Moving to Delaware with Pets

Entry Requirements for Pets

Delaware requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for dogs and cats entering the state. The CVI must be issued by a licensed, USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of arrival. Delaware's entry requirements are administered by the Delaware Department of Agriculture, Animal Health Section. (Delaware Department of Agriculture — Animal Health Section, accessed September 5, 2026)

Rabies Vaccination: Delaware's State Law

Delaware has a statewide rabies vaccination law. Under Delaware Code, Title 3, Chapter 79 (the Delaware Rabies Law), all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies by 6 months of age and kept current throughout their lives. This is not optional and not left to municipal discretion — it is state law. (Delaware Code, Title 3, Chapter 79 — Rabies, accessed September 5, 2026)

Delaware maintains a statewide rabies surveillance program. The state has documented rabies cases in raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats, and domestic cats. Raccoon rabies is the primary terrestrial variant — Delaware sits within the Mid-Atlantic raccoon rabies endemic zone. The Delaware Division of Public Health publishes annual rabies surveillance data. (Delaware Division of Public Health — Rabies, accessed September 5, 2026)

• Schedule a vet appointment within 10 days of your move date for the CVI
• Confirm your pet's rabies vaccination is current — state law requires it
• Request a printed CVI and ask your vet to email a copy to your Voocie address
• Keep the original CVI accessible during travel
• Bring your pet's full vaccination history to the pre-move vet visit

Pet Licensing in Delaware

Delaware requires dog licensing statewide. Under Delaware Code, Title 7, Chapter 17, all dogs over 6 months of age must be licensed. Licensing is handled at the county level through the three counties — New Castle, Kent, and Sussex:

Delaware is a small state with only three counties, but each has its own fee structure and renewal process. Spayed/neutered dogs typically receive reduced licensing fees. Cats are not required to be licensed in Delaware, but the statewide rabies vaccination requirement still applies to them.

Delaware-Specific Considerations for Pet Owners

Tick-Borne Disease: Delaware Is High-Risk

Delaware consistently ranks among the top states in the U.S. for Lyme disease incidence. The black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) is established throughout all three Delaware counties. Dogs in Delaware are at high risk for Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis — all transmitted by ticks that are active nearly year-round in Delaware's mild mid-Atlantic climate.

• Year-round tick prevention is strongly recommended by Delaware veterinarians
• Annual tick-borne disease screening (4Dx or equivalent) is standard practice
• Lyme vaccination is commonly recommended for dogs in Delaware — discuss with your vet
• Keep records of tick preventative prescriptions and Lyme titers in your pet's health file

Humidity and Skin Conditions

Delaware's coastal and near-coastal climate brings high humidity, particularly in Sussex County (Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Lewes). This can exacerbate skin conditions, ear infections, and hot spots in dogs — especially breeds with heavy coats or skin folds. If your pet has a history of dermatological issues, bring those records and discuss climate-related management with your new Delaware vet.

Breed-Specific Legislation

Delaware does not have a statewide breed-specific ban. However, some municipal insurance policies and rental agreements in Wilmington and other cities may have breed restrictions. If you have a breed that's commonly restricted (pit bull-type dogs, Rottweilers, etc.), check with your landlord and homeowner's insurance before moving.

Your Delaware Move-In Records Checklist

• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection — issued within 10 days of entry
• Rabies certificate — required by state law for dogs, cats, and ferrets
• Core vaccine records — DHPP (dogs), FVRCP (cats)
• Lyme disease/tick-borne screening results — important baseline for Delaware vets
• Microchip documentation — chip number and registration
• Spay/neuter certificate — reduces county licensing fees
• Prior vet contact info — for records transfer to your new Delaware vet
• Tick prevention records — type, brand, and schedule
• Any dermatological history — relevant given Delaware's humid climate

Finding a Vet in Delaware

Delaware has a solid veterinary community, with the highest concentration of practices in New Castle County (Wilmington metro area). Kent County (Dover area) and Sussex County (beach communities) have fewer options, and summer tourism in Sussex County can affect appointment availability.

• Ask your current vet for referrals to Delaware-area colleagues
• Check the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association for a provider directory
• If moving to beach/resort areas, book a new-client appointment early — summer availability is tight
• Request a full records transfer from your current vet — not just a summary

Last verified: September 5, 2026. Entry requirements, licensing rules, and rabies laws change — always confirm current requirements with the Delaware Department of Agriculture (agriculture.delaware.gov), your destination county's licensing office, and your licensed veterinarian before traveling. This guide is informational only and does not constitute veterinary or legal advice.