Vaccination Requirements to Ship a Puppy

The requirements for shipping a puppy are primarily determined by the state or country to which the puppy is being shipped. Some airlines require health certificates, but they generally do not require vaccinations. Most often, states or countries require rabies vaccination, depending on the age of the puppy, and there is usually a time line for when the vaccination must be given prior to travel.

  1. Importing to the U.S.

    • Dogs imported to the United States must have proof that they have been vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days before they enter the country. Unvaccinated dogs must receive the rabies vaccine within 10 days of entering the U..S, and must be confined (at the owner's home) for 30 days after the vaccination date. Puppies that are younger than 3 months of age must be confined until they are vaccinated at 3 months, and for 30 days thereafter.

      Puppies and dogs imported from rabies-free countries are not required to have a rabies vaccination prior to entry into the U.S., provided they have spent at least the previous six months in that country. State and local rabies vaccination requirements must be followed once the pet has reached its destination.

    Exporting From the U.S.

    • As with intrastate transport, the vaccination requirements for exporting a puppy depend on the destination country. Some countries have a mandatory quarantine period, regardless of vaccination status. Others might require a blood test to determine the effectiveness of the vaccinations.

    Intrastate Transport

    • Vaccination requirements for shipping puppies within the continental United States are determined by the destination. Most states have rabies vaccination requirements, and the age of the initial vaccine varies from 8 weeks to 7 months. Some states, including Florida and Virginia, require other vaccinations such as canine distemper and parvovirus.

    Hawaii

    • Hawaii is a rabies-free area, and has stringent importation requirements. Dogs must have a minimum of two rabies vaccinations, at least 30 days apart, and a blood test performed at least 120 days before the date of entry. Dogs that do not meet these requirements, or puppies that are too young to have completed them, are quarantined in Hawaii for 120 days after arriving in the state. Puppies originating from certain rabies-free countries may be eligible for a waived or shortened quarantine period.