Heading to Texas with your dog? Whether you are traveling from another US state, coming into Texas from Mexico or arriving from another country, there are definite rules you must follow with your dog. In this article we’ll examine the rules for dogs (and for puppies too young to be vaccinated) who are traveling into Texas for vacation or to a new home.
Traveling into Texas from Out of State
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 will need to note particular importation rules.
All dogs over 12 weeks of age will need to have had a rabies vaccination–and you’ll need to show proof of that vaccination against rabies.
This proof can be either in the form of a rabies certificate or a pet passport with the following information: date of vaccination, vaccine used, revaccination due date, identification information for the vaccinated animal, contact information of the animal’s custodian, and signature, signature stamp, or computerized signature and contact information of the veterinarian responsible for administration of the vaccine.
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.
Bringing a Dog into Texas from Countries Other than Mexico
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may have additional requirements for animals arriving from another country including high-risk countries. 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.
Contact the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for any country-specific travel/health certificates that might be required of your dog: call 512-383-2400 (press 1) or https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/.