Relocating to Florida with pets should be a breeze, thanks to the state’s exceptional pet-friendly environment.

As experienced relocation professionals, we’ve journeyed from the chilly state of Illinois to the beautiful beaches of Florida, helping numerous clients find their ideal homes alongside their beloved pets.

In this blog, we’ll share important information and tips for moving to Florida with your beloved pets, ensuring a smooth transition for the whole family.

Essential Requirements for Pets in Florida

As per the guidelines set by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, it is required for your pets to possess a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 30 days prior to their visit to Florida.

Relocating can be quite overwhelming, with a never-ending list of tasks to complete. It’s crucial to plan ahead and book your appointment in advance.

In order to comply with Florida’s regulations, it is necessary to obtain a health certificate from a veterinarian. This certificate serves as proof that your pet is in good health and prepared for travel.

There are, however, certain exceptions to this rule.

• Pets under three months of age are not required to receive the rabies vaccine until they reach three months. However, if your pet experiences ongoing health issues, it is necessary to submit a formal request for a rabies exemption on an annual basis. Furthermore, it is required for a licensed veterinarian to submit a written notice to Animal Services within 30 days of the vaccine’s expiration date.
• Pets Available for Purchase in Florida: Are you planning to bring dogs and cats to Florida for the purpose of selling them? There are some extra guidelines for this. It is important to adhere to the Florida Pet Law (Section 828.29, Florida Statutes). This regulation guarantees that pets available for purchase are in good health and come with the necessary paperwork. Ensuring the well-being and health of pets is of utmost importance.

Requirements for Pet Health Certificates in Florida

When seeking advice from your veterinarian, make sure they provide all the essential details on the health certificate.

Florida mandates the following information:

• It is important for the pet to be in good health.
• Clear of any infectious illnesses
• Evidence indicating that they did not originate from a rabies quarantine zone or have had any interaction with a rabid animal.
• Pets that are over 3 months old should have their rabies vaccination updated.
• A recent date within the past month

Dog Breed Restrictions in Florida

Starting October 1, 2023, a new legislation (House Bill 941) will be implemented in Florida.

This legislation will prevent public housing authorities from enforcing breed, weight, or size restrictions on dogs, effectively overturning municipal breed prohibitions.

This amendment primarily affects pit bulls, a breed that has been banned in Miami-Dade County since 1989 due to a severe attack on a child.

Florida Heat and Pets: What to Know

On the other hand, pets thrive in Florida, although the climate varies in tropical regions.

Given the hot and humid climate in Florida, it is crucial for residents to provide additional care for their pets.

• In this setting, pets face a significant danger of heat-related ailments such as heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn.
• It is crucial for dogs to have constant access to clean water and rest, as they are particularly vulnerable.
• It is crucial to prevent them from engaging in strenuous activities during extremely hot weather. Additionally, it is essential to be cautious of hot surfaces such as asphalt that can cause burns to their paws.
• Cats have a tendency to seek out peaceful spots for themselves, so it’s important to ensure they have a constant supply of fresh water available.
• It is important for birds to have access to shade and clean water sources. It is recommended to change the water daily in order to prevent the growth of germs. It is crucial to never leave pets in hot cars, as they can rapidly become ill or even perish.

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