Entry requirements: bringing pets into Indiana
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) requires that dogs and cats entering Indiana from another state be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), issued by an accredited veterinarian within a reasonable time of transport. According to BOAH's companion animal guidance (accessed August 30, 2026), pets must appear healthy at the time of the CVI and have a current rabies vaccination on record.
For international dogs entering Indiana, CDC importation rules apply. Animal transporters must provide a CVI to those receiving international dogs and cats, and must email a copy to BOAH at animalhealth@boah.in.gov within 30 days of receipt — this is a legal requirement per BOAH's international animal import policy (accessed August 30, 2026).
Rabies vaccination must be current under IC 15-20-1 (accessed August 30, 2026). If your pet's rabies vaccination is lapsing soon, schedule the booster before your move to avoid any compliance gap.
What to do before your move
- Schedule a pre-move vet visit — get a CVI and ensure all core vaccinations are current. This is the legal prerequisite for entry into Indiana.
- Request full health records from your current vet: vaccination history, surgical records, lab results, current prescriptions, and any specialist notes.
- Update your pet's microchip registry with your new Indiana address and contact information before the move.
- Research heartworm prevention — Indiana is in the Midwest transmission zone. If your pet isn't on year-round prevention, discuss with your vet before you arrive.
- Identify an Indiana vet before you move. BOAH offers a Find a Vet tool at in.gov/animalpolicy (accessed August 30, 2026). Establishing care before a health emergency is much easier than doing it during one.
Indiana's climate: what changes for your pets
Indiana experiences full four-season weather — including harsh winters that regularly drop below 0°F in northern counties, and humid summers that can push heat indices above 100°F in southern Indiana. If you're moving from a warmer or more mild climate:
- Winter: Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers) are at risk in extreme cold. Salt and ice-melt products on Indiana sidewalks can irritate paws.
- Summer: Heat and humidity in central and southern Indiana create real risk for pets. Early-morning and late-evening walks are safer during July and August peak heat.
- Heartworm season: Mosquito season runs May through October. Many Indiana vets recommend starting heartworm prevention before spring.
- Tick exposure: Indiana's state parks, trails, and wooded residential areas carry Lyme disease risk, especially in the northern counties. Talk to your new Indiana vet about tick prevention and potential Lyme vaccination.
Finding a new vet in Indiana
Use BOAH's veterinary finder at in.gov or the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) directory to locate accredited vets near your new home. Schedule a wellness visit within the first month of arriving — this establishes care, updates your pet's records with the new practice, and gives you a relationship before any emergency arises.
Your Indiana move checklist
Last verified: August 30, 2026. Indiana entry requirements may change — contact BOAH at animalhealth@boah.in.gov for the latest guidance before your move.