Traveling internationally with your pet requires more planning and preparation than domestic travel. We are certified by the USDA to issue pet health certificates and can help to ensure your pet has the necessary vaccinations and blood testing as required. We strongly encourage you to research the health and transportation requirements, such as:

1. Airline Carrier—Requirements for health documentation, pet crate specifications, and eligibility
2. USDA animal exporting requirements
3. The consulate of your destination county
4. USDA animal importing requirements

Before scheduling an appointment for a Domestic or International Health Certificate with us, you must follow the steps below to ensure smooth and safe travel for you and your pet.

1. Call the airline. Airlines may have specific paperwork or requirements needed for travel.
2. Call YOUR veterinarian. Your veterinarian is an excellent source for information regarding the importation of pets into another country. They will be able to help you with your questions and the steps you need to take to bring your pet to another country. You may visit their website at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/
3. Call the Consulate, Government Official, or Embassy of the destination country. There are some countries that require special permits or paperwork to import your pet into their country. You will want to follow all the country’s guidelines to ensure your pet passes through customs – failure to do so can result in your pet being quarantined or turned away from the entry.
4. Check your microchip registration. Make sure your pet’s microchip registration is up-to-date and is international travel friendly. Microchips placed several years ago may not be compatible with the international ISO standards. Call your microchip’s registrar to ensure that all contact information is current and that your microchip number is compatible with international travel.
5. Schedule all necessary appointments. Countries may require your paperwork to be inspected and signed by the USDA veterinarian of your state or area. They may also require signatures from consulates or other government officials. Be sure to have all appointments scheduled before travel. Some USDA offices allow you to FedEx paperwork overnight to be inspected and signed; make sure you leave adequate time to return this paperwork to you before travel.
6. Email all your pet’s travel paperwork and documents before your appointment. It is required that the client email all appropriate paperwork and documents before their International Health Certificate examination appointment. We will need to see if the client provides any missing or inaccurate paperwork.

Complete the international travel certificate form online.

Kat Laboy-Rivera