Before you move: what to prepare
1. Get a health certificate
Massachusetts requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for dogs and cats entering the state. Under Massachusetts Division of Animal Health regulations (accessed August 29, 2026), the certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of entry. It certifies that your pet is healthy and free of contagious disease.
The CVI must include: your pet's breed, age, sex, color, and markings; your name and destination address in Massachusetts; and proof of current rabies vaccination. Your current vet will need access to your pet's full vaccination records to complete this form.
2. Confirm rabies vaccination is current
Under MGL Chapter 140, §145B (accessed August 29, 2026), all dogs and cats six months and older must have a current rabies vaccination in Massachusetts. If your pet's rabies vaccine will expire during or shortly after the move, get it updated before you leave — it's much easier than doing it during the chaos of settling in.
3. Request complete medical records from your current vet
Ask your current veterinarian for a complete medical records transfer — not just the rabies certificate, but the full history: vaccination records, blood work results, medication history, surgical notes, and any specialist records. Most vets can provide this as a PDF or printed packet. Request this at least 2 weeks before your move date.
If your pet sees specialists or has visited emergency clinics, request records from those providers separately. Specialist records are often the most important ones for a new vet and the most likely to be lost in a move.
4. Check breed-specific regulations
Massachusetts does not have a statewide breed-specific legislation ban, but some municipalities have their own restrictions. Under MGL Chapter 140, §157 (accessed August 29, 2026), towns can declare individual dogs dangerous based on behavior — but breed bans at the municipal level have been challenged. Check with your destination town's animal control officer before the move if you have a breed that faces restrictions in other states.
Within 30 days of arriving
5. License your dog
Massachusetts law requires all dogs six months and older to be licensed with the town clerk where you reside. You'll need your current rabies certificate and proof of spay/neuter status. Fees vary by town — typically $10–$30 per year. Many towns offer online licensing.
Don't wait for the annual renewal cycle — get your license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you arrive mid-year, most towns will prorate or charge for the remainder of the licensing year. (Full Massachusetts licensing guide →)
6. Find a new veterinarian
Start the vet search before or immediately after your move. In the Boston metro area, popular practices can have waitlists of 2–4 weeks for new patients. Ask your previous vet for a referral, or check the MSPCA's veterinary network (accessed August 29, 2026) and local veterinary hospital websites.
When you find a new vet, share your pet's complete medical records before the first appointment. A vet who has the full picture — prior blood work values, vaccination history, medication trials, and surgical records — can provide better care from day one.
7. Update microchip registration
If your pet is microchipped, update your address and phone number in the chip registration database immediately. This is free with most chip companies and takes five minutes online. If your pet gets loose in an unfamiliar neighborhood — which happens more often during moves than at any other time — the microchip is how they get home.
Massachusetts-specific things new residents should know
- Tick-borne disease is serious here. Massachusetts ranks among the highest states for Lyme disease. If you're moving from a low-tick state, talk to your new vet about Lyme vaccination, tick prevention products appropriate for the region, and what signs to watch for after outdoor activity.
- Winter changes outdoor access. If you're moving from a warmer climate, prepare for reduced outdoor exercise during Massachusetts winters. Dog parks may be less accessible, and salt/ice melt can irritate paws. Some dog owners here use booties and paw balm from November through March.
- Boarding demand peaks seasonally. Cape Cod and the Islands draw massive summer travel. If you plan to board your dog during summer months, book early and make sure all vaccinations — especially bordetella — are current well before the reservation. (Massachusetts boarding requirements →)
- Emergency vet access. Boston has excellent emergency veterinary hospitals (MSPCA-Angell, Blue Pearl, Mass Vet Referral). Outside the metro area, emergency vet coverage can be thinner — identify the nearest 24-hour hospital to your new home before you need it.
Moving checklist
Last verified: August 29, 2026. Import requirements and licensing rules may change — check with the Massachusetts Division of Animal Health and your town clerk for current requirements.