REGULATORY SERVICES
Residents of Virginia, and People Moving to Virginia:
If you are a resident of Virginia, or are moving to Virginia, there are no entry requirements for you to bring in your personal pet dogs and cats. Please note, however, that you will need to ensure that any dog or cat over four months of age is currently vaccinated for rabies and that county or city licenses are required for all dogs and may be required for cats.
If the dog or cat is intended to be used for any purpose other than being a personal pet (such as offering it for sale or adoption, breeding it, or using it for promotional purposes) the dog or cat will need to be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by a veterinarian in the state or country the animal is coming from 10 days or less before the animal enters Virginia. If the dog or cat is over four months of age, it must be vaccinated for rabies.
People Visiting Virginia:
There are no requirements if you are only transiting through Virginia and the dog or cat remains under your control at all times. If you are visiting Virginia with your dog or cat, you will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by a veterinarian in the state or country the animal is coming from 10 days or less before the animal enters Virginia. If the dog or cat is over four months of age, it must be vaccinated for rabies. A CVI is not required if the dog or cat is entering Virginia for 10 days or less for exhibition or hunting purposes.
Animal Shelters, Humane Societies, and Animal Rescue Groups:
All dogs and cats brought into Virginia by animal shelters, humane societies, and rescue groups will need to be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by a veterinarian in the state or country the animal is coming from 10 days or less before the animal enters Virginia. If the dog or cat is over four months of age, it must be vaccinated for rabies.
Breeders, Dealers, Pet Stores, and other Commercial Entities:
All dogs and cats will need to be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by a veterinarian in the state or country the animal is coming from 10 days or less before the animal enters Virginia. If the dog or cat is over four months of age, it must be vaccinated for rabies.