State and Local Regulations
Pre-planning for the transfer of your pet, as well as for your household goods, should begin as soon as you know you are going to move. Consider the following...
State Laws
Nearly every state has laws applicable to the entry of dogs, cats, horses, parrots, and other pets. Tropical fish are the only exception. It is important to comply with the laws of the state to which you are moving; otherwise, you may be subject to prosecution. We suggest contacting the State Veterinarian in the capital sity of your new home state well in advance of your move for specific laws concerning entry of your pet.
A few states have border inspections of all animals being imported; others have random inspection by department of agriculture officials or the state highway patrol; some check interstate health certificates; many depend on individual compliance with the law; and a number rely on a combination of these methods. Representatives of the state department of agriculture are usually present at airports to inspect any pets arriving by air.
Local Regulations
The majority of communities in the United States have enacted pet control and licensing ordinances. In many instances these relate only to dogs, but increasing numbers of cities are applying them to cats as well. Local laws may limit the number of dogs or cats permitted in one household.
Most communities prohibit the stabling of horses, ponies and other livestock within the city limits. Where permitted, minimum distance from your barn to you and your neighbor's houses may be specified, as well as size of pasture required. You may find it necessary to stable your animal(s) outside the city limits.
Licensce fees and the length of time a new resident has in which to obtain a licensce for a pet vary from place to place. Contact the city clerk at the destination city or town hall for specific information.
Health
The documents pertaining to your pet's health are important. You may bve asked to show them at any time, especially when travelling, so it's advisable to keep them handy. Any or all of the following may be required:
Health Certificate
Interstate health certificates must accompany dogs and horses entering nearly all states. About half have the same requirement for cats, birds and other pets. In some cases, advance receipt of the health certificate by the destination state's regulatory agency is a prerequisite to entry of the pet.
The health certificate must include a complete description of the pet, list all inoculations it has had, and state that it is free from infectious diseases.
have your pet examined by your veterinarian well in advance of departure date so there will be time for any treatment or innoculations recommended. If pet is excitable, or prone to motion sickness when travelling, ask the vet to prescrib medication. Also ask if he will recommend a colleague in your new area.
As an agent for United Van Lines, Yolo Transfer has direct access to an award winning collection of moving related brochures and yadda yadda yadda ...
Click here to request the complete guide to "Moving With Pets," a 16 page brochure that covers the topics above as well as:
- Pre-Planning
- Travelling by air
- Traveling by motor vehicle
- Birds, Tropical Fish, Horses and Ponies
- Tips and travel checklists
Return to the moving services page.
