For those that have moved from another state to AZ w/ animals... (Phoenix: inspection, law)

[ArizonaBear]

Funny; when I moved from Calif to Az back in 1989; I was never asked for any paperwork concerning my cats or dog.

[mdtoaz]

I just moved here from Maryland and we have 3 cats that were in the car with us. They're indoor, so we didn't (nor will we) do anything to "register" them.

As far as vaccines go... if your cat is geriatric (as one of mine is), it's definitely better to skip the shots. There's really no need if they're kept indoors and you don't introduce any new pets into the house.

On the vet note... anyone know of a decent one in Tucson? Just in case.

[exlexisnexis]

Originally Posted by Kirmize

Health Certificates are like dog licenses. There's a law that says when you have to have them. In the US the law is you are supposed to have them when travelling between states. They CAN stop you and ask you for your health cert at the borders, but I haven't ever had it done despite travelling back and forth across the US for 25 years with the military. However, as with any law, you are taking a chance. And when that chance is you may have to turn back in your travels, it's up to you to decide. I probably would wait for shift change and then drive through...
I went to Mexico a couple of years ago with my new puppy. I didn't get a Health Certificate, but I was extremely nervous. They looked at me funny coming back to the States, but let me go when I mentioned my dog was born in the US. It might have been for a Health Cert or for an import tax? who knows.
It is NOT true that once you get a Health Certificate you are required to get one every year. There is no central recordkeeping for this, anywhere.
You do have to get a health certificate for travelling on airlines. Overseas destinations require different vaccinations as well as your Health Certificate. Some countries require you to have your dog examined by their counsulate BEFORE you travel to their country. You just have to cover your bases and check before you go...

I am from Florida and they have county tags they put on animals which they use to track ownership of animals and need to be renewed annually with their mandated vaccine,are you saying an AZ health certificate is not the same thing or do they have tags in addition to the health certicate?

[ArizonaBear]

AFAIK there is no state let alone national database for registering cats; not sure about dogs admittedly.

Most places do not mandate cat licenses.

[exlexisnexis]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

AFAIK there is no state let alone national database for registering cats; not sure about dogs admittedly.

Most places do not mandate cat licenses.

I got 6 citations in Florida for not having my purebred inside cats rabies vaccinated and and county/licensed, fortunately for me I fought it and won on a paperwork error,however every year after that they checked to see if my cats tags was renewed and they needed to be vaccinated annually for rabies which was expensive and a pain to go through every year.Several states recognize a rabies shot is good for 3 years but not Florida.

[rutha1105]

FL is very picky on papers for every type of animal. If you don't have proper health papers for horses they will fine you and make you get the papers, while waiting for the vet in the parking lot of the inspection station, usual wait is about 24 hours.

As for the rest of the country, I have never been asked for any kind of paperwork on my dogs, I do carry a rabies certificate for each dog.

Mi has enacted liscensing on cats in some cities and townships in the southeastern part of the state.

It is wise to look into these things before you leave in order to avoid much hassle during the trip! Your own vet should be able to look up what is needed and provide it.

[Tinmountain]

We moved here with sixteen horses, five dogs and three cats. The horses had their health certs, registration papers (ownership for brand inspector if necessary) and Coggins report (required). The dogs had their rabies and licenses. The cats had nothing. There is no border patrol to enter the state. I have travelled with animals to show them in many of the states (same criteria) and have transported horses cross country.

I would just have their rabies current and thats all. You will need to buy a new license tag in the place where you move to. If your rabies is valid, then that will suffice.

Now just put all this about "vet visit when you arrive to show the health cert to" nonsense behind you...

[tkboysen]

Hi -

Just reviving this thread, hoping for updated information. AZ Dept of Agriculture says rabies vaccine is required for cats/dogs, with no exceptions, and that border patrol is in charge of agriculture inspections. I am relocating with a 21-year old cat, driving from California next week (sorry to be part of the migration, but looking forward to new life in Arizona near family!). She is entirely indoors, has heart disease and kidney failure. Vet will write letter saying a rabies vaccine is not merited, due to those reasons. What are your current experiences driving to AZ from CA with pets? Will we get turned back?

Thanks!

[Colt AZ]

Originally Posted by tkboysen

Hi -

Just reviving this thread, hoping for updated information. AZ Dept of Agriculture says rabies vaccine is required for cats/dogs, with no exceptions, and that border patrol is in charge of agriculture inspections. I am relocating with a 21-year old cat, driving from California next week (sorry to be part of the migration, but looking forward to new life in Arizona near family!). She is entirely indoors, has heart disease and kidney failure. Vet will write letter saying a rabies vaccine is not merited, due to those reasons. What are your current experiences driving to AZ from CA with pets? Will we get turned back?

Thanks!

Not because of a pet cat.

You may be rejected because you're coming from California!

[fluffythewondercat]

Originally Posted by tkboysen

Hi -
Just reviving this thread, hoping for updated information. AZ Dept of Agriculture says rabies vaccine is required for cats/dogs, with no exceptions, and that border patrol is in charge of agriculture inspections. I am relocating with a 21-year old cat, driving from California next week (sorry to be part of the migration, but looking forward to new life in Arizona near family!). She is entirely indoors, has heart disease and kidney failure. Vet will write letter saying a rabies vaccine is not merited, due to those reasons. What are your current experiences driving to AZ from CA with pets? Will we get turned back?

Thanks!

We will be bringing a superannuated cat as well, also indoors, from California. Good reminder to check with the vet to see if she's had the rabies vax.

Will you be stopped? Sorry, no idea.