Pet Health Certificates
Travel Safely with
Your Animal Companion
Whether you’re planning a vacation to see family, relocating to a new state, or moving abroad, traveling with pets requires planning. One necessary step is obtaining a valid pet health certificate to ensure your cat or dog meets all health and safety regulations for travel. Our USDA-accredited veterinarian at Just For Pets Animal Hospital is qualified to issue domestic and international pet health certificates, also known as Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs).
What You Should Know: Pet Travel Certificates
Understanding the requirements for pet travel health certificates can save you time, stress, and last-minute delays.
When do pets need a health certificate?
Most states and countries require a valid health certificate for any pet traveling across borders. Airlines, ground transportation services, and even some lodging facilities may also request documentation to prove your pet is in good health and up to date on vaccinations.
What are domestic health certificates for pets?
Traveling within the United States requires proper documentation for your pet, especially if you’re flying or crossing state lines. Domestic health certificates confirm that your pet is healthy, free from contagious diseases, and up to date on prevention. Domestic travel certificates are typically simple to complete, although there are some exceptions, like Hawaii.
What are international health certificates for pets?
International travel is more complex. Each country has its own entry requirements, which may include quarantine periods, blood tests, microchipping, and specific vaccines. Certain international travel certificates for pets can take weeks or even months because of the requirements and time it takes the USDA to issue the final certificate.
How long will my pet’s health certificate be good for?
Health certificates are time-sensitive. They are typically valid for only 10 or 30 days, depending on the destination and the type of certificate needed. Call our animal hospital as soon as you are even thinking about traveling with your pet so that we can discuss the timing of appointment(s).
What is Required for Certificates of Veterinary Inspection?
While the exact requirements that your pet must meet for a valid health certificate vary depending on your travel destination, there are several common elements that most pet health certificates include. First and foremost is a comprehensive physical wellness examination to verify your pet is healthy and fit for travel. This exam is critical for confirming that your pet shows no signs of contagious illness or underlying health issues. Up-to-date vaccination records, particularly proof of current rabies vaccination, are a common requirement, too.
For international travel, many countries require that pets have a microchip for identification, often one that is ISO-compliant (meaning it meets international standards). Documentation of flea, tick, and internal parasite prevention may be requested, along with any country- or airline-specific forms that need to be filled out by a veterinarian. Depending on the destination, additional lab tests, treatments, or waiting periods may be required.
How to Prepare for Your Pet’s Travel Appointment
Being prepared ahead of your pet’s health certificate appointment with us eases the stress of everyone involved. You can take some simple steps to get ready.
- Visit the USDA Website: Check the APHIS Pet Travel tool for up-to-date travel requirements by destination.
- Gather Required Forms: Bring any airline-specific or destination-required documents that need completion to the appointment.
- Bring Veterinary Records: If you are not a current client with us, please bring records or have them sent over from your vet. These records should include vaccination history, recent lab results, and your pet’s most recent rabies certificate.
- Double-Check Timelines: Be aware of the validity period of your health certificate. Certificates of Veterinary Inspection must be endorsed by the USDA, and this process takes time before the final certificate is available.
- Ask Questions Early: If you’re unsure about a requirement, contact us as soon as travel is being planned so we can guide you through the process.
Just For Pets Animal Hospital for Pet Health Certificates in Marietta, GA
Just For Pets Animal Hospital wants to be sure that your pet can travel safely and legally. Our experienced team, including a USDA-accredited veterinarian, is here to help you navigate the health certificate process. Give us a call to discuss the destination of your travels and set up an appointment for a pet travel health certificate.
Just For Pets Animal Hospital provides health certificates for cats and dogs in Marietta, East Cobb, Roswell, Westfield, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Powers Park, and the northern Atlanta area.