For the safety of your pet and others, it is required that dogs be current on their required vaccinations which include:
* Rabies
* Parvovirus
* Distemper
* Hepatitis
* Parainfluenza
* Bordetella (kennel cough)
Many vets list some of these on their records as DHP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza) or DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus). While not common, Disney can ask to see the records at any time you pet is on their property. Additionally, should you have an "incident" and someone claims a bite, if you don't have the records the local health department may quaranteen the dog.
Now for the part that most folks don't know about....
Florida law requires that all dogs, cats and pet birds being transported into florida have an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate). This is a standard form and most people think it is only required for air travel of pets. As the Florida law talks about pets that are "imported", I personally contacted the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and discussed the matter. They stated that the requirement is also applicable to tourists who are only traveling into and out of Florida.
Here is the
FAQ from their website , note the last one - the certificate must be signed within the last 30 days. I find this difficult, especially if you are a full timer.
What do I need to have in order to bring my dog or cat to Florida from another State?
The pet will have to have:
# an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate)and,
# documentation of current rabies vaccination.
What is a health certificate?
It is an official state health form completed by a veterinarian who examines and determines that your pet:
# is free of infectious and communicable diseases;
# did not come from an area that is under quarantine for rabies, and
# has not been exposed to a rabid animal.
# It should also include documentation that your dog or cat is current on its rabies vaccination if the pet is 3 months of age or older.
Besides an official certificate of veterinary inspection, do I need to have a certificate of rabies vaccination also?
National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) Form #51, Rabies Vaccination Certificate (or state equivalent), is normally provided by the veterinarian at the time of vaccination, and can be used as proof of vaccination when traveling. At a minimum, the official certificate of veterinary inspection (health certificate) must show the same information that comes from the NASPHV Form #51, Rabies Vaccination Certificate, to include the manufacturer, vaccine type, lot/serial number, and expiration date.
My pet had a health certificate when I purchased it last year; can I use that same one?
No, a health certificate is only valid for 30 days after the date the veterinarian signs it.
The Florida Department of Agriculture Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement operates 23 agricultural interdiction stations located on every paved highway, crossing the natural boundary of the Suwannee and St. Mary’s rivers. Agricultural vehicle inspections are conducted at each location around the clock, 365 days a year, by 224 law enforcement personnel. While it is not common (or required) that RVs stop at these inspection stations, they can and do stop them occasionally. For those of you who don't live in Florida, you have to pass one of these inspection stations to get to FW....
