Submitting Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs) for Dogs

When a CVI Must Be Submitted

Effective January 1, 2026, and pursuant to SB 312 (2025), which was enacted as California Food and Agricultural Code (FAC) sections 31000 and 31002, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is responsible for receiving Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs) for certain dogs entering California. The full text of SB 312 is available here:

Califonia Legislative Information
SB 312 — Dog Importation: Health Certificates 
A CVI must be submitted to CDFA when a dog is transported or imported into California for the purpose of sale, resale, adoption, or any other change of ownership.
The CVI must be issued by a licensed and accredited veterinarian and submitted electronically to both CDFA and the buyer within 10 days prior to entry into the State.

When a CVI Should Not Be Submitted

If a dog is entering California for any reason other than transfer of ownership (for example, traveling or moving with its owner or staying in California temporarily), a CVI does not need to be submitted to CDFA.


How to Submit a CVI

An electronic Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (eCVI) can be submitted by your dog's veterinarian.

Send an Email Attachment

Alternatively, a CVI can be submitted by email attachment to cdfa.AHFSS_small_animal_cvi@cdfa.ca.gov:


Submitting a Paper CVI

If your veterinarian provides a paper copy of the CVI, please:

  1. Scan the document
  2. Save it as a PDF
  3. Email the PDF to CDFA using the form above

To request copies of CVIs that were submitted to CDFA, please send your request to CDFA.LegalOffice@cdfa.ca.gov

Contact Us

CDFA Animal Health and Food Safety Services,
Animal Health Branch

1220 N Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Phone: 916-900-5002
Fax: 916-900-5333
Email: ahbfeedback@cdfa.ca.gov
Our offices are open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time.