How to Pack Fish Tanks and Aquariums

Author:

Publish Date:

Last Modified Date:

Category: Kids & Pets, Pro Packing Guides

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Setting up a new aquarium is easy. Moving an established one, on the other hand, takes a lot more foresight. Fish tanks are fragile and prone to scratching and cracking. Likewise, many fish are extremely delicate and often don’t tolerate change or stress well.

With that said, it’s not hard to learn how to pack fish tanks and aquariums for a move. It just takes some planning, elbow grease, and patience. From explaining how to transport fish tanks to what to do with the fish during the move, we’ve got you covered in this guide.


Supplies Needed to Pack Fish Tanks and Aquariums Safely

Various aquarium tools like nets, filters, and a sponge cleaner are set up against a black wall

To minimize stress on your fish, it’s always best to be prepared before disassembling your aquarium. Make sure you have these supplies available and an extra person or two to help lift your tank if it’s particularly large.

  • Fish nets: For catching and moving fish into smaller containers. You probably already have one of these if you keep fish.
  • Siphon hose: For moving water quickly and efficiently. You probably already have one for water changes. If not, pick one up at your local fish store.
  • Containers: For storing fish, water, plants, and decor. Consider using fish bags, which most fish stores can provide, or 5-gallon buckets with lids.
  • Tarp: For protecting carpet from water damage. You can buy one at any hardware store.
  • Protective packing material: For keeping the tank from shifting in the box. In a pinch, you can use towels or small cloths you have sitting around your home, or purchase bubble wrap and packing paper from most department stores.
  • Extra cardboard: To reinforce the top of the box holding the tank. This can come from any old box.
  • Box or crate: To store the tank and protect it from scratching. If you still have it, use the box the aquarium initially came in for a good fit.

Step-By-Step Guide for Packing Fish Tanks and Aquariums

Since fish are delicate, your aquarium should be one of the last things you pack and move, and one of the first things you reassemble in your new home. If you’re moving with fish tanks or aquariums locally, try to get everything done within the same handful of hours to minimize stress.

1. Preparing the Tank

Stop feeding your fish 24 to 48 hours before moving. Since your fish will be in smaller containers during transportation, fasting them reduces their waste output.

On moving day, disconnect all the electrical components, including heaters, filters, and lights. Surround your working area with a tarp, especially if your aquarium is in a room with carpet, and gather all your supplies.

2. Packing Fish and Plants

A woman uses a net to catch fish swimming in a home aquarium

Transferring your fish and live plants should be a top priority. Determine whether your fish can be transported together or if you need to separate aggressive species. Also, choose an adequate container to move your fish.

For local moves and smaller fish and plants, a bag is probably fine. However, 5-gallon buckets may be necessary for larger fish, those with sharp fins, or large quantities of fish.

 

“You might be able to move a small aquarium (10 gallons or smaller) with some water remaining, but it’s generally not recommended. The sloshing of water as you move the tank can put additional strain on the seals, increasing the risk of damage.”

 

Make sure your fish have enough room to swim around. If they’re in a bag, fill it about one-third full with water, leaving the rest of the space filled with air. Use your current aquarium water to fill the containers.

If you’re transporting your fish in bags, consider placing them in a dark cooler with individual bags wrapped in bubble wrap to keep them from shifting around too much.

If you have to transport your fish for longer than a few hours, it can get complicated. Contact your local fish store for advice on how to keep fish safe for longer periods.

3. Removing and Storing Water

Before you can move your aquarium, it needs to be completely emptied. But don’t dump your aquarium water! It’s recommended to move 75% to 80% of the existing water if possible. Most people choose 5-gallon buckets to store aquarium water because they are readily available and easy to carry. Use a siphon to fill buckets, then seal them with a tight-fitting lid.

4. Packing Accessories and Substrate

A person lifts up rocks from an aquarium to dry and prepare them for storage

Remove any decorations and place them in buckets. Since they may be waterlogged or leak, keeping them in buckets helps minimize the mess. Alternatively, you can wash and dry them, then pack them in boxes.

Put the substrate in a 5-gallon bucket to avoid a watery mess. You may need more than one, depending on the size of your tank.

Pack electronics like heaters and pumps carefully, wrapping them in bubble wrap to prevent damage.

5. Cushioning and Boxing the Tank

Once the tank is completely empty, dry it with towels, then wrap the exterior with bubble wrap. Choose a durable box or crate large enough to accommodate the tank standing upright—they’re not meant to be placed on their sides. Carefully move the tank into the container, then pack the gaps between the tank and the container with paper.

 

“Since fish are delicate, your aquarium should be one of the last things you pack and move, and one of the first things you reassemble in your new home.”

 

Don’t worry about packing the inside of the tank—it’s a waste, especially for larger aquariums. Instead, place a large piece of cardboard over the top, then add more packing paper or bubble wrap between that layer and the top of the box.

6. Label and Transport

Label the box as fragile and include arrows on all sides that indicate which side is up. You don’t want the tank handled roughly, flipped, or turned too much during transportation.


How to Transport Fish Tanks and Aquariums Safely

Aquariums are fragile, but they absolutely can be moved safely. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Consider using a dolly or moving straps to move larger tanks.
  • Avoid putting anything heavy on top of the tank during transportation.
  • Keep the substrate and filter media wet during transportation to preserve as many beneficial bacteria as possible. This helps keep the fish healthy once you reassemble the tank.
  • For long-distance moves, you may need battery-operated air pumps to keep your fish oxygenated.

Unpacking and Reassembling Fish Tanks and Aquariums

A man refills an aquarium with water after it's unpacked

Reassembling your aquarium is similar to putting it together for the first time:

  1. Set the tank in its permanent location, ensuring it’s level.
  2. Add the substrate back in.
  3. Fill the tank with any water you kept, then top it off with tap water. Remember, if you’re filling it with mostly new water, you’ll need to condition and cycle the tank and watch your water parameters closely.
  4. Add plants and decor.
  5. Hook up heaters, filtration, lighting, and any other accessories.
  6. Acclimate your fish and release them into the tank.

Learn more on our How to Pack Hub.


FAQs About Moving Fish Tanks and Aquariums

What if I Have an Extra-Large Aquarium?

Larger, heavier aquariums take more planning and preparation to move. They may also require special equipment, such as a dolly or the assistance of several people to lift.

Can You Move Fish Tanks With Water in Them?

You might be able to move a small aquarium (10 gallons or smaller) with some water remaining, but it’s generally not recommended. The sloshing of water as you move the tank can put additional strain on the seals, increasing the risk of damage. Plus, as the water shifts, it can throw off your balance, making it harder to move the container the aquarium is in.

Can Professionals Help Move an Aquarium?

Some moving companies may have professionals with experience moving aquariums. However, many aquarium keepers prefer to move their tanks themselves to make absolutely sure no damage occurs and to protect their fish.

Help Your Pet Adjust to a New Home: Moving Tips for Dog and Cat Parents

Author:

Publish Date:

Last Modified Date:

Category: Kids & Pets

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , ,

If you’ve ever moved your pet long-distance (or even down the block!), you know that it can be a stressful time for both of you. All the rushing around, packing and planning can make your pet feel uneasy.

With their routines changing, dogs and cats can feel unsure about their situation. When you move with pets, their scenery and smells change. This signals distress for your fur baby.

One option to lessen the stress is to leave it to the pros. Our partners at CitizenShipper have been moving pets and other precious items safely and easily for customers for over 14 years. They can do the same for yours too!

But if you want to take care of the move yourself,  it’s important for you to remain calm and consistent. Remember that you are your pet’s most familiar anchor in the new home. If they are acting timid, unsure or following you around, you may need to be patient with them. Always remain confident, calm and consistent.

To help ease your furry friend’s anxiety, we’ve collected some of our best tips to help your pet stay relaxed during a move and adjust seamlessly to their new home.

SEE FULL INFOGRAPHIC

Before Moving With Your Pet:

Dogs and cats will know something is up before the move. They will see you packing boxes and bags and can sense your mood. If you’re anxious or stressed about the impending move, your pet is likely to feel it too. There are several things you can do before the actual move to help your pet feel at ease:

    • Prioritize quality time. Spend time with your pet before the move so that they are focused on you. If your pet is a dog, reinforce basic obedience commands so they are fresh in their mind.
    • Sprinkle your scent. Spray a distinct scent, such as your perfume, around your home starting three weeks before you move. Spray this same smell in the new house before your pet arrives.
    • Inspect your new space for danger. Check your new house for any poisonous or hazardous items like rat poisoning/traps, holes in the fence or chewable objects.
    • Have a vet on call. If moving cities, research a veterinarian to have on call in the new city—just in case.
    • Update the paperwork. License your pet according to local ordinances, update their identification tags and contact your pet’s microchip or tattoo registry to update your contact information. Don’t have any of those things? Learn more about them here.
    • Keep them legal. If moving cities, check the local law. Find out if you need a new license, what the leash laws are and if there are breed bans in your new city.
    • Crate train beforehand. If your pets will need to be crated during the move, ensure they are crate trained so the new situation doesn’t stress them out.
    • Condition for success. Condition your pet by having a few boxes and suitcases out ahead of time, before the move. That way they don’t associate those objects with you leaving.
  • Practice makes perfect. If your dog will be living with new rules after the move (e.g., moving from a house to an apartment), make sure they are trained on the new protocol beforehand. 

During the Move with Your Pet:

On moving day, it’s important to remember to keep your dog or cat safe, calm and contained. Thousands of pets run away during relocations each year and many never find their way home. You can minimize the chances of this happening to your beloved companion and make their move a lot more enjoyable if you keep these tips in mind.

    • Minimize anxiety with a toy. During busy packing activities keep your pets in their crates with a toy to keep them occupied.
    • Ask for help watching your pet. If you need to, have a friend or family member watch your pet to keep them away from the hustle and bustle of moving.
    • Build a safe space. Your pet may become scared when the moving boxes start to take over. Ensure they don’t run out the door by keeping them in a safe space where they can’t get lost or hurt.
    • Keep them tagged. Make sure your pet has proper identification and tags on during a move, in case they get out.
    • Medicate them if necessary. If your pet gets anxiety during the move, consider a veterinarian prescribed anti-anxiety medication or thunder shirt.
    • Feed them lightly. Feed your pet lightly the day-of the move, especially if they will be in the car for long periods of time.
  • Plan pit stops. If your dog will be spending a lot of time in the car, scout out dog parks or walking trails along the way so that they can stretch their legs (and do their business)!

Adjusting With Your Pet After the Move:

Once you’re all moved in, it’s important to make your dog or cat feel like they are home, too. There are several things you can do around your new place to ease any fears your pet may have about abandonment or unfamiliarity. You should send non-verbal signals that they are safe, loved and a permanent part of your new home.

    • Acquaint your dog with their new space. When you get to the new home, take your dog for a leashed walk inside and outside to let them get acquainted with the new smells while they’re feeling safe.
    • Introduce cats to one room at a time. When you get to your new home, introduce the new space to your cat slowly. Confine them to one room at first, then slowly introduce the rest of the house.
    • Make a house a home. Place your pet’s bowls, bed and leash in the same room in the new house as they were in the old house. This will help make the new spaces more familiar.
    • Stick around the house. Plan to be home with your pet the first few days after the move, to minimize the chance of separation anxiety. At first, leave the house for short periods of time to see how they react. Then, when you need to be away from the house all day, your pet will feel more comfortable.
    • Reassure them with treats. Leave treats and familiar toys with your pet when you depart the house, at least for the first few weeks.
    • Get on their level (literally). Spend time on the floor with your pets. This will not only give them personal attention but will help your scent sink into the floor faster, making them feel more comfortable.
    • Watch for signs of trouble. Observe your pet’s behavior. If they show signs of stress like refusing to eat, coughing or they have diarrhea, you may need to take them to the vet.
  • Be consistent. Keep your daily routine as close as possible to the way it was before the move. Feeding, walks, playtime and cuddle time should all happen at a consistent time.

During the move, remember to be patient with your furry friends. Yes, there may be accidents due to stress or changing schedules. But the more you are able to monitor them and, if necessary, restrict their movements, the less chance this will happen.

You can also consider a hiring moving service such as Moving Place. They can take care of logistics and transportation of your precious goods, while you make sure your pets and family feel safe and ready for their new home.

Finally, be careful not to correct your pet excessively, as that could just stress them out more. Praise them when they are good and be sure to give them a little extra love and attention. It should take your pet around three weeks to adjust to their new home. As you become more relaxed and comfortable in your new environment, your pet will too!

Tips to help your pet adjust to a move

The Stuff That’s Illegal To Bring Into Colorado

Author:

Publish Date:

Last Modified Date:

Category: Moving Advice, Moving Checklists & Planning

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Colorado has seen a tidal wave of growth in the last couple of decades. Since 2000, this Rocky Mountain playground has seen its population balloon by 1.5 million people, with most of them moving to Denver and the surrounding Front Range area. If you’re thinking of joining them, you’re in for a treat.

While the toughest thing to contend with once you get here may be the altitude, your first obstacle could be just over the state line. So you don’t lose any momentum as climb toward your new mile-high home, get the low-down on what the authorities say you can and can’t bring into Colorado.


Animals and Pets

Cats, Dogs, and Rabbits

Colorado is a great place to be if you enjoy taking your dog outdoors with you. Across the state, you’ll find countless parks, trails, and recreational facilities that are totally pooch-friendly. Just make sure you have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for your pup when you enter the state, along with proof that it is free from rabies and has a current rabies vaccination.

 

“The State of Colorado goes so far as to discourage transporting untreated firewood from one area to another within the state. They’d certainly frown upon the import of firewood from outside their borders.”

 

Cats require a CVI as well as rabies vaccinations. Pet rabbits require only a CVI. Take a minute though to check if there are any special requirements for your specific state of origin, for your personal furry friend. 

Livestock

Statewide, Colorado has detailed and lengthy regulations regarding the import and ownership of all sorts of animals:

 

“No person shall possess, sell, propagate, acquire, purchase, broker, transport, trade, barter or attempt to sell, propagate, acquire, purchase, broker, trade or barter live wildlife unless such person first obtains a proper license.”

 

However, there is a long list of animals that are exempt from license requirements. These include small pet animals like hamsters and gerbils, and the kinds of animals you’d expect to see on a farm — an illustration depicting an orange cat peeking out of a blue cowboy boot. A snake slithers along behind the boot.goats, sheep, and pigs to name a few. Less common animals such as water buffalo, ostriches, alpacas, and reindeer are also free from licensing requirements. Because all of these animals are considered widely domesticated, they’re exempt.  

Exotic Animals

Animals such as fish, amphibians, and certain birds fall under the “unregulated wildlife” category. And as long as you are not engaging in any sort of commercial activity with your toucan or your snake, you don’t need to go through the licensing process — at least at the time of this writing. The Parks & Wildlife Commission asserts that their efforts to balance public interest in owning exotic animals with the safety and well-being of the state are an ongoing process. Meaning, the rules may change.

If you are bringing an unusual animal into Colorado, you’d do well to check with the Colorado Division of Parks & Wildlife to make sure you’re remaining on the right side of the law.

And by the way, if you decide you don’t want that exotic animal anymore, remember that “it is unlawful to intentionally release any wildlife declared to be unregulated.” Keeping a snapping turtle may be okay, but letting one into the Colorado wild is not.


Plants And Produce

an illustration of an open wooden wagon filled with planters and leafy green plants

Colorado does not appear to be on par with California or Florida when it comes to restricting the import of fresh produce and house plants. We say this after finding little to no information on specific regulations or restrictions.

However, we do suggest you leave any plants that have come from a “natural environment” behind. In other words, house plants in potting soil, things you’ve grown yourself in a greenhouse, and produce from the supermarket will likely not raise any eyebrows. But trees or flowers you’ve dug up from forests or outside areas aren’t a good idea. 

Firewood

The State of Colorado goes so far as to discourage transporting untreated firewood from one area to another within the state. They’d certainly frown upon the import of firewood from outside their borders.

But hey, Colorado already has plenty of trees – and plenty of firewood.

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.

Plant quarantine

You might be wondering why Colorado (or other states) have certain restrictions on certain types of vegetation and where they come from. It’s often referred to as a “quarantine situation“. Any such circumstances can be found on the USDA quarantine states/areas page, but their main goal is to keep certain pests, fungi, or diseases from spreading.

As an example, there is an ongoing and concerted effort in Colorado to contain and eradicate the Japanese Beetle. This particular page refers to commercial nursery stock, but as private citizens, we are not exempt from doing damage to the environment we are entering. So do your part and take care when transporting your plants and produce into Colorado.

Make sure your plants are healthy and pest-free, and when in doubt, leave them behind. Any questions and concerns can be brought to the State Plant Health Director.


Firearms and Weapons

an illustration of dynamite with a lit fuse

Colorado seems to be more concerned with the import of firewood than with the possession of firearms.

Colorado’s gun law states that an individual may carry a loaded pistol or revolver in his or her vehicle if “its use is for lawful protection of such person or another’s person or property.” Other weapons, however, can still be in your possession but can’t be loaded. 

 

“It is perfectly legal to bring alcohol into Colorado…[h]owever, having an open alcoholic beverage container is illegal. This pertains not only to the driver but to all passengers in the vehicle…”

 

Colorado does make the distinction between concealed and open carry, favoring open carry for its gun-toting citizens, stating that “…when you carry the weapon into your home, business, hotel room, etc. it must be in plain view.” There’s also something called “interstate cooperation”. Essentially, Colorado will honor another state’s concealed carry permit, but only if that state also recognizes a concealed carry permit from Colorado.

Perhaps the most intriguing Colorado gun law regards registering your firearm. The gun law says quite plainly that, “the State of Colorado prohibits gun registration.”

Restricted Firearms

Some firearms and accessories are illegal to sell, purchase, and possess in Colorado. These items are termed “dangerous weapons” and include machine guns, sawed-off rifles and shotguns, silencers, and large-capacity ammunition magazines.

an illustration of a cowboy hat with an arrow shot through the very topNote that local municipalities may impose stricter laws than what the state has outlined. Along the Front Range area (i.e. just east of the Rocky Mountains), and especially in Boulder, you’ll want to check with the local authorities before you start driving around with a loaded pistol. It is also illegal to carry a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

Other Weapons

This page, along with the links provided at the top, covers just about everything one moving to Colorado might need to know about what weaponry is permissible in the state. Of note: knowingly possessing a dangerous weapon is a felony, and knowingly possessing an illegal weapon is a misdemeanor. Read the statute carefully before you bring something questionable into Colorado.

Further explanations of potentially illegal acts involving firearms as well as weapons like nunchucks, throwing stars, explosive devices, and various types of bows and arrows can be found here

Fireworks

As of July 2023, all fireworks that explode or leave the ground are banned. State laws do allow for fountains, ground spinners, sparklers, and other smaller fireworks. However, their legal use may also depend on the local municipality. Some cities and counties ban fireworks completely.

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.


Controlled Substances 

Alcohol

It is perfectly legal to bring alcohol into Colorado, as long as it is for personal consumption and falls within set quantity limits. However, having an open alcoholic beverage container is illegal. This pertains not only to the driver but to all passengers in the vehicle (with exceptions for motor homes, limousines, and the like). Note that the term “open container” includes containers that have been opened even if nothing has been consumed or otherwise removed. It likewise includes containers that are closed but have had some of the contents aready removed.

In short, just keep any alcohol you may have in the back of your vehicle, sealed, and out of reach of any passengers.

Marijuana

Interestingly, the same does not apply to marijuana. Colorado is one of several states to have legalized marijuana, and while there are plenty of limits and restrictions in place, having marijuana in your vehicle is only an offense if (a) the container is open or the seal is broken, (b) some portion of the contents have been removed, and (c) there is evidence that marijuana has been consumed within the vehicle a standard not necessary for an open alcohol container infraction.

 

“…[A]s long as you are not engaging in any sort of commercial activity with your toucan or your snake, you don’t need to go through the [animal] licensing process — at least at the time of this writing.”

 

But when you’re physically moving to Colorado from another state, that changes things. Federal law prohibits the transport of marijuana — in any form — across state lines. You’ll have to wait until you’re here, settled, and legal to grow your own for your personal use or to purchase a small amount from a licensed dispensary. 

For a rundown on the legal and illegal use, purchase, sale, and possession of marijuana in Colorado check the state’s Cannabis page.

And of course, keep in mind that the laws in your locality may be stricter than what state laws allow.


From the scene in downtown Denver to the heights of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado has a ton of fun to offer. Make sure you’re on the right side of the law when you arrive so you can jump right into it all.

2023 Study: The Strictest State Laws for Moving With Pets

Author:

Publish Date:

Last Modified Date:

Category: Kids & Pets

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Key Findings:

  • Hawaii is the strictest state (Stringency Score 69.7 out of 100) for moving with animals, requiring both dogs and cats two rabies vaccinations and an antibody test, or to be placed in quarantine
  • New York (68.8) and Nebraska (68.7) are the next hardest states to move with dogs and cats
  • North Carolina (Stringency Score 13.8) is the most lenient state for incoming cats and dogs, followed by New Jersey (14.8) and Maine (25) 
  • Only one state – New Jersey – doesn’t require dogs to be vaccinated for rabies when moving to the state
  • California, Michigan, New Jersey, Iowa, and Tennessee have stricter rules for dogs than cats

Moving to a new state can be a stressful experience when you have a furry friend to take along. Relocating with a pet requires additional planning and preparation, as the majority of states require cats and dogs to have a valid health certificate and a current rabies vaccination, at the minimum.

Some states, like New York or Nebraska, impose additional requirements for health certificates and vaccinations. Others, such as Maine or New Jersey, allow cats and dogs to move in without any proof of health status or vaccination at all. It can get kind of confusing!

Read on to see which states are the strictest in terms of moving with a pet, see which are the most lenient, and find out whether it’s cats or dogs that face the most scrutiny when moving across state lines.

Hard To Get Into Hawaii: States With the Strictest Rules for Pet Imports

No other state has pet migration rules as stringent as Hawaii.

Having been a rabies-free state for over 100 years, and the only state with that status, it’s understandable that the local government is keen to protect it.

That’s probably why Hawaii is the only state that requires cats and dogs to have a double rabies vaccination, a rabies antibody test, a microchip for identification, and inspection upon arrival. 

If all the requirements aren’t met four months before arriving in Hawaii, the pet may not qualify for immediate release and be quarantined for five days, costing the owner $244 in fees.

 

“There is a cluster of states in the Northeast — namely New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts — that have some of the strictest rules for certificates of veterinary inspection (CVI)…”

 

New York and Nebraska have the next strictest control measures for cats and dogs arriving from other states. Both states require animals to have a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) issued within 30 days of travel, listing a destination address and confirming no visible signs of infectious diseases.

In addition, the rabies vaccine is required for animals as young as three months and it must be administered at least 30 days prior to entering the state.

Other states where rules for bringing cats and dogs are relatively strict include West Virginia and Louisiana, where only 12-month (as opposed to 36-month) rabies vaccinations are recognized, and Connecticut, where the health certificate should state that the animal hadn’t been exposed to rabies for 100 days prior to entering the state.

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.

North Carolina and New Jersey Most Open to Pet Arrivals

As some states impose rigorous rules on cats and dogs moving in, others appear to be welcoming their new feline and canine residents with open arms.

North Carolina, for example, is the easiest state to move to with a cat or a dog. The state doesn’t require animals to have a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) when entering the state. And, more importantly, animals aged four months or older can enter the state without a rabies vaccine, provided that they receive one within a week of arrival. 

New Jersey is the second most lenient state with regard to pet imports. Here, An illustration of a blue cat and pink dog sitting together in a box. There is a stylized clipboard and vaccine syringe on either side of it. rabies vaccinations aren’t required for cats at all and are only “recommended” for dogs over seven months old. But most New Jersey townships require dogs to be licensed, which does require you to vaccinate your dog against rabies. In addition, dogs entering the state do need to have a CVI that’s no more than 30 days old.

The next states in our lenience ranking are Maine, Montana, and Utah, where the only requirement is a valid rabies vaccination.

Texas is another state where a CVI isn’t required for incoming cats or dogs, but at the same time, new feline and canine residents are to be vaccinated against rabies as soon as they are 12 weeks old.

North and South: Regional Differences in Rules for Moving with Pets

Projecting the rules set out by different states onto a map, a few curious patterns emerge. 

Looking at the overall stringency of rules, the states where it’s the highest are generally in the northern part of the country. Hawaii and Louisiana, of course, are notable exceptions. This is largely mirrored in how strict states are in their requirements for veterinary inspections of incoming cats and dogs. 

 

“It’s true that dogs have traditionally been associated with rabies, but they’re only the majority of cases in certain parts of the world. According to the CDC, there are many more rabid cats than dogs in the United States.”

 

There is a cluster of states in the Northeast — namely New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts — that have some of the strictest rules for certificates of veterinary inspection (CVI) that every cat and dog coming to the state needs to have.

When it comes to regulations around the rabies vaccine, it’s the states in the South that generally have tighter rules. Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Alabama stand out as some of the tightest requirements for rabies vaccination for cats and dogs entering these states.

Unequal Welcome: States with Varying Requirements for Cats and Dogs

More often than not, the rules for cats and dogs moving from one state to another are the same within a given state. And yet, seven states make moving in with one of America’s most beloved pet animals a lot easier than moving in with another one. And, you guessed it, it’s cats that have it easier.

This is most evident in the state of California, where dogs moving to the state need to be vaccinated against rabies and have a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI), while cats are allowed to be brought to the state without adhering to these measures.

Michigan does require both cats and dogs to have a CVI, but only dogs need to be vaccinated against rabies before coming to the state, and this applies to dogs as young as 12 weeks of age.

Iowa and the aforementioned New Jersey are the two other states where the requirement to have your pet vaccinated against rabies only applies to dogs. Dogs may enter New Jersey without a rabies vaccine, but would need one to be licensed in most of the state’s municipalities.

 

“Hawaii is the strictest state (Stringency Score 69.7 out of 100) for moving with animals, requiring both dogs and cats require double rabies vaccinations and an antibody test, or be placed in quarantine.”

 

While it may seem like common sense, this double standard with regard to rabies vaccination for dogs and cats is somewhat dubious.

It’s true that dogs have traditionally been associated with rabies, but they’re only the majority of cases in certain parts of the world. According to the CDC, there are many more rabid cats than dogs in the United States.

Curious to see what rules each state sets out for bringing in cats and dogs? Check out our interactive table below.


Sources and Methodology
In order to rank all U.S. states and the District of Columbia on how stringent or lenient they are as regards the import of cats and dogs, rules for the importation of cats and dogs from other U.S. states or territories were gathered from the official government websites of each state.
The following factors were considered in determining how strict or relaxed the rules were in each state, with the weighted score assigned to each. The rules mostly revolved around the certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) and rabies vaccination requirements:
  • Certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) needed – 25 points
  • Within how many days of travel the CVI had to be issued – 10 points
  • Destination address in the state listed on CVI – 10 points
  • Explicit requirement of confirmation of disease-free status on CVI – 5 points
  • Rabies vaccine mandated before arrival – 25 points
  • Rabies vaccine types accepted (1-year or 3-year) – 5 points
  • Vaccinated at least X days before arrival  – 5 points
  • Vaccination age threshold – 5 points
  • Other vaccine requirements (e.g., quarantine, additional tests, fees) – 15 points
The longer in advance the animal had to be vaccinated or inspected to get a CVI, the more stringent the rules were deemed. The lower the age threshold for vaccination, the stricter the rules were deemed.
States with the highest number of points were deemed more stringent, and states with the lower number of points were deemed more lenient. For states where requirements differed for cats and dogs, an average score of two sets of requirements was taken.
For the complete list of sources, check our datasheet.

 

Illustrations by Chanelle Nibbelink
×

I'm Moving

Moving? Thinking about moving? Whether your move is off in the distance or you already have one foot out the door, you'll learn about everything you should expect through our useful how-to's, cool articles and much more. It's all specially curated for you in our "I'm Moving" section.
Explore
×

I'm a Mover

For rookies or veterans alike, our "I'm a Mover" section is filled with extensive industry news, crucial protips and in-depth guides written by industry professionals. Sharing our decade of moving knowledge is just one way we help keep our professional movers at the top of their game.
Explore