Before you move: the health certificate
Texas requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for dogs and cats entering the state. Under Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) entry requirements (accessed Aug 26, 2026), the certificate must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian in your origin state within 30 days of entry.
The CVI must show:
- A description of your pet (species, breed, color, age, sex)
- Current rabies vaccination status
- A statement that the animal is free from signs of communicable disease
- Your name, origin address, and Texas destination
Texas is more lenient than many states on the timeline — 30 days instead of 10 — but you still need the document. If you're flying, airlines will enforce it regardless of state law.
Rabies vaccination: Texas law
Under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 826 (accessed Aug 26, 2026), all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. The vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian or a certified veterinary technician under supervision. Texas accepts rabies certificates from other states as long as the vaccine was administered by a licensed vet and uses a USDA-approved product.
Texas also has an active Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) rabies surveillance program (accessed Aug 26, 2026), particularly focused on the Texas-Mexico border region where wildlife rabies (primarily in skunks and bats) remains a concern. This ongoing surveillance is why rabies documentation is taken seriously statewide.
City-by-city licensing: Texas's patchwork
Texas has no statewide pet licensing requirement. Licensing is handled at the city or county level, and rules vary significantly:
| City | License required for | Registration deadline | Fee range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | Dogs & cats (city ordinance) | Within 30 days of moving in | $15–$40/yr |
| Dallas | Dogs & cats | Within 30 days | $7–$40/yr |
| San Antonio | Dogs & cats | Within 10 days | $10–$50/yr |
| Austin | Dogs & cats | Within 14 days | $15–$51/yr |
| Fort Worth | Dogs & cats | Within 30 days | $5–$50/yr |
Most Texas cities offer significantly reduced licensing fees for spayed/neutered animals. San Antonio has one of the tightest timelines — 10 days — so check your specific city before moving.
Finding a new vet in Texas
Texas has a strong veterinary network, but metro practices (especially in Austin, Dallas, and Houston) often have 2–4 week waits for new patients. Start looking before your move:
- Ask your current vet for referrals — the veterinary community is smaller than you'd think.
- Verify licenses through the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (accessed Aug 26, 2026).
- Request records early. Get a complete copy from every vet your pet has seen — regular vet, specialist, emergency clinic — at least 2 weeks before you move.
Texas-specific considerations
- Heartworm: Texas is a high-heartworm state. Year-round prevention is essential — mosquitoes are active most of the year across most of the state. If you're coming from a northern state with seasonal prevention, switch to year-round immediately.
- Heat: Texas summers are brutal for pets. Your new vet will likely discuss heat safety, pavement burns, and water intake at your first visit. Never leave a pet in a car — Texas law allows bystanders to break windows to rescue animals in distress (TX Penal Code §42.092, accessed Aug 26, 2026).
- Wildlife: Depending on your area — rattlesnakes (West Texas, Hill Country), fire ants (everywhere), coyotes (suburban areas). Ask your vet about rattlesnake vaccine if you're in a risk area.
- No state breed ban: Texas does not have statewide breed restrictions, but some cities and housing complexes do. Check your specific city and landlord policies.
Your Texas move checklist
Last verified: August 26, 2026. City licensing fees and registration timelines change periodically. Always check your specific city's animal services website for current information.