Traveling from out of state into Texas? If you’re driving into Texas, you won’t need to show a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (although it’s always a good idea to travel with one). If you fly into Texas, most airlines will require proof of rabies if not a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. Check with your airline upon booking to see what paperwork you’ll need to obtain from your veterinarian.
In accordance with state law, all dogs and cats three months of age or older must be vaccinated against rabies and be accompanied by a rabies vaccination certificate dated and signed by the veterinarian who administered the immunization. To qualify as being currently vaccinated, 30 days must have lapsed since the initial vaccination.
Bringing a Dog Into Texas from Mexico
If you’re traveling to Texas from Mexico or another country (or if you cross the border during your trip), you’ll need to show proof of rabies vaccination. If your dog is a puppy less than three months of age, you’ll have to confine him in your home until 30 days after that initial vaccination is administered. Regardless of the animal’s age, if the initial vaccination was given less than 30 days prior to arrival, your dog must be confined for the balance of the 30 days.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may have additional requirements for animals arriving from another country; the CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine may be contacted at (800) 232-4636 or www.cdc.gov/animalimportation for further information. Please keep in mind that, even if the CDC states that dogs or cats under certain circumstances do not need to be vaccinated against rabies for entry into the US, the animal still needs to be vaccinated against rabies in accordance with Texas state law for entry into Texas.
For more on traveling in Texas with your dog, please order a copy of our DogTipper’s Texas with Dogs guidebook!