Before you move: the health certificate
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) (accessed Aug 27, 2026) requires that dogs and cats entering Michigan from out-of-state be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian in your origin state within 30 days of entry.
The CVI must document:
- Species, breed, age, sex, and identifying features or microchip number
- Current rabies vaccination — vaccine brand, lot number, date administered, and expiration
- A health statement that the animal is free from visible signs of communicable disease
- Your name, origin address, and Michigan destination
Michigan shares land and water borders with Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, and — across the Great Lakes — Ontario, Canada. If you're driving from any of these states, the CVI requirement applies. Keep it in the vehicle throughout transit.
Rabies vaccination: Michigan requirements
Michigan requires rabies vaccination for all dogs. The vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and documented. Under Michigan's rabies control framework, the vaccination must be current per the vaccine's labeled duration of immunity. Michigan accepts valid rabies certificates from other states.
Michigan's primary rabies vectors are bats, raccoons, and skunks. Bats are the most significant exposure risk in residential settings — a bat found in a room where a pet (or person) was sleeping is treated as a potential exposure event. Keep your pet's documentation current and contact MDARD or your local health department if an exposure incident occurs.
Dog licensing: Michigan's county treasurer system
Like Ohio, Michigan uses the county treasurer's office for dog licensing — a distinctive and sometimes surprising requirement for new residents. Under Michigan Compiled Laws §287.262 (accessed Aug 27, 2026), all dogs four months of age or older must be licensed annually with the county where they reside.
Under MCL §287.266 (accessed Aug 27, 2026), the license must be purchased by December 1 each year. New residents must license within 30 days of establishing Michigan residency. Licensing requires proof of current rabies vaccination.
| Dog license type | Typical annual fee |
|---|---|
| Spayed or neutered dog | $10.00–$12.00/year (varies by county) |
| Unaltered dog | $14.00–$16.00/year (varies by county) |
Fees vary slightly by county. The license tag must be on your dog's collar at all times. Unlicensed dogs can be impounded under the Michigan Dog Law.
Finding a new vet in Michigan
Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Ann Arbor have excellent veterinary networks including specialty and emergency hospitals. The Upper Peninsula has a much smaller veterinary footprint — identifying a vet before you move is especially important if you're relocating to the UP.
- Book early — urban Michigan practices in Ann Arbor and Royal Oak frequently have 2–4 week new-patient waits.
- Verify licenses through the Michigan LARA license search (accessed Aug 27, 2026).
- Request complete records — SOAP notes, vaccine history, lab results, and any imaging — from every provider at least two weeks before your move.
Michigan-specific considerations
- Lyme disease — especially in the Upper Peninsula: Michigan is a Lyme disease endemic state, with the highest risk in the Lower Peninsula's western counties and across the Upper Peninsula. The deer tick (black-legged tick) that carries Lyme borrelia is well-established in forested and brushy Michigan habitat. Year-round tick prevention is recommended. If you're moving to the UP or to western Michigan counties like Muskegon, Allegan, or Berrien, ask your vet about Lyme vaccination for your dog in addition to monthly tick prevention.
- Harsh winters: Michigan winters are severe, especially in the Upper Peninsula which regularly sees 100–200+ inches of snow annually. Road salt and ice-melt chemicals are used heavily throughout the Lower Peninsula as well. Rinse and dry paw pads after outdoor walks. Be aware of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) toxicity risk — it's used widely in Michigan and is highly dangerous to pets even in small amounts.
- Great Lakes water safety: If you're living near Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, Lake Erie, or Lake St. Clair, be aware that the Great Lakes have unique hazards for dogs. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms occur in warmer months in bays and shallow areas — these blooms are highly toxic and can be fatal to dogs within hours of ingestion. Do not let your dog swim in or drink from water with visible algae blooms. Strong currents and cold water temperatures are also risks for dogs who swim in the Lakes. Always supervise Great Lakes swimming.
- Parvo awareness: Michigan has a large shelter system and active rescue community, which means high-contact environments like dog parks and rescue events can carry Parvo exposure risk for unvaccinated dogs. Make sure your dog's core vaccines (including Parvovirus) are current before attending group dog events, and talk to your vet about timing for puppies or dogs with incomplete vaccination histories.
Your Michigan move checklist
Last verified: August 27, 2026. Michigan county treasurer dog license fees and licensing deadlines may change annually. Always check with your specific county treasurer's office for current requirements.