What you actually need

Travelling between US states

• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)A health certificate from a licensed vet in the state the animal is leaving. Most states require it to be issued within ten days of travel — which means you cannot get it too early, a mistake we see constantly.
• Rabies vaccination recordRequired for animals over the age of three to four months in most states. Puppies below that age travel on the CVI alone.
• Age minimumEight weeks in most states, and several require ten. We will not move a younger animal even where it is technically legal.
• Microchip detailsNot universally required, but we log it at collection and it is what recovers an animal in the worst case.

Flying in cabin

• Carrier size limitsThe animal must stand and turn inside a soft carrier that fits under the seat. This is what rules out larger breeds, not weight alone.
• Breed restrictionsMost airlines restrict brachycephalic breeds — bulldogs, pugs, Persians. Some ban them outright. We check your specific airline and tell you before you book.
• Airline health documentationRequirements vary by carrier and are separate from the state CVI. We handle the difference.

International

• Import permitRequired by many destinations and must usually be issued before travel, sometimes months before.
• Rabies titre testA blood test proving immunity. Rabies-free countries commonly require a three-month wait between a passing result and entry. This is the single biggest cause of delayed relocations.
• USDA endorsementExport health certificates must be endorsed by a USDA-accredited vet and then by APHIS Veterinary Services, within a tight window before departure.
• IATA-compliant crateSpecific dimensions, ventilation and fastenings. Airlines reject non-compliant crates at check-in.