Maybe you're going on a little vacation and you can't bear to leave your new puppy behind. Or perhaps you and your little guy are moving to a new state. Wherever the two of you are headed, you need to consider a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, otherwise known as a health certificate, when you travel with your puppy. Most states require this document to help prevent the spread of disease.
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Ticket to Ride
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Every state has rules regulating the comings and goings of animals, including livestock, equines and companion animals. If you and your puppy are going on a journey, you'll need to speak to your vet about getting him a health certificate. The vet will examine your pup for good health and ensure he's up to date on all his recommended vaccines -- rabies is usually mandatory -- and issue a certificate stating your dog appears to be healthy and free of any communicable diseases. The certificate is good for 30 days after it's been issued. Not every state requires a health certificate, and some states make exceptions, such as for animals just passing through for short periods of time, such as a drive down the interstate. If your vet isn't federally accredited to issue a health certificate, ask him to recommend someone who is. The American Veterinary Medical Association has a list of individual state requirements.
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