Members
Learn about health certificate requirements for out-of-state exhibitors at AKC dog shows. Follow state laws to protect your dog’s health.
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Recently, an AKC reminder to show chairs about requirements for health certificates for out-of-state exhibitors at Missouri dog shows went viral—causing confusion, consternation, and even some chat about animal rights conspiracies in the state.
Here’s some background, some information on states that require health certificates, and tips on how to stay compliant with the laws of the states you plan to travel in.
While these laws can seem burdensome, keep in mind that we all share the same goal: Protecting the health of our dogs. This is especially important as the numbers of dogs imported into the U.S. continues to increase, sometimes bringing new diseases such as canine influenza with them.
Earlier this year, the Missouri Department of Agriculture became aware of a parvo outbreak at a non-AKC dog show. The department, which is charged with monitoring and working to protect animal health in the state, has become concerned about the potential for other similar outbreaks at large enclosed animal exhibitions.
To educate and prevent future outbreaks, the department reached out to the AKC and to several clubs with upcoming shows to request that AKC and show-giving clubs remind show participants of long-standing state laws requiring dogs entering the state for exhibition to have a veterinary certificate issued within the previous 30 days, proof of rabies vaccination, and be free of clinical signs of contagious or infectious disease.
In a meeting on this issue, Missouri Department of Agriculture officials said to AKC that they see their role as educational and to protect animal health, and they are asking for our collective assistance to help prevent disease outbreaks. Department officials also noted that they do not have the resources to check every dog event in the state. Random checks of various events are more likely, and exhibitors should not be surprised if they are asked to provide health certificates at some point.
AKC joins health and agriculture officials in urging all exhibitors to recognize the requirements for each state they exhibit in, and to have the appropriate health checks and documents to protect the health of their own dogs and the dogs in the exhibition community generally.
AKC joins health and agriculture officials in urging all exhibitors to recognize the requirements for each state they exhibit in, and to have the appropriate health checks and documents to protect the health of their own dogs and the dogs in the exhibition community generally.
All states require that a dog entering the state have valid proof of rabies immunity and be free of clinical signs of infectious or contagious disease. (Exceptions may exist if bringing an animal in for veterinary treatment.) In addition, 15 states require a certificate of veterinary inspection (“CVI” or health certificate, which affirms the dog is free of signs of infectious or contagious disease) for dogs entering the state.
Health certificates are typically good for 30 days, and are available from veterinarians who have completed the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) in their state. Since not all veterinarians have completed this program, it’s a good idea to check with your vet well before your trip to see if they can provide the CVI.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides a search tool for NVAP vets on its website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/find-a-vet.
The list below provides general information on which states require CVIs for entry into the state, and whether we have identified an exception for exhibition or a temporary visit.
Rules and requirements across the 50 states and the local communities hosting shows can change, and it’s easy to miss the notices, so your best bet—whether preparing a premium list or planning an extended road trip with a string of dogs—is always to check with the state you’re planning to visit.
We recognize there has been some confusion about requirements for exhibiting dogs in Missouri.
We have been advised that Missouri laws requiring all out-of-state exhibitors to have a valid rabies vaccination and a health certificate for their dog(s) dated within the previous 30 days have been in place for many years. However, following a recent parvo outbreak at a non-AKC dog event, the Missouri Department of Agriculture is seeking to remind those hosting events in the state of these regulations to protect the health of animals. The Department is concerned with the increased health risk for animals at large, confined gatherings.
AKC GR has spoken directly with the Department. They emphasized that their goal is educational and ensuring the health of animals at events. They ask those hosting events in Missouri to post in their premium lists (or other appropriate documents) a statement that the event will be held in compliance with Missouri 2 CSR 30-2.040 Animal Health Requirements for Exhibition.*
AKC recommends that clubs cite the regulation or describe the documentation requirements noted above so that exhibitors are aware of these requirements in advance. Missouri clubs or superintendents may contact AKC Club Development for assistance with specific language they can provide.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture has emphasized to AKC that they hope our assistance in this matter will help out-of-state exhibitors understand Missouri regulations, and ultimately, help protect the health of dogs at large events in the state.
American Kennel Club (AKC)
