Tennessee Pet Travel Rules for RVers

Required Travel Documents

Tennessee does not require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for pet dogs and cats entering from other U.S. states. Livestock and horses entering Tennessee do require a CVI and brand certificates under Tennessee Department of Agriculture rules.

Proof of current rabies vaccination is required at the majority of Tennessee campgrounds, RV resorts, and boarding facilities. Keep your vet records accessible throughout your trip.

Vaccination Requirements

Tennessee Code §68-8-107 requires rabies vaccination for dogs. It is also required for cats under state law. Both species must be vaccinated by four months of age.

Tennessee's forests (especially Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest) carry tick and heartworm risk. Year-round heartworm prevention is strongly recommended by Tennessee vets, especially for extended stays in the eastern part of the state.

RV and Vehicle Rules

Tennessee's maximum single-unit RV length is 45 feet. Combined tow/trailer maximum is 65 feet. Width is 102 inches; height is 13.5 feet on most major roads (some older highways and underpasses in Nashville and Memphis metro areas may be lower).

Natchez Trace Parkway (a National Parkway operated by NPS, running from Nashville into Mississippi) has a 50 mph speed limit and prohibits commercial trucks. RVs are fully permitted. Tunnels at the northern end of the parkway have 14-foot clearances.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not require a reservation to enter (one of the last major parks without a fee), but parking at popular trailheads fills by 8 a.m. in peak season. RVs over 35 feet are not permitted on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Tennessee animal protection laws prohibit leaving pets in hot vehicles. TN Code §44-17-403 allows rescue of distressed animals from locked vehicles under specific conditions.

State Park and Campground Pet Policies

Tennessee State Parks are dog-friendly by reputation. Leashed pets (6-foot maximum) are allowed in campgrounds and on most trails. Tennessee is one of the few state park systems where dogs are explicitly welcomed on the majority of hiking trails — a significant differentiator.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) follows NPS pet restrictions: pets are allowed on two short trails (Oconaluftee River Trail and Lower Deep Creek Trail on the NC side; Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail on the TN side). All other trails are off-limits for pets.

GSMNP campgrounds (Elkmont, Smokemont, Cades Cove) allow leashed pets at campsites.

Tennessee State Park campgrounds charge $25–$40 per night; pet fees are typically $5 per pet per stay (not per night) at most state parks.

Breed Restrictions and Quarantine Notes

Tennessee has no statewide breed-specific legislation. Individual municipalities may have local rules; verify at your destination.

No quarantine requirement for domestic pets from other U.S. states.

Disclaimer: Verify current requirements with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (tn.gov/agriculture) and Tennessee State Parks (tnstateparks.com) before your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Tennessee require a health certificate for dogs?

No CVI required for pet dogs or cats from other U.S. states. Livestock and horses do require a CVI under Tennessee Department of Agriculture rules.

Are dogs allowed on Tennessee State Park trails?

Yes — most Tennessee State Park trails welcome leashed dogs, which is notably more permissive than many neighboring states.

Are dogs allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Pets are allowed only on two trails: Oconaluftee River Trail and Gatlinburg Trail. All other GSMNP trails are off-limits. Pets are allowed at campgrounds.

What are the RV limits on the Natchez Trace Parkway?

RVs are fully permitted on the Natchez Trace. Tunnels at the northern end near Nashville have 14-foot clearances. Speed limit is 50 mph throughout.