Pet Import Laws in South Carolina: What You Need to Know Before You Move

Moving to South Carolina with a pet takes more preparation than most people expect. Whether you’re crossing a state line with a rescue dog or relocating internationally with a parrot, the Palmetto State has specific entry requirements — and skipping them can mean fines, quarantine, or even denial of entry for your animal.

This guide walks you through every document you need, the rules that apply to dogs, cats, birds, and exotic pets, what changes when you’re coming from outside the United States, and exactly who to contact before you arrive.

What Documents Do You Need to Bring a Pet Into South Carolina

Before anything else, you need to understand the two core documents that South Carolina requires for most pets entering the state. Getting these in order before your move saves you from scrambling at the last minute — or worse, arriving without the paperwork your pet legally needs.

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)

South Carolina requires a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also known as a health certificate, within 30 days of import. This document must be issued by a licensed, accredited veterinarian who has physically examined your pet and confirmed it is healthy and free from signs of infectious or contagious disease.

A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is an official document issued by a Federal, State, Tribal, or accredited veterinarian certifying that the animals identified on the document have been inspected and were found to satisfy the regulations pertaining to their intended movement — within the same state, between states, or internationally.

Proof of Rabies Vaccination

In addition to the CVI, South Carolina requires proof of rabies vaccination. A pet owner must have their pet inoculated against rabies at a frequency to provide continuous protection using a vaccine approved by the department and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Animals over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. Puppies and kittens under that age threshold have different rules, which are covered in the species-specific sections below.

Important Note: The CVI is only valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Schedule your vet appointment close to your move date — not weeks before — to make sure the certificate is still valid when you cross into South Carolina.

Additional Transport Requirements

South Carolina law also sets welfare standards for animals in transit. During transportation, an animal must not be confined in one area for more than twenty-four consecutive hours without being adequately exercised, rested, fed, and watered.

A dog or cat under eight weeks of age must not be imported or exported without being accompanied by its dam. If you are transporting a very young animal, plan accordingly.

For more on how neighboring states handle these requirements, see our guide on pet import laws in North Carolina and pet import laws in Georgia.

Dog Import Requirements in South Carolina

Dogs are the most commonly relocated pets, and South Carolina’s requirements for them are straightforward — but you still need to follow them precisely. Missing either of the two core requirements can create complications at your destination.

CVI and Rabies Vaccination

A CVI is required for dogs entering South Carolina. The CVI is required for dogs entering the state for longer than 30 days. Dogs older than three months shall have been vaccinated in accordance with the specifications of the vaccine used. No dogs younger than three months old are accepted from areas quarantined for rabies.

Dogs must show official vaccination against rabies, with vaccination certificates and rabies tags bearing serial numbers not more than one year prior to entry. Puppies younger than 3 months old may be admitted without vaccination.

Pro Tip: Bring both the physical rabies tag and the written vaccination certificate. South Carolina’s requirements reference both as proof of vaccination, and having only one could create questions during any inspection.

Age Restrictions for Import

As noted above, dogs under eight weeks of age cannot be imported without their mother. This rule applies to both private owners and commercial importers. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both.

Rabies Quarantine Areas

Dogs must not be exposed to or from an area under quarantine for rabies. If your origin state or county has an active rabies quarantine in effect, contact the Clemson University Livestock-Poultry Health division before you travel to confirm whether your pet can legally enter South Carolina.

If you’re also reviewing rules for nearby states, our articles on pet import laws in Georgia and pet import laws in Texas cover comparable requirements. You may also want to review dog bite laws in South Carolina and leash laws in South Carolina once you’ve settled in.

Cat Import Requirements in South Carolina

Cat import requirements in South Carolina closely mirror those for dogs, with a few distinctions worth noting. The state requires the same core documentation, but the age thresholds and vaccination language differ slightly.

CVI and Rabies Vaccination

A CVI is required for cats entering South Carolina. The CVI is required for cats entering the state for longer than 30 days. Cats older than three months of age shall have been vaccinated in accordance with the specifications of the vaccine used. No cats younger than three months old are accepted from areas quarantined for rabies.

Cats must show official vaccination against rabies, with vaccination certificates and rabies tags. Domesticated kittens younger than 3 months old may be admitted without vaccination.

Ferrets

Ferrets are grouped with dogs and cats under South Carolina’s canine/feline import rules administered through Clemson University’s Livestock-Poultry Health division. Domesticated ferrets are exempt from certain sales restrictions that apply to wild or hybridized carnivores. As with dogs and cats, a current CVI and proof of rabies vaccination are the baseline requirements for ferret entry.

Key Insight: South Carolina does not require cats to wear rabies tags while on the owner’s property, but local county ordinances may impose additional requirements once you’ve moved in. Check with your specific county animal control office after you arrive.

Once you’re settled, you may also find our article on neighbor’s cat in my yard laws in South Carolina useful for understanding local ordinance nuances.

Bird and Exotic Pet Import Requirements in South Carolina

Birds and exotic animals face a significantly more complex regulatory landscape than dogs or cats. South Carolina’s rules here involve multiple agencies — both state and federal — and the consequences of non-compliance are more serious.

Pet Birds (Interstate)

When moving domestically with a pet bird, South Carolina requires both a health certificate and an import permit. The CVI and permit rule for pet birds applies to psittacine birds, passerine birds, and all other non-poultry avian species.

The USDA defines pet birds as those that are imported for personal pleasure of their individual owners and that are not intended for resale. If your bird falls into a production category — such as a chicken, turkey, duck, or goose — it is regulated as livestock, not as a pet, and different rules apply.

Important Note: If you’re moving with a falcon, owl, or other wild bird species, it may be regulated as captive wildlife. Contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) before you travel to confirm what permits you need.

Exotic Mammals — Prohibited Species

Under South Carolina Code Section 47-2-30, it is unlawful to import, possess, keep, purchase, have custody or control of, breed, or sell large wild cats, non-native bears, or great apes as pets. This includes lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cougars, cheetahs, snow leopards, clouded leopards, all non-native bears, and all great apes.

This statute applies statewide and is the clearest legal prohibition on high-risk exotic mammals. There is no comparable general permit system for private exotic pet ownership in South Carolina beyond specific importation or wildlife rules.

Wildlife Requiring SCDNR Permits

South Carolina law makes it unlawful for a person to import, possess, or transport for the purpose of release or to introduce or bring into the state the following live wildlife: a furbearer which includes but is not limited to red and gray fox, raccoon, opossum, muskrat, mink, skunk, otter, bobcat, weasel, and beaver; a member of the family Cervidae; a nondomestic member of the families Suidae, Tayassuidae, Bovidae; coyote, bear, or turkey (genus Meleagris); or a non-native species of fish, crustacean, mollusk, or invertebrate.

A permit may be granted only after the investigations and inspections of the wildlife have been made as the department considers necessary and the department approves the possession, transportation, or importation into the state.

Diseased Animals

It is unlawful for a person to possess, transport, or otherwise bring into the state or release or introduce into the state any diseased wildlife or other animal that reasonably might be expected to pose a public health or safety hazard as determined by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control after consultation with the department.

For more detail on what exotic animals you can legally keep once you arrive, see our guide on hedgehog ownership laws in South Carolina. Our articles on pit bull laws in South Carolina and goat ownership laws in South Carolina are also useful if you’re moving with those specific animals.

Requirements for Pets Coming From Outside the United States

If you are relocating to South Carolina from another country, your pets must first meet federal entry requirements before state-level rules even apply. Federal agencies — primarily the CDC and USDA APHIS — govern international pet entry, and their requirements layer on top of South Carolina’s state requirements.

Dogs Entering From Abroad

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.

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. As of August 2024, dogs younger than six months of age are not permitted entry into the US.

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.

Pro Tip: USDA-endorsed export health certificates issued after July 31, 2025, are not accepted for re-entry — you will need to have the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form instead. Make sure your vet uses the correct, current form.

Cats Entering From Abroad

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 to be ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense might be required before the cat is allowed to enter. Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States. However, South Carolina’s state-level requirements do require rabies vaccination for cats over three months of age once inside the country.

Pet Birds Entering From Abroad

International bird import is among the most regulated pet travel scenarios. 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 (VS) to request an Import Permit.

The quarantine cycle begins when the pet bird leaves the port of entry for home and continues for at least 30 days. The pet bird will be tested twice during quarantine for HPAI and Newcastle disease.

State Requirements Still Apply

Depending on your destination state, your pet may need to meet state entry requirements in addition to federal entry requirements. Pet owners are responsible for meeting all federal and state requirements. After clearing federal entry, your pet must still meet South Carolina’s CVI and rabies vaccination standards before being considered legally imported into the state.

If you’re comparing South Carolina’s international entry process to other states, our guides on pet import laws in Colorado, pet import laws in Illinois, and pet import laws in Washington provide useful comparisons.

How to Find a Federally Accredited Vet Before You Move

Not every licensed veterinarian can issue the documents South Carolina requires. For a CVI to be valid for interstate transport, and for certain international documents, your vet must hold USDA accreditation. Finding the right vet before your move is one of the most important steps you can take.

Why USDA Accreditation Matters

Not every licensed veterinarian holds USDA accreditation. A regular vet can treat your pet, but only a USDA-accredited vet can sign and issue the official CVI that South Carolina requires. If you show up at the border with a health certificate signed by a non-accredited vet, the document will not be accepted.

Two Categories of USDA-Accredited Vets

• Category I: Accredited for interstate health certificates for most companion animals. This is sufficient for moving dogs, cats, and ferrets into South Carolina.
• Category II: Accredited for both interstate and international health certificates, including export documentation for birds and animals traveling abroad. If you’re traveling with or shipping birds or livestock, make sure your veterinarian has a Category II accreditation status for completion of international health certificates for birds or livestock.

How to Search for an Accredited Vet

The USDA APHIS website provides an accredited veterinarian search tool that lets you filter by state and accreditation category. Use it to find a vet in your current state before your move, so you can schedule the CVI appointment and get all paperwork completed within the required 30-day window.

If you are planning to take your pet from the United States to another country, contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as you decide to travel. They will help you determine your destination country’s pet entry requirements, including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments, and assist you through the process of obtaining a USDA-endorsed pet health certificate or other needed paperwork.

Common Mistake: Many pet owners wait until the week before their move to find a vet for their CVI. For dogs and cats, 30 days is usually sufficient lead time — but for birds coming from abroad, the import permit process alone can take 7–10 business days, and the quarantine period adds at least another 30. Start the process as early as possible.

What Your Vet Will Do

A USDA-accredited vet will physically examine your pet, confirm it is healthy and free from signs of disease, verify vaccination records, complete and sign the CVI, and — for international travel — submit the health certificate for USDA endorsement. Your pet must be examined by a veterinarian in order for a health certificate to be issued.

Who to Contact in South Carolina Before You Arrive With a Pet

South Carolina routes its animal import oversight through several agencies depending on the type of animal. Knowing who to contact before you arrive — rather than after a problem surfaces — puts you in a much stronger position.

Clemson University Livestock-Poultry Health (LPH)

Clemson University’s Animal Import Requirements page is the primary resource for South Carolina pet and livestock entry rules. The LPH division administers import requirements for dogs, cats, ferrets, pet birds, poultry, livestock, and exotic animals on behalf of the state. Their website lists specific requirements for each species category, and their staff can answer questions about CVI validity, rabies quarantine zones, and permit requirements.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)

The Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) may issue import or possession permits only after investigation and inspection. If you are moving with any wildlife species, a non-domesticated animal, or a species that falls under Title 50 of South Carolina’s wildlife laws, SCDNR is the agency you need to contact before you arrive. You can reach them through the SCDNR website.

USDA APHIS Veterinary Services

For questions or clarification on any of the requirements, contact the State or Territorial veterinarian’s office. USDA APHIS also maintains a U.S. State and Territory Animal Entry Requirements page that links directly to South Carolina’s official import rules. This is the most current federal resource for verifying requirements before your move.

CDC (For International Pet Arrivals)

If you are bringing a dog into the United States from abroad, the CDC importation page is your starting point for federal requirements. Health certificates may be required for entry into some states or may be required by airlines. Check with officials in the state of final destination and with the airline before your travel date.

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

If you are unable to find the requirements online, you can contact the state veterinarian of the receiving state or, depending on the species, the state wildlife management agency. The AVMA’s animal travel guide is also a reliable reference for understanding CVI requirements across species.

Key Insight: Local county ordinances in South Carolina can be stricter than state law. Local ordinances and other regulations may restrict or ban possession of certain animals. Regardless of species, individuals cannot legally import wildlife without proper permits, and local governments may impose stricter bans than state law. Always check with your destination county’s animal control office in addition to state agencies.

For additional context on South Carolina animal laws you may encounter after your move, explore our guides on hunting laws in South Carolina, backyard chicken laws in South Carolina, and rooster crowing laws in South Carolina. If you’re also researching other states, our articles on pet import laws in New Jersey, pet import laws in Missouri, and pet import laws in Wisconsin cover comparable frameworks.