Before the move: what Alabama requires
Alabama requires rabies vaccination for all dogs, cats, and ferrets by state law. The Alabama Department of Public Health (accessed Aug 31, 2026) enforces this statewide. Before crossing the state line with your pet, make sure you have:
- Current rabies vaccination certificate — required by Alabama law for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. Must show vaccine date, expiration, and administering veterinarian.
- Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI / health certificate) — most states, including Alabama, require a CVI for animals entering the state. The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, Animal Industries Division (accessed Aug 31, 2026) oversees animal health and import requirements. CVIs are typically valid for 30 days and must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
- Complete vaccination records — DHPP (dogs), FVRCP (cats), and any other vaccines your pet has received. Your new Alabama vet will want the full history.
After you arrive: city and county licensing
Alabama has no statewide pet license — it's handled at the city and county level. Here's what to expect in Alabama's largest cities:
| City | License required for | Rabies cert required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | Dogs & cats | Yes | Contact Birmingham Animal Control; license available at city animal shelter |
| Huntsville | Dogs & cats | Yes | Huntsville Animal Services handles registration |
| Montgomery | Dogs | Yes | Montgomery Humane Society administers city licensing program |
| Mobile | Dogs & cats | Yes | Mobile County Animal Shelter handles licensing for the metro area |
| Tuscaloosa | Dogs | Yes | Metro Animal Shelter of Tuscaloosa manages city registrations |
Most Alabama cities expect you to register your pet within 30 days of moving in. Spayed/neutered pets typically pay lower license fees, so bring your proof of spay/neuter along with rabies documentation.
Alabama's rabies landscape: why it matters for new residents
Alabama is one of the more rabies-active states in the southeastern U.S. The ADPH tracks two distinct strains — raccoon variant and bat variant — with confirmed cases throughout the year. In 2026 alone, ADPH has confirmed rabid animals in Montgomery (Aug 2026), Lee and Chambers counties (May 2026), and Covington County (March 2026). If you're moving from a less rabies-active area, understand that keeping your pet's rabies vaccination current is genuinely about safety here, not just paperwork.
Finding and onboarding with a new vet
The smoothest way to transition your pet's care:
- Research before you move. Look for AAHA-accredited clinics near your new Alabama address. Birmingham, Huntsville, and the Mobile metro have the densest concentration of specialty and emergency vet clinics.
- Transfer your complete record. Your old vet can email records directly to your pet's @voocie.com address — they arrive organized in one timeline. Your new vet sees everything: vaccines, lab work, prescriptions, surgical history.
- Schedule a wellness visit early. Many Alabama vets will want to see new patients within 30 days. Bring your rabies certificate, DHPP/FVRCP records, heartworm test results, and any ongoing prescriptions.
- Update heartworm prevention. Alabama is a year-round heartworm state. Your new vet will likely want a current heartworm test before continuing or starting prevention.
Interstate health certificate details
When crossing state lines into Alabama with your pet, the CVI (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 30 days of travel. It certifies that your pet appears healthy and free of contagious disease. The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries may request to see this document, particularly if you're moving with multiple animals or exotic pets.
Your Alabama moving-with-pets checklist
Last verified: August 31, 2026. City licensing fees and registration deadlines change periodically. Always confirm with your specific city's animal services office after moving.