is not sufficient.
Rabies Vaccination Documentation
Under Indiana law, all dogs, cats, and ferrets older than 3 months of age must be vaccinated against the rabies virus. You need to bring proof of that vaccination with you. The owner or custodian of an animal vaccinated for rabies must keep a copy of the vaccination certificate and tag until the animal must be revaccinated.
Indiana does not allow rabies vaccination exemptions, and a rabies titer cannot be used in lieu of rabies vaccination for any dog, cat, or ferret. This is a stricter stance than some other states, so do not assume a titer test will substitute for an actual vaccine record.
Permits
A permit is not generally required for most pets entering Indiana. However, if an animal originates from an area quarantined because of rabies, a permit is required, and permits may be obtained by calling (317) 544-2400.
Pro Tip: Keep both a physical and a digital copy of every document — your CVI, rabies certificate, and any permits. Having them on your phone means you can produce them instantly if stopped or questioned during transport.
Dog Import Requirements in Indiana
Dogs face the most detailed entry requirements of any common household pet in Indiana. Understanding the age thresholds and vaccination timing rules ahead of time will save you from last-minute scrambles.
Age and Sale Restrictions
For the purpose of sale, a person may not import to or export from Indiana any dog under the age of 8 weeks unless the dog is transported with its dam. If you are purchasing a puppy from out of state, confirm the breeder is aware of this rule before arranging transport.
Rabies Vaccination Timing for Dogs
Before a person may move a dog 90 days of age or older into the state, the animal must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed and accredited veterinarian. Dogs must be vaccinated within the 12 months prior to entering the state if the animal has not previously been vaccinated against rabies.
For dogs that have already received a prior rabies vaccine, the timing depends on the product used. Dogs vaccinated with a rabies vaccine whose label recommends a booster one year later and triennially thereafter must be revaccinated 12 months after the first vaccination and within 36 months of each vaccination thereafter.
No one may transport into the state an animal that has been exposed to a rabid animal within the 12 months prior to the animal entering the state. If your dog had any exposure incident in the past year, contact BOAH before attempting to bring the animal into Indiana.
Common Mistake: Assuming a 3-year rabies vaccine automatically satisfies Indiana’s entry requirement. The timing rules are based on the animal’s vaccination history and the vaccine label — always confirm with your vet that the specific vaccine used meets Indiana’s entry window.
Additional Recommended Vaccines
While not required for entry, BOAH recommends making sure all dogs are up to date on recommended vaccines including distemper combination (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvo), Bordetella, and canine influenza. Keeping these current protects your dog, especially after the stress of travel and exposure to new environments.
Once your dog is settled in Indiana, you will also want to review local rules that apply to pet ownership in the state, such as dog leash laws in neighboring Ohio if you travel frequently, or leash rules in states like Kentucky and Michigan that share Indiana’s borders.
Cat Import Requirements in Indiana
Cats entering Indiana follow many of the same core rules as dogs, but there are a few important distinctions worth knowing — particularly around vaccination windows and federal standards for cats arriving from outside the United States.
CVI and Vaccination Requirements
Like dogs, cats require a CVI completed within 30 days of entry. No tests are required for entry into Indiana. Every dog or cat that is 3 months of age or older must be vaccinated for rabies within the 12 months or within 36 months immediately prior to entering the state, depending on the vaccine type used.
All dogs, cats, and ferrets 3 months of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies. Ferrets must be revaccinated within 12 months of the prior vaccination. Dogs and cats vaccinated with a rabies vaccine whose label recommends annual boosters must be revaccinated within 12 months of the prior vaccination.
Federal Standards for Cats Arriving From Outside the U.S.
If your cat is coming from another country, the federal standards are notably different from those for dogs. 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 if they have evidence of a zoonotic disease. If a cat appears ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense might be required. Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States at the federal level.
However, do not let that federal exemption mislead you — Indiana state law still requires rabies vaccination for any cat 3 months or older once it is inside the state. You will need to ensure your cat is vaccinated before or shortly after arrival to remain compliant with Indiana’s own rules.
Key Insight: The federal CDC standard and Indiana’s state standard operate independently. A cat may clear federal entry requirements without a rabies vaccine, but Indiana law still mandates vaccination for cats 3 months and older residing in the state.
If you are also navigating questions about cats and Indiana property laws — for example, what happens when a neighbor’s cat comes onto your land — the neighbor’s cat laws in Indiana resource covers that topic in detail.
Bird and Exotic Pet Import Requirements in Indiana
Bringing a bird or exotic animal into Indiana involves a separate layer of regulations beyond what applies to dogs and cats. The rules vary significantly depending on whether your pet is classified as a companion bird, poultry, or a wild animal.
Exotic and Pet Birds
Indiana’s animal health laws governing the transportation of exotic and pet birds into Indiana are summarized by BOAH, and Indiana’s exotic and pet bird identification and movement laws may be found in 345 IAC 1-3-4.
For additional information, you can contact the Indiana State Board of Animal Health at (317) 544-2400 or toll free at (877) 747-3038. A CVI must contain a physical description that sufficiently identifies the individual animal and must be completed by a licensed and accredited veterinarian within the 30 days immediately prior to the animal entering Indiana.
Separate requirements exist for domesticated birds classified as poultry. “Poultry” means domesticated fowl, including chickens, turkeys, ostriches, emus, rheas, cassowaries, and waterfowl such as ducks and geese. If you keep backyard chickens and are moving to Indiana, consult the backyard chicken laws in Indiana for the specific rules that apply to poultry once you are settled.
Wild and Exotic Animals
Indiana classifies wild animals into permit tiers based on the threat they pose to human safety. A “Class II wild animal” means a wild animal that, because of its nature, habits, or status, may pose a threat to human safety. A “Class III wild animal” presents a real or potential threat to human safety. Each class carries different permit requirements under 312 IAC 9-11.
Hybrid wild animals are not excluded from vaccination against rabies in Indiana law, so a veterinarian can administer a rabies vaccine to a hybrid or exotic pet animal. However, the state takes a cautious approach to these animals. Indiana recommends that veterinarians discourage ownership of wild or hybrid animals, and clients who choose to own these animals should ensure they are securely confined and prevented from having contact with people outside the household.
For a broader look at which exotic animals are legal to own across the country, the United States laws on exotic pets guide provides a state-by-state breakdown. You may also want to review the animals with claws resource if you are considering a clawed exotic species, as specific handling and containment rules often apply.
Requirements for Pets Coming From Outside the United States
If your pet is joining you from another country, you are navigating two separate systems at once: federal import requirements and Indiana’s own state-level rules. Both must be satisfied.
Federal Entry Requirements
Pets entering Indiana from other countries must meet federal importation standards for the United States set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as well as Indiana’s state importation requirements. Requirements vary widely from country to country because the disease and pest threats are different throughout many regions of the world. In addition to import requirements, the pet owner should also contact the airline or carrier to determine what travel requirements may be necessary in advance of the trip.
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. You can review the full federal requirements at USDA APHIS Pet Travel and CDC’s animal importation page.
Indiana-Specific International Pet Rules
As of 2019, animal transporters must provide a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to those receiving international dogs and cats in Indiana. Those who receive international dogs and/or cats must email a copy of the CVI to the Indiana State Board of Animal Health within 30 days after the animal is received. The BOAH email address for this submission is animalhealth@boah.in.gov.
Any person who transfers a domestic dog or cat from a foreign country into Indiana must provide the recipient with copies of the animal’s documentation, and the person who receives a domestic dog or cat imported from a foreign country into Indiana must submit to the board a copy of the animal’s documentation not more than 30 days after receiving the animal.
Birds Coming From Outside the U.S.
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. After your pet bird is examined by the VS Port Veterinarian, it 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 and look for physical signs of illness.
Important Note: Pets taken out of the United States and then returned are subject to the same federal import regulations as animals entering for the first time. Do not assume your pet’s U.S. origin exempts it from re-entry requirements.
How to Find a Federally Accredited Vet Before You Move
The phrase “licensed and accredited veterinarian” appears throughout Indiana’s pet import rules — and it means something specific. Not every licensed vet holds federal accreditation, which is required to complete a CVI that Indiana will accept for interstate or international movement.
What Federal Accreditation Means
A federally accredited veterinarian has completed USDA APHIS training and is authorized to issue official health certificates for interstate and international animal movement. This is separate from a state veterinary license. When Indiana’s rules say the CVI must be completed by a “licensed and accredited veterinarian,” they mean someone who holds both credentials.
How to Find One
- Use the USDA APHIS Veterinarian Search Tool to locate accredited vets in your current state before your move.
- Call your current vet and ask directly whether they hold USDA federal accreditation. Many general practice vets do, but not all.
- Contact BOAH at (317) 544-2400 or toll free at (877) 747-3038 if you need guidance on whether a specific vet’s credentials qualify.
Timing Your Appointment Correctly
Because the CVI must be completed within the 30 days immediately prior to the animal entering Indiana, you cannot schedule this appointment too far in advance. Book it as close to your move date as practical — ideally within two to three weeks of your planned arrival. If your move gets delayed, you may need a new CVI.
Pro Tip: If you are moving from a state that borders Indiana — such as Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Illinois, or Tennessee — you can also look up accredited vets in your area through the USDA’s online directory at vsapps.aphis.usda.gov/vsps.
Electronic CVIs
As of January 1, 2025, Indiana BOAH no longer offers the free eCVI fillable PDF platform to practitioners, and BOAH is no longer accepting IN eCVI export documents as valid CVI movement documents. Your vet will need to use an approved alternative platform. The VET-CVI app is easier to use and has many added enhancements compared to the IN eCVI fillable PDF it replaced, making creating and submitting CVIs faster, easier, and more efficient. Confirm with your vet that they are using a currently accepted system before your appointment.
Who to Contact in Indiana Before You Arrive With a Pet
Knowing the right contacts before you arrive — rather than scrambling to find them after a problem surfaces — puts you in a much stronger position. Indiana has several agencies involved in animal health oversight, and each handles a different piece of the puzzle.
Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH)
BOAH is your primary point of contact for pet import questions in Indiana. For additional information, contact the Indiana State Board of Animal Health at (317) 544-2400, or toll free at (877) 747-3038, or submit an email inquiry through their official website. You can also reach them by email at animalhealth@boah.in.gov for international pet documentation submissions.
BOAH oversees the rules found in 345 IAC 1-3, which contains Indiana’s dog, cat, and ferret identification, movement, testing, and vaccination laws. Their website at in.gov/boah is the authoritative source for entry health requirement updates.
Local Animal Control
A local government-run animal control agency is not mandated in Indiana. The level and organization of animal control varies widely from county to county, and only about half of Indiana’s counties have an organized animal control agency. Before you arrive, look up whether your destination county has an animal control office, and check whether local ordinances impose any additional requirements beyond state law.
USDA APHIS Veterinary Services
For international pet movements, several federal agencies oversee the movement of animals into and out of the United States in addition to state governments, and BOAH provides links to resources for verifying health requirements for international movements. The USDA Endorsement Office that serves Indiana is located in Wisconsin. This office serves Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
| Agency | Jurisdiction | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) | State-level pet entry rules, CVIs, rabies compliance | (317) 544-2400 / (877) 747-3038 |
| USDA APHIS Veterinary Services | Federal interstate and international health certificates | aphis.usda.gov |
| CDC Importation Program | Federal rules for dogs and animals entering from abroad | cdc.gov/importation |
| Local County Animal Control | County-level ordinances and licensing | Varies by county |
Other Indiana-Specific Resources
If your move to Indiana involves activities beyond basic pet ownership, there are additional state-specific rules worth reviewing. Indiana’s hunting laws govern which animals may be taken and under what conditions, while roadkill laws in Indiana address what you can legally do if you encounter an animal on the road. If you keep or plan to keep roosters, Indiana’s rooster crowing laws outline any noise-related restrictions that may apply in your area.
Arriving prepared — with the right documents, the right vet, and the right contacts already in hand — makes the difference between a smooth move and an avoidable delay. Indiana’s pet import laws in Indiana are manageable once you understand the system, and BOAH is genuinely accessible if you have questions specific to your situation.