Before the move: health certificates
If you're moving to New Jersey from another state, your pet needs a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), commonly called a health certificate. This is a federal requirement for interstate transport of animals, administered through USDA-accredited veterinarians.
- Timing: The health certificate must be issued within 30 days of entry into New Jersey (10 days for air travel). Have your vet at your current address issue it close to your move date.
- What it includes: Confirmation that your pet is healthy, free of visible signs of infectious disease, and current on rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination: New Jersey requires all dogs and cats to have a current rabies vaccination (NJ Department of Health — Rabies, accessed Aug 28, 2026). If your pet's rabies shot has lapsed, get it updated before you move — you'll need it for licensing in your new municipality anyway.
After arrival: licensing your pet
New Jersey requires all dogs seven months and older to be licensed in their municipality of residence (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.2, accessed Aug 28, 2026). You should license your dog as soon as you establish residency — typically within a few weeks of moving in.
Visit your new town's municipal clerk with:
- Current rabies vaccination certificate
- Proof of spay/neuter (for the reduced fee)
- Photo ID with your new New Jersey address
License fees in New Jersey are modest — typically $10–$20 per year. See our full NJ licensing guide for municipality-specific details.
Finding a new vet
The first thing your new vet will want is your pet's complete health history. That means:
- Vaccination records — every vaccine, including dates and which products were used.
- Recent lab work — blood panels, urinalysis, any diagnostic results from the past 1–2 years.
- Medication history — current prescriptions, dosages, and how long your pet has been on them.
- Surgical records — spay/neuter, dental extractions, any procedures.
- Known conditions — allergies, chronic conditions, ongoing treatment plans.
Call your old vet before you move and ask them to prepare a complete record transfer. Most clinics will email or mail records on request. Some charge a small copying fee.
New Jersey-specific things new residents should know
- Municipal-level licensing: Unlike some states where licensing is county-wide, New Jersey handles it municipality by municipality. When you move, your license from your old town (even within NJ) doesn't transfer — you need a new one from your new municipality.
- Breed-specific rules: Some New Jersey municipalities have local ordinances regarding specific breeds. Check with your new town's animal control office.
- Dog parks: New Jersey has an extensive network of municipal and county dog parks. Most require proof of current vaccinations (rabies, DHPP, Bordetella) and a valid dog license for entry. This is typically checked at the time you register for park access.
- NJ Transit: Small pets in carriers are allowed on NJ Transit trains and buses. Larger dogs are generally not permitted except for service animals. If you'll be commuting with your pet, check NJ Transit's pet policy (accessed Aug 28, 2026).
Your moving-with-pets checklist
Last verified: August 28, 2026. Requirements may change — confirm current licensing rules with your new municipality and health certificate requirements with your vet before moving.