Entry requirements: bringing pets into Maryland
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) (accessed August 30, 2026) requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for dogs and cats entering the state. The CVI must be:
- Issued by an accredited veterinarian in the state of origin within 30 days of entry
- Include a current rabies vaccination certificate (required under MD Health-General Article §18-318, accessed August 30, 2026)
- Certify the animal is free of clinical signs of infectious disease
If you're driving through Maryland briefly, enforcement is rare for personal pets. But if you're establishing residency, getting the CVI before you move ensures you can register with a Maryland vet, board your pets during the move, and license them at the county level without delays.
Maryland's disease landscape: what changes when you arrive
If you're moving from the West Coast, the Southwest, or the Deep South, Maryland's disease profile may be different from what you're used to:
- Raccoon rabies is endemic. Maryland is part of the raccoon rabies epizootic corridor (Florida to Maine). Even suburban Montgomery County and Howard County neighborhoods have regular raccoon, skunk, and fox activity. Keep your pet's rabies vaccination current — it's the law and it's genuinely important here.
- Lyme disease is high-incidence. The CDC (accessed August 30, 2026) classifies Maryland among the highest-incidence states for Lyme disease. Black-legged ticks are present across the state, especially in wooded suburban areas, the Eastern Shore, and western Maryland. If your dog isn't on tick prevention or vaccinated for Lyme, discuss this with your new Maryland vet immediately.
- Tick-borne diseases beyond Lyme. Ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are documented in Maryland dogs. Annual tick-borne disease screening panels are standard practice at many Maryland veterinary clinics.
- Heartworm is present. Maryland is in the heartworm transmission zone. Year-round prevention is recommended by the CAPC (accessed August 30, 2026).
Military PCS moves to Maryland
Maryland hosts several major military installations — Fort Meade, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Joint Base Andrews, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. If you're PCSing to Maryland:
- Base veterinary clinics require a complete vaccination record including rabies, DHPP/FVRCP, and bordetella
- Some bases require a health certificate (CVI) even for domestic moves — check with your gaining installation's vet clinic
- On-base housing often has breed and weight restrictions — confirm before you arrive
- Off-base housing in the Fort Meade/Annapolis/Aberdeen areas is in high Lyme risk territory — start tick prevention before you arrive
Finding a new vet in Maryland
The Maryland Veterinary Medical Association (MDVMA) (accessed August 30, 2026) maintains a directory of licensed veterinarians across the state. When choosing a new Maryland vet:
- Ask about their tick-borne disease screening protocol — this tells you how attuned they are to Maryland's specific risks
- Confirm they can accept your pet's full vaccination and medical history electronically
- If coming from a state without Lyme risk, your new vet will likely recommend a Lyme vaccination series and a tick-borne disease baseline panel
County licensing after you move
Maryland pet licensing is county-administered. Most Maryland counties require dog licensing (and some require cat licensing). You'll typically need:
- Current rabies vaccination certificate
- Spay/neuter documentation (for reduced fee)
- Proof of Maryland county residency
Major counties — Montgomery, Prince George's, Baltimore County, Howard, Anne Arundel — all have online licensing options. See our Maryland pet license application guide for county-by-county details and fees.
Records transfer checklist
Last verified: August 30, 2026. Entry requirements and county licensing rules may change — confirm with MDA and your specific county before your move. This page is informational — talk to your vet about your pet's health needs in Maryland.