How to Complete an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI)

• The MDAR stopped accepting the APHIS form in 2019. Also the Texas Veterinary Medical Association form (TVMA) form is not accepted. The MDAR accepts state forms. 

• Unfortunately, individual state forms vary widely and often do not have space for information that is required according to the regulations.  

• The vet at the originating location must be a USDA accredited vet.

• If a mistake is made on the form, a line should be drawn through it and the vet should initial the change. Do not use white out. 

• While the entire form should be done correctly, common mistakes are the spelling of the name of the animal (must match Rabies certificate) and the sex of the animal.

• Patricia Cabral has stated that the consignor/owner section should not have an individual person’s name, but rather the name of the organization. The same goes for the consignee or destination. See example below.

• Please note that the shipper's (transporter’s) name and address should be on the form. If there is no space allocated for this information, it can be written at the bottom of the form.

330 CMR, 30.08(2)(a) The OCVI shall include the following information about the Animal:

1. Breed;

2. Sex;

3. Age;

4. Name, if applicable;

5. Microchip number, tattoo, or other Official Identification;

6. Color and distinctive markings;

7. Health status;

8. The place from which the Animal was shipped into the Commonwealth, including the
   name and address of the shipper;

9. Name and address of Person(s) to whom each animal was shipped;

10. Required vaccines and testing as applicable; and

11. A statement that the animal appears to be free from infectious and contagious disease, including internal or external parasites and heartworm, and exposure thereto.

(b) An OCVI issued for a Dog or Cat should further state the name and Organization and the address of the approved Isolation Room accepting the Animal for Isolation Upon Import.

(c) Should the Animal listed on the OCVI become ill subsequent to the issuance of the OCVI but prior to import, the OCVI shall be void and the Animal may not be imported. 

(d) The OCVI shall be void 30 days after issuance.