Before the move: health certificates
If you're moving to Virginia 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.
- Timing: Must be issued within 30 days of entry into Virginia (10 days for air travel).
- What it includes: Confirmation that your pet is healthy, free of visible signs of infectious disease, and current on rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination: Virginia requires all dogs and cats four months and older to be vaccinated against rabies (VA Code § 3.2-6521, accessed Aug 28, 2026). If your pet's rabies shot has lapsed, get it updated before you move.
After arrival: licensing your pet
Virginia requires all dogs four months and older to be licensed. You have 30 days after acquiring a dog or after your dog reaches four months of age to get the license (VA Code § 3.2-6530, accessed Aug 28, 2026). When moving from out of state, license your dog promptly after establishing residency.
Virginia's licensing is remarkably affordable: the state caps the annual fee at $10, and a lifetime license costs no more than $50 (VA Code § 3.2-6528, accessed Aug 28, 2026).
To license, visit your new county or city's animal services with:
- Current rabies vaccination certificate
- Proof of spay/neuter (for any applicable discount)
- Photo ID with your new Virginia address
Pro tip: If you plan to stay in your new locality long-term, consider the lifetime license at $50. It's valid as long as you stay in the same county/city and keep the rabies vaccination current. See our full VA licensing guide for details.
Finding a new vet
The first thing your new vet will want is your pet's complete health history:
- Vaccination records — every vaccine with dates and products used
- Recent lab work — blood panels, urinalysis from the past 1–2 years
- Medication history — current prescriptions and dosages
- Surgical records — spay/neuter, dental work, any procedures
- Known conditions — allergies, chronic conditions, treatment plans
Call your old vet before you move and request a complete record transfer. Most clinics email or mail records on request.
Virginia-specific things new residents should know
- Tick-borne diseases: Virginia is a high-risk state for Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. If you're coming from a low-tick state, talk to your new vet about tick prevention and whether the Lyme vaccine is appropriate for your dog. This is especially important in the western counties and the Blue Ridge region.
- Military and government relocations: Northern Virginia sees a constant flow of military PCS moves and government rotations. If you're on a PCS, many NOVA vets are experienced with receiving pets from other states and can streamline the records transfer. Several military bases have on-post veterinary clinics that offer low-cost vaccinations.
- Rabies clinics: Virginia law requires every locality to host a public rabies clinic at least once every two years (VA Code § 3.2-6521(B), accessed Aug 28, 2026). These clinics offer rabies shots for $5–$15 — a cost-effective option if your pet's vaccination is expiring around your move.
- Apartment and HOA pet policies: Many Virginia apartment complexes and HOAs have breed restrictions, weight limits, or pet deposit requirements. Confirm these before you sign a lease. Some require proof of licensing and vaccination at move-in.
Your moving-with-pets checklist
Last verified: August 28, 2026. Requirements may change — confirm current licensing rules with your new locality and health certificate requirements with your vet before moving.