Before you move: the health certificate
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health (BAH) requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) — also called a health certificate — for dogs and cats entering the state from most other states. The CVI must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian in your state of origin, generally within 30 days before entry into Minnesota. It must include a description of your pet, current rabies vaccination information, and a statement that the animal appears healthy and free from signs of communicable disease.
Check with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health for your specific state of origin's current requirements, as rules may vary. Contact BAH at (651) 296-2942 or visit bah.state.mn.us.
Rabies vaccination: Minnesota's requirement
Under Minnesota Statutes §347.08 (accessed August 31, 2026), dogs must have a current rabies vaccination to be licensed. The vaccination must be administered by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Minnesota accepts both 1-year and 3-year USDA-approved rabies vaccines — the duration on your pet's certificate determines when the next booster is due.
If you're arriving from a state that used a 3-year vaccine, that same certificate is valid in Minnesota for the remainder of its validity period. You don't need to re-vaccinate upon arrival.
Pet licensing: Minnesota's February 1 deadline
This is the detail that catches the most people by surprise. Under Minnesota Statutes §347.09 (accessed August 31, 2026), every dog over six months of age must be licensed, and the license must be obtained on or before February 1 of each year — regardless of when you moved to the state. Licensing is administered at the city or county level, but the February 1 statewide deadline applies.
If you move to Minnesota in, say, October, you have until the following February 1 to obtain your dog's license. But don't wait — counties can issue citations for unlicensed dogs, and under MN Statutes §347.14 (accessed August 31, 2026), an officer may seize and impound any unlicensed dog found running at large.
Where to license, by city
| City/County | License covers | Fee range | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | Dogs and cats | $25–$50/year | Online or in person at Animal Care & Control |
| St. Paul | Dogs and cats | $25–$50/year | Online through city portal |
| Rochester (Olmsted County) | Dogs | $15–$30/year | Olmsted County Humane Society |
| Duluth | Dogs | $15–$35/year | City of Duluth Animal Control |
| Suburban Hennepin | Varies by city | Varies | Check your specific city's website |
Spayed and neutered pets typically receive significantly reduced licensing fees. Bring your spay/neuter certificate along with your rabies certificate when you apply.
New-vet onboarding in Minnesota
Minnesota has roughly one veterinarian per 900 pets — the demand for veterinary care has grown significantly, and some practices have waitlists for new patients. When you arrive, start looking for a vet before you need one urgently.
When establishing care with a new Minnesota vet, you'll typically need:
- Complete vaccination history — dates, vaccine brands, and lot numbers if available. The rabies certificate is the most critical document.
- Prior medical records — surgery notes, chronic condition management, any specialist consults.
- Parasite prevention history — Minnesota's tick population is among the highest in the U.S., and your new vet will want to know what prevention protocol your pet was on.
- Heartworm test results — most MN vets require an annual heartworm test, usually in spring before mosquito season.
Minnesota's climate: what changes for your pet
If you're moving from a warmer state, Minnesota's climate requires real adjustments for your pet's health routine:
Tick and Lyme disease risk
Minnesota consistently ranks among the top three states for Lyme disease cases in the U.S. The black-legged tick (deer tick) is widespread throughout the state, with the highest risk in wooded areas of northern, eastern, and central Minnesota. Year-round tick prevention is strongly recommended. Most Minnesota vets will recommend the Lyme disease vaccine for dogs, in addition to flea and tick preventatives.
Heartworm season
Heartworm risk in Minnesota runs from approximately May through November, following mosquito season. If your pet was on year-round heartworm prevention elsewhere, continue it in Minnesota. If they weren't, your new Minnesota vet will likely recommend beginning preventative and testing annually in the spring.
Winter considerations
Minnesota winters are serious — temperatures regularly reach -20°F in northern parts of the state. Dogs with thin coats may need jackets for outdoor time, and paw care matters: road salt and ice melt chemicals are common irritants. Shorten winter walks for small or short-coated dogs when temperatures drop significantly.
Pet emergency resources in Minnesota
Knowing where the emergency vet is before you need one is important in any new city. Major metropolitan areas in Minnesota have 24/7 emergency veterinary hospitals. When you arrive, locate your nearest emergency vet clinic and save its number in your phone. Sharing your pet's Voocie record with an emergency vet takes seconds — they get the full history, not just what you can recall under pressure.
Your Minnesota move checklist
Last verified: August 31, 2026. Minnesota import requirements and licensing rules may change — verify current requirements with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (bah.state.mn.us) and your destination city or county before moving. This guide is informational only and does not constitute legal or veterinary advice.