WHAT’S THE STORY ON VET CERTIFICATES WHEN SHOWING OUT OF STATE?
REQUIREMENTS BY STATE All states require that a dog entering the state have valid proof of rabies immunity and be free of clinical signs of infectious or conta- gious disease. (Exceptions may exist if bring- ing an animal in for veterinary treatment.) In addition, 15 states require a certificate of veterinary inspection (“CVI” or health cer- tificate, which affirms the dog is free of signs of infectious or contagious disease) for dogs entering the state. Health certificates are typi- cally good for 30 days, and are available from veterinarians who have completed the Nation- al 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. Depart- ment 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. https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc. org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/06110051/ CVI-requirements-by-state-033123.pdf. 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.
CLARIFICATION FROM AKC… 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 empha- sized 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 assis- tance 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 exhibi- tors understand Missouri regulations, and ultimately, help protect the health of dogs at large events in the state. Appropriate language may include either of the following statements: This event will be held in compliance with Missouri Animal Health Requirements for Exhibitors (2 CSR 30-2. 040). This event will be held in compliance with Missouri Animal Health Requirements for Exhibitors (2 CSR 30-2. 040), requiring that dogs have proof of valid rabies vaccination and be free of clinical signs of infectious or contagious disease. Out-of-state dogs must also have a cer- tificate of veterinary inspection dated in the last 30 days.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR As Vice President, Government Relations for the American Kennel Club, Sheila Goffe leads the AKC’s efforts in the public policy arena, including working to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership. She oversees AKC legislative policy strategy and AKC outreach at the federal, state, and local levels. She also serves as AKC staff lead for the AKC Detection Dog Task Force, Service Dog Pass, and other key programs. Sheila joined AKC in 2006. Prior to working for the American Kennel Club, she was a Senior Legislative Analyst/Editor and Deputy Director of Editorial Product Development for Congressional Quarterly in Washington, DC. Previous experience included federal legislative staffing and advocacy, work as an editor and analyst for The Economist Intelligence Unit, and serving as an adjunct in Political Science/Comparative Politics at the State University of New York/Stony Brook. She also owns, breeds, and shows Siberian Huskies.
108 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2023
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