Before the move: health certificates and entry requirements
Washington State requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets entering from out of state have a current rabies vaccination. Under WAC 246-100-197(5) (accessed Aug 29, 2026), animals entering Washington must be currently vaccinated against rabies per USDA-licensed vaccine manufacturer recommendations. A certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) — commonly called a health certificate — may be required and is strongly recommended for interstate moves.
- Health certificate timing: A CVI must typically be issued within 30 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian in your current state. For air travel, airlines generally require it within 10 days of the flight.
- What the CVI includes: Confirmation that your pet is healthy, visibly free of infectious disease, and current on rabies vaccination.
- Ferrets: Washington includes ferrets in its rabies vaccination requirements — often overlooked when families move. If you have ferrets, their rabies documentation must also be current.
Washington is a low-rabies-risk state relative to much of the U.S. — but the vaccination mandate exists statewide under WAC 246-100-197, and compliance is required regardless of risk level.
After arrival: licensing in your new city or county
Washington has no statewide pet license. Instead, you must register with your new city or county's animal services. The timing window varies by jurisdiction, but most Washington localities require you to license within 30 days of establishing residency or acquiring the pet.
- King County (Seattle area): RASKC requires licensing within 30 days of moving into the coverage area. This includes unincorporated King County and more than 25 contracting cities. License fees: $30/year altered, $60/year unaltered, $15 for juveniles or senior owners (65+). See the full Washington licensing guide for details.
- Pierce County (Tacoma area): Annual licensing required for dogs and cats. Confirm current fee schedule with Pierce County Animal Control.
- Spokane County: Dogs must be licensed annually. Check the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) website for current rates and online application options.
- If you live in a city: Some Washington cities (including Seattle itself) administer licensing independently from the county. Check your city's animal services website — not just the county — to confirm where to apply.
Finding a new vet in Washington
Washington has a healthy veterinary market, but demand in the Puget Sound metro significantly outpaces supply — particularly in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond. New residents moving into the Seattle area routinely find that practices are not accepting new patients. Start your search before you move:
- Use the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) directory to find licensed practices near your new address.
- Call practices 4–6 weeks before your move to ask about new patient availability.
- For the first appointment, have your pet's complete health history ready: vaccination records, recent lab work, medication list, surgical records, and any known conditions.
- Request a complete records transfer from your current vet before moving — email or portal transfer is fastest.
Washington-specific things new residents should know
- Leptospirosis risk: Western Washington's wet climate and urban wildlife population (particularly raccoons) create meaningful Leptospirosis exposure risk. If you're coming from a drier state, discuss Leptospirosis vaccination with your new vet at the first visit — it's widely recommended for dogs in the Puget Sound region.
- Giardia in outdoor environments: Washington's natural waterways carry Giardia. Dogs who drink from streams, puddles, or standing water are at risk. Your new vet may recommend regular fecal screenings, especially if your dog spends time off-leash in parks or on trails.
- Heartworm protocol: Washington's Pacific climate means mosquito exposure is lower than in humid Southern states, but heartworm preventive is still recommended year-round. Confirm the appropriate protocol with your new vet.
- Tech-sector relocation assistance: Many Seattle-area employers (Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta) offer relocation packages that include pet-related expenses. Check whether your employer covers vet-issued health certificates, new licensing fees, or first-appointment costs at a Washington vet.
Your moving-with-pets checklist
Last verified: August 29, 2026. Requirements may change — confirm current licensing rules with your new city or county, and health certificate requirements with your current vet, before moving.