Pet Import Laws in Washington: What Every Owner Must Know Before Arriving

Moving to Washington state with a pet sounds straightforward — until you realize the paperwork requirements can vary dramatically depending on your animal’s species, age, and where it’s coming from. Miss a required document, and your pet could face quarantine at your expense the moment you cross the state line.

This guide walks you through every key requirement under Washington’s import rules, from standard health certificates for dogs and cats to the entry permits required for exotic animals, so you can arrive prepared and keep your pet out of holding.

What Documents Do You Need to Bring a Pet Into Washington

The foundation of Washington’s pet import system is the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), sometimes called an official health certificate. Dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Washington state require a certificate of veterinary inspection. However, the specific documents you need depend heavily on your situation — whether you’re a traveling pet owner, a rescue transporter, or someone relocating permanently.

Here is a quick overview of the core documents that apply to most pet owners moving into Washington:

• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) — Required for most animals; must be issued by a licensed, accredited veterinarian in the state of origin
• Rabies vaccination certificate — Required for all dogs, cats, and ferrets over 90 days old, with no exceptions
• Heartworm test results or preventative documentation — Required for dogs six months of age or older
• Entry permit — Required for exotic and wild animals
• Negative disease test results — Required for certain exotic species within 30 days of entry

A certificate of veterinary inspection must accompany all animals entering Washington state, except where specifically exempted. Certificates of veterinary inspection expire thirty days from the date of issuance. Schedule your vet appointment close to your move date to make sure the CVI is still valid when you arrive.

Important Note: If your pet arrives without a required CVI or entry permit, Washington state can place the animal under a quarantine or hold order — entirely at your expense — until it meets all requirements. Plan ahead to avoid this scenario.

A “certificate of veterinary inspection” means a legible veterinary health inspection certificate on an official form, electronic or paper, from the state of origin or from USDA APHIS, executed by a licensed and accredited veterinarian. The certificate of veterinary inspection is also known as an “official health certificate.”

Washington also has its own rules about which CVI forms it accepts. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) accepts the APHIS Form 7001 Multi-Page Carbon Copy assigned a unique certificate number by the USDA, as well as certificates issued through Global Vet Link.

For a broader look at how Washington regulates animal ownership beyond the import context, see this overview of pet laws in Washington state.

Dog Import Requirements in Washington

Dogs face some of the most specific import requirements of any companion animal in Washington. Whether you’re driving across from Oregon or flying in from across the country, you need to know exactly what applies to your dog before the trip.

Dogs traveling with their owners — who have owned the pet for more than one month prior to entering the state and are not going to be sold or have a change of ownership — must be accompanied by a current rabies vaccination. These pets are exempt from the certificate of veterinary inspection and heartworm testing requirement. However, Washington state does not offer any exemptions to the rabies vaccination.

That exemption does not apply if you’re transporting a rescue dog or transferring ownership. Rescue pets or pets being rehomed require a CVI, and all dogs, cats, and ferrets over 90 days old must have a current rabies vaccination listed on the CVI. All dogs over 6 months old must have a current negative heartworm test result listed on the CVI.

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the two most common dog import scenarios:

Requirement	Personal Pet (Traveling With Owner)	Rescue / Rehomed Dog
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)	Not required	Required
Rabies vaccination (dogs over 90 days)	Required — no exceptions	Required — listed on CVI
Heartworm test or preventative (dogs 6+ months)	Not required	Required — listed on CVI
Owned by same owner 1+ month	Required for exemption	Does not apply

Dogs, cats, or ferrets less than ninety days of age do not require a rabies vaccination. If you’re transporting a very young puppy, confirm its exact age with your vet and document it clearly on any accompanying paperwork.

Pro Tip: Even if your dog qualifies for the CVI exemption as a personal pet, always carry a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate during travel. Washington has no exemptions to the rabies requirement, and you may be asked to show proof at any point.

Washington also has detailed dog bite laws in Washington and leash laws in Washington that apply once your dog is in the state — worth reviewing before you settle in.

Cat Import Requirements in Washington

Cats follow a similar framework to dogs, though with one notable difference: there is no heartworm testing requirement for cats. The core rules still center on rabies vaccination and, in some cases, a CVI.

If you’re a cat owner relocating to Washington with your own pet, the same personal-pet exemption applies. Dogs, cats, and ferrets traveling with their owners and that have been owned by the same owner for more than one month prior to entering the state, and are not going to be sold or have a change of ownership, must be accompanied by a current rabies vaccination. Pets are exempt from the certificate of veterinary inspection and heartworm testing requirement. Washington state does not offer any exemptions to the rabies vaccinations.

For cats being rescued or rehomed, the requirements tighten considerably. Rescue pets or pets being rehomed require a CVI, and all dogs, cats, and ferrets over 90 days old must have a current rabies vaccination listed on the CVI.

Some people are buying and selling dogs and cats that have been imported illegally, including rescue pets. Importation of animals for adoption by any person or organization must comply with all state and federal regulations. If you’re adopting a cat through a rescue organization that crosses state lines, verify that the organization is following Washington’s import rules — not just the rules of the state it’s operating from.

Key Insight: Washington has no heartworm testing requirement for cats, but the rabies vaccination rule is absolute. A cat over 90 days old without a current rabies certificate cannot enter the state legally, regardless of the circumstances.

When you receive a new pet, visit a veterinarian right away to confirm its age, check that the rabies vaccination certificate is complete and accurate, and complete a thorough exam.

If you’re curious about how Washington handles cats in a neighborhood context once you’ve arrived, the rules around neighbors’ cats in your yard in Washington are worth knowing.

Bird and Exotic Pet Import Requirements in Washington

Birds and exotic pets face stricter requirements than dogs and cats, and in some cases, certain animals cannot be legally imported into Washington at all. Understanding these rules before you move is critical — especially if you own a parrot, reptile, or other non-traditional pet.

Pet Birds (Non-Poultry)

All birds other than poultry entering Washington state require a certificate of veterinary inspection that contains the following statement: “To the best of my knowledge, the birds listed on this certificate are not infected with exotic Newcastle disease, psittacosis, or avian influenza and have been free from clinical signs of or known exposure to infectious or communicable disease during the past thirty days.”

Birds other than poultry must be individually identified with a leg band or a microchip, and require a CVI that includes the disease-free statement from the veterinarian. This applies to parrots, cockatiels, parakeets, finches, and other common pet bird species.

Poultry and Waterfowl

All chickens, game birds, guinea fowl, and their hatching eggs coming from an NPIP certified flock must come from a flock that is Avian Influenza Classified Clean and require a VS Form 9-3. All waterfowl not coming from an NPIP certified flock require a CVI that includes a negative avian influenza test result within 30 days.

Exotic and Wild Animals

All exotic or wild animals require a certificate of veterinary inspection and an entry permit. Any animals listed on the WSDA’s illegal animals page will only be issued a permit to go to approved facilities. Exhibitors must be federally licensed to exhibit wild animals.

Many animals are illegal to own, transport, and import into Washington state. There are several state agencies that regulate animal ownership. The WSDA, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Washington Department of Health each enforce different pieces of exotic animal law.

• Rabies-vector species (such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats) — It is illegal to own animals that may infect people with rabies.
• Wild animals — It is illegal to possess wild animals. For questions concerning the wild animal law, contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• Deleterious exotic wildlife — It is illegal to own animals that can cause damage to the environment or to native wildlife.

Small mammals like rabbits, chinchillas, and hedgehogs fall under the small animal import rules governed by WAC 16-54-170. Requirements for bringing dogs, cats, ferrets, and other small animals — such as rabbits, chinchillas, hedgehogs, and other small mammals — into Washington state are under the authority of WAC 16-54-170.

If you own a hedgehog, Washington has specific ownership rules you should review before your move. See the full breakdown of hedgehog ownership laws in Washington. For a broader look at what exotic pets are and aren’t permitted nationally, the United States laws on exotic pets resource is also helpful.

Requirements for Pets Coming From Outside the United States

If your pet is coming from another country — whether you’re an international relocator, a military family, or someone adopting from abroad — the rules are more complex. You’ll need to satisfy both federal requirements and Washington’s state-level rules.

Pets coming into Washington from outside the United States must meet federal and state (WAC 16-54-170) import requirements. Federal oversight comes primarily from two agencies: the USDA APHIS and the CDC.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the primary authority for dog imports. This includes dogs entering or returning to the United States. 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.

For cats arriving internationally, federal rules are slightly different. The 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 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.

Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States. However, the CDC recommends that all cats be vaccinated against rabies. Keep in mind that even if the federal threshold is lower, Washington state’s own rules still apply once the cat arrives — and Washington requires rabies vaccination for all cats over 90 days old with no exceptions.

The CDC also restricts certain animal types entirely. Animals regulated by the CDC include dogs, cats, turtles, monkeys, bats, birds from specified countries, civets, and African rodents. African rodents, in particular, face an outright import ban. CDC’s ban on importing all African rodents is still in effect. A person may not import or offer to import into the United States any rodent of African origin, whether dead or alive.

Pro Tip: International pet moves often require months of preparation, especially for dogs coming from high-risk rabies countries. Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian as early as possible — ideally 3 to 6 months before your planned travel date — to work through the federal documentation process.

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.

All animals entering Washington state must comply with the requirements of USDA APHIS regulations found at Title 9 C.F.R. for movement or importation from foreign countries. This means international arrivals face a two-layer compliance requirement: federal entry rules first, then Washington’s state-level import rules on top of them.

How to Find a Federally Accredited Vet Before You Move

A federally accredited veterinarian is not the same as your regular local vet. USDA accreditation is a separate credential that authorizes a vet to issue official health certificates for interstate and international animal movement. You need one of these vets to complete your CVI — and you need to find one in your current state before you move, not after you arrive in Washington.

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.

The same principle applies for interstate moves. When you travel with a pet, your destination state or territory may have animal health requirements, such as obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing, or administering treatments. As soon as you know your travel details, contact your local veterinarian to help with the pet travel process.

Here’s how to locate a federally accredited vet before your move:

1. Use the USDA APHIS Veterinarian Search Tool — Visit USDA APHIS pet travel and use the accredited veterinarian locator to find a vet in your current state who is authorized to issue CVIs.
2. Call your current vet first — Many general practice vets are USDA-accredited. Ask specifically whether they can issue an official health certificate for interstate travel.
3. Book early — CVI appointments fill up, especially near the end of the month. Since the certificate expires 30 days from issuance, timing matters.
4. Confirm the form format — Washington accepts the APHIS Form 7001 multi-page carbon copy and certificates issued through Global Vet Link. Confirm your vet uses one of these formats before the appointment.
5. Schedule heartworm testing in advance — If you’re bringing a dog over 6 months old that needs a CVI, the heartworm test result must be included. This may require a separate appointment before the CVI visit.

CVIs are required for international or interstate transfer of live animals and animal products, and certificates must be created at the site of origin. You cannot get a valid CVI once you’ve already crossed into Washington — it must be issued in the state you’re leaving.

Common Mistake: Waiting until moving week to schedule a CVI appointment. Because the certificate is only valid for 30 days, you want to time it as close to your move date as possible — but vets book up fast. Aim to schedule at least 2 to 3 weeks out so you have flexibility if the appointment needs to be rescheduled.

Who to Contact in Washington Before You Arrive With a Pet

Even with thorough preparation, questions come up — especially for unusual species, rescue situations, or international arrivals. Knowing exactly who to call in Washington before you cross the border can save you significant time and stress.

Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) — Animal Health Program

The WSDA is the primary agency for pet and animal import compliance in Washington. Contact the Washington State Department of Agriculture Animal Health Program at 360-902-1878 with questions on import requirements for pets. This is your first call for questions about CVIs, entry permits, heartworm testing, and species-specific requirements.

Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

The DOH handles rabies-related questions and oversees the state’s rabies vaccination requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets. When traveling, you may be asked to show proof that your pet is immunized against rabies. Always carry a copy of your pet’s current, valid rabies vaccination certificate with you. Before leaving on your trip, make sure the certificate is complete and valid.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)

If your pet falls into the exotic or wild animal category, the WDFW is the agency that regulates possession under Washington’s wild animal laws. It is illegal to possess wild animals. For questions concerning the wild animal law, contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Your Airline

Airlines have their own rules on whether and how a pet can travel. Contact your airline to learn what pets and types of confinement satisfy their requirements and restrictions. Airline rules are separate from state import rules — you need to comply with both.

Here’s a quick reference for who handles what:

Question or Issue	Contact	Phone / Resource
CVI requirements, entry permits, heartworm testing	WSDA Animal Health Program	360-902-1878
Rabies vaccination requirements	WA Department of Health	DOH Pet Import page
Wild or exotic animal possession legality	WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife	wdfw.wa.gov
Federal dog import requirements (international)	CDC Importation	CDC Animal Import page
USDA-accredited vet locator	USDA APHIS	aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
Airline pet policies	Your specific airline	Contact airline directly

Washington’s import rules are designed to protect both the animals already living in the state and the people who live alongside them. APHIS doesn’t regulate the interstate movement of pets by their owners. Domestic movement requirements are set by the receiving state or territory — which means Washington has full authority to set and enforce its own standards, and it does.

Once you’re settled in Washington, there are several other animal-related laws worth knowing. Washington has specific rules around pit bull laws, goat ownership, beekeeping, and rooster ownership that may apply depending on where you live and what animals you keep.