Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 5C-3.009 - Dogs or Cats

(1) Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI) Required. Except for dogs or cats Imported only for exhibition purposes, which will remain in the state for less than six (6) months, any Service Animal, any Working Dog, and any privately owned pets traveling with their owners, all dogs and cats imported into Florida must be accompanied by an OCVI stating that they:

(a) Are free from signs of any infectious or communicable disease;

(b) Did not originate within an area under quarantine for rabies; and

(c) Are not known to have a history of exposure to a rabies-infected animal prior to Importation.

(2) Dogs or Cats for Sale or Adoption Requirements for Importation.

(a) Each dog or cat Imported into Florida must:

1. Be accompanied by an OCVI, and

2. Meet the minimum standards for vaccinations, tests, and anthelmintic treatments, and be eight (8) weeks of age or older as specified in section 828.29, F.S.

(b) Evidence of Compliance with section 828.29, F.S., shall accompany the owner or agent having custody of such dogs or cats Imported into Florida or to which ownership is being transferred.

(3) Rabies Vaccination. All dogs or cats, three (3) months of age and older, transported into Florida, including exhibition dogs or cats, Service Animals, Working Dogs, and privately owned pets traveling with their owners, must have proof of a current rabies vaccination.

(4) Prior Permission Number. Dogs or cats originating from areas under quarantine for rabies must have a Prior Permission Number from the Division as provided in subsection 5C-3.002(3), F.A.C. The Prior Permission Number must be written on the OCVI.

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 5C-3.009

Rulemaking Authority 570.07(23), 585.002(4), 585.08(2) FS. Law Implemented 570.07(15), 570.36(2), 585.08(1), (2)(a), 585.145(1), (2), 585.16, 828.29(1)(a), (2)(a) FS.

New 6-29-62, Amended 2-5-85, Formerly 5C-3.09, Amended 9-6-89, 3-23-94, 6-4-95, 12-12-04, 5-24-10, Amended by Florida Register Volume 45, Number 152, August 6, 2019 effective 8/19/2019.

New 6-29-62, Amended 2-5-85, Formerly 5C-3.09, Amended 9-6-89, 3-23-94, 6-4-95, 12-12-04, 5-24-10, 8-19-19.