Dogs

• General Information
• Coming into Michigan from Another State (import)
• Exhibition (Show, demonstration or display) Requirements
• Moving within Michigan (intrastate)
• Leaving Michigan to go to Another State (export)
• International Movement

General Information

The possession of wolf-dog hybrids is illegal in the state of Michigan, this includes the importation of these animals, except under special exceptions. Please call MDARD at 800-292-3939 for more information.

Back to top

Coming into Michigan from Another State (Import)

Note: if you are planning to exhibit an animal of this type, there may be additional rules. View exhibition rules here.

1. Dogs must have an official interstate certificate of veterinary inspection filled out by a United States Department of Agriculture accredited veterinarian in the animal's state of origin.
   • Please note that Michigan does not issue entry permits for dogs to be imported.  Therefore, no permit number is required to be written on the interstate certificate of veterinary inspection.
2. Dogs 12 weeks or older must be currently vaccinated against rabies.
• Dogs less than 12 weeks of age from a rabies quarantined area are not allowed entry.
• The disease vaccinated against (i.e., rabies), date of vaccination, and (if possible) date of expiration must be listed on the CVI.
3. Additional requirements for dogs being imported to a registered animal shelter in Michigan:
• Dogs younger than 6 weeks of age may not be imported to a registered animal shelter.
• Dogs 6 weeks of age or older must be vaccinated against distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus-2.
• Dogs that are 6 - 8 weeks of age must be accompanied by their mother.
• Dogs 12 weeks of age or older must also be currently vaccinated against leptospirosis and rabies.
• If indicated, dogs must receive treatment for external and internal parasites prior to importation into Michigan, so the dogs are not capable of spreading external or internal parasites to another animal when imported into Michigan.
  • For heartworm-positive dogs:

Dogs need to start heartworm treatment and test negative for microfilaria prior to importation. Tests, drug(s) given, dose given, and date given must be listed on the CVI.

• The above required vaccinations must be listed on the official CVI including each disease vaccinated against, date(s) of vaccination, and (if possible) date(s) of expiration.  Also, if treated for parasites, the drug given, dose given, and date(s) given must be listed on the CVI. 
4. Additional requirements for dogs going to pet shops and large-scale dog breeding kennels (more than 15 breeding females):
• Dogs younger than 8 weeks of age may not be imported to a pet shop.
• Dogs younger than 8 weeks of age may not be imported to a large-scale dog breeding kennel unless they are 7-8 weeks of age and are accompanied by their mother.
• Dogs and puppies must be vaccinated against distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus-2.
• All vaccinations except for rabies must be given at least seven days before entering Michigan.
• Dogs 12 weeks of age or older must also be currently vaccinated against leptospirosis and rabies.
• If indicated, dogs must receive treatment for external and internal parasites prior to importation into Michigan, so the dogs are not capable of spreading external or internal parasites to another animal when imported into Michigan.
  • For heartworm-positive dogs:

Dogs need to start heartworm treatment and test negative for microfilaria prior to importation. Tests, drug(s) given, dose given, and date given must be listed on the CVI.

• The above required vaccinations must be listed on the official CVI including each disease vaccinated against, date(s) of vaccination, and (if possible) date(s) of expiration.  Also, if treated for parasites, the drug given, dose given, and date(s) given must be listed on the CVI. 

Back to top

Exhibition (Show, Fair, Demonstration or Display) Requirements

1. There are no specific requirements for dogs moving within the state for exhibition.
2. For dogs being imported from out of state for exhibition:
• Dogs must have an official interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) filled out by a United States Department of Agriculture accredited veterinarian in the animal's state of origin
• Must be currently vaccinated against rabies if 12 weeks of age or older.
  • Dogs less than 12 weeks of age from a rabies quarantined area are not allowed entry.
  • The disease vaccinated against (i.e. rabies), date of vaccination, and (if possible) date of expiration must be listed on the CVI.
3. All Michigan dogs six months of age and older are required to be licensed.
4. Contact the fair, show, or exhibition authorities for any additional requirements.  

Back to top

Moving within Michigan (intrastate)

Note: if you are planning to exhibit an animal of this type, there may be additional rules. View exhibition rules here.

There are no specific requirements for intrastate movement

Back to top

Leaving Michigan to go to Another State (export)

1. Please contact the state of destination for their requirements.

• Resources:
  • USDA's Pet Travel
  • Interstate Livestock
  • Contact Information By State

2. A person shall not export or attempt to export a wolf-dog cross to another state or county unless all of the following requirements are met:

• The import and possession of the wolf-dog cross are lawful in the other state or country.
• The destination and proposed new owner of the wolf-dog cross have been approved by the regulatory agency in the other state or country having authority to do so, if any.

Back to top

International Movement

With the exception of wolf-dog hybrids*, the State of Michigan has no specific international movement requirements for dogs. Please visit USDA's pet travel website to check for requirements from other agencies.

*The importation and possession of wolf-dog hybrids is illegal in Michigan, except under special exceptions. If you are considering the importation of a wolf-dog hybrid, please call MDARD at 800-292-3939 for more information.

Back to top