Entry requirements: bringing pets into Missouri
Missouri requires that dogs and cats entering from another state be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), issued by an accredited veterinarian. According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health (accessed August 30, 2026), the CVI must certify the animal appears healthy and has current rabies vaccination. The CVI should be issued within a reasonable time before your move — typically 10 days for domestic travel.
Rabies vaccination must be current under RSMo Chapter 322 (accessed August 30, 2026). If your pet's rabies certificate is expiring soon, renew it before your move to avoid a compliance gap during the transition.
For questions about Missouri's animal import requirements, contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Animal Health Division. The Division maintains requirements for livestock and companion animals and is the authoritative source for current entry rules.
What to do before your Missouri move
- Schedule a pre-move vet visit — obtain a CVI and ensure all vaccinations are current.
- Request full health records from your current vet: vaccine history, surgical records, lab results, and any specialist notes.
- Update microchip registry with your new Missouri address before moving.
- Research heartworm prevention. Missouri is one of the nation's highest-prevalence heartworm states. If your pet isn't on year-round prevention, talk to your vet before arrival.
- Find a Missouri vet before you move. The Missouri Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) (accessed August 30, 2026) maintains a vet directory. KC and STL both have extensive veterinary networks; smaller cities like Joplin, Jefferson City, and Rolla have fewer options.
- Research tornado shelter options for your pet — this is Missouri-specific and matters for pet safety planning (see below).
Missouri's climate: what changes for your pets
Missouri has a highly variable continental climate with some distinctive hazards for pets:
- Tornado season: Missouri sits in Tornado Alley. Tornado season peaks April through June, with secondary activity in fall. Identify a pet-safe tornado shelter in your home before severe weather season — basements and interior rooms without windows. A pet go-bag (leash, carrier, vaccination records, 72-hour supply of food and medication) should be prepared when you move in.
- Heat and humidity: Missouri summers regularly exceed 95°F with high humidity, especially in St. Louis. Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, French bulldogs) face real heat risk. Early-morning walks, shaded yards, and access to cool water are essential June through August.
- Heartworm season: Missouri's mosquito season begins in April and peaks through September. Starting heartworm prevention before spring arrival is best practice.
- Tick exposure: Missouri's Ozarks, state parks, and wooded residential areas carry significant tick exposure. Year-round tick prevention is recommended; discuss Lyme vaccination with your new Missouri vet.
Finding a new vet in Missouri
Kansas City and St. Louis both have robust veterinary communities, including 24-hour emergency hospitals. Use the MVMA directory or Google to find an AAHA-accredited clinic near your new address. Schedule a wellness visit within your first month — this establishes your pet's records at the new practice and gives you a relationship before any emergency. In smaller Missouri cities, it can take weeks to get a new patient appointment, so start early.
Pet licensing in Missouri after your move
If you're moving to Kansas City, St. Louis County, Springfield, or Columbia, you'll need to register your pet locally. See the Missouri pet license guide for specific requirements and fees by city.
Your Missouri move checklist
Last verified: August 30, 2026. Missouri entry requirements may change — contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Animal Health Division for the most current guidance before your move.