REGULATORY SERVICES
Before bringing a wild or exotic animal into Virginia, check with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to ensure that possession of the animal is not prohibited or restricted. We also recommend checking with the animal control agency of the county or city the animal is going to in order to make sure that there are no local ordinances prohibiting or restricting the animal.
Residents of Virginia, and people moving to Virginia:
If you are a resident of Virginia, or are moving to Virginia, there are no entry requirements for you to bring in your personal pets. If the animal is intended to be used for any purpose other than being a personal pet (such as offering it for sale or adoption, breeding it, using it for promotional purposes, or using it as a working animal) the animal will need to be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by a veterinarian in the state or country the animal is coming from 10 days or less before the animal enters Virginia.
People visiting Virginia:
There are no requirements if you are only transiting through Virginia and the animal remains under your control at all times. If you are visiting Virginia with your animal, you will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by a veterinarian in the state or country the animal is coming from 10 days or less before the animal enters Virginia. A CVI is not required if the animal is entering Virginia for 10 days or less for exhibition or hunting purposes.
Animal Shelters, Humane Societies, and Animal Rescue Groups:
All animals brought into Virginia by animal shelters, humane societies, and rescue groups will need to be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by a veterinarian in the state or country the animal is coming from 10 days or less before the animal enters Virginia.
Breeders, Dealers, Pet Stores, and other Commercial Entities:
All animals will need to be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by a veterinarian in the state or country the animal is coming from 10 days or less before the animal enters Virginia.