Whether you’re planning on traveling domestically or internationally, you will usually require a health certificate for your pet. We can help with the necessary paperwork to allow your pet to join you on your travels.
A pet health certificate is an official document issued by a licensed veterinarian certifying that your pet is healthy and fit for travel. It confirms that your pet is up to date on vaccinations and free from contagious diseases, ensuring compliance with airline, state, and international travel regulations. These certificates are often required for both domestic and international travel and must be completed within a specific timeframe before departure. At Pets in Transit, our team can guide you through the process to ensure your pet meets all necessary requirements for a smooth and stress-free journey.
A pet health certificate is issued by any veterinarian for a domestic health certificate. Only a USDA accredited veterinarian can issue an International certificate. USDA-accredited veterinarian after a thorough health examination to ensure your pet meets travel requirements. This includes verifying vaccinations, overall health, and any specific regulations for your destination. For international travel, the certificate may also require endorsement from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Our USDA-accredited veterinarians at Pets in Transit can handle the certification process and guide you through the necessary steps for a hassle-free journey.
If you’re planning to travel domestically within the United States with your cat or dog, you’ll typically need to provide a travel certificate or, at minimum, vaccination records signed by your veterinarian. Requirements can vary by state and mode of travel, as different airlines may have specific forms and regulations regarding pet travel. Our team of experts can guide you on what you need for a smooth journey. Additionally, you can easily reference the USDA’s State-to-State website for detailed interstate travel requirements.
If you’re taking your pet abroad, prepare in advance for strict health requirements, such as a rabies vaccination at least 30 days before travel and possible quarantine upon arrival. The CDC has updated rabies documentation for dogs entering the U.S. Our USDA-accredited veterinarians can assist with the necessary paperwork, so please contact us before scheduling your appointment to confirm specific requirements. We recommend starting the certification process at least 30 days in advance, and 60 days for dog travel due to these updates.
The requirements for a pet health certificate vary based on your travel destination, but they generally include:
A Health Examination
A veterinarian must assess your pet’s overall health and confirm they are fit for travel. A USDA-accredited veterinarian must assess your pet for international travel.
Up-to-Date Vaccinations
Most destinations require proof of core vaccinations, such as rabies, and may have specific timing requirements.
Parasite Prevention
Some locations mandate treatments for fleas, ticks, and internal parasites before travel.
Microchip Identification
Many international destinations require an ISO-compliant microchip for identification.
The completed health certificate must be signed by the veterinarian, and for international travel, it may also need USDA APHIS endorsement.
Since requirements vary by airline, state, and country, our team can help ensure your pet meets all necessary regulations for a smooth trip.
Getting a pet health certificate involves a few key steps to ensure your pet meets all travel requirements:
Schedule a Vet Appointment
Book an exam with a USDA-accredited veterinarian within the required timeframe before travel (often within 10 days).
Complete a Health Examination
The vet will check your pet’s overall health, verify vaccinations, and ensure they meet travel regulations.
Obtain Required Vaccinations & Treatments
Ensure your pet is up to date on necessary vaccinations, such as rabies, and any required parasite treatments.
Receive the Signed Certificate
After passing the exam, the vet will complete and sign the health certificate.
Get USDA Endorsement (If Needed)
For international travel, the certificate may need USDA APHIS approval before departure.
Our team at Pets in Transit can assist you through every step to ensure a smooth certification process and stress-free travel for your pet.
Let us handle all of the details and effortlessly manage your pet’s relocation from start to finish!
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