Pawsport Ready: Your Guide to Travel Health Certificates for Pets"

  With the holidays fast approaching, many owners will be boarding their pets when they travel, but some owners will want their pet to come along with them on their travels. Traveling with pets can add a lot of joy to your trip, but it also requires careful planning. Getting travel health certificates for these pets can be quite extensive depending on your destination and it is important to do your research and be well prepared for travel so your pet doesn't have to go into quarantine or be denied entry. Here’s a rundown on what to consider about travel health certificates to ensure smooth travels for you and your pet:  

1. Understand the Destination’s Requirements

• Different countries and even some states have specific health requirements for incoming pets. Some require certain vaccinations (like rabies), others may need proof of parasite treatments or recent exams.

• Many international destinations need a health certificate issued within a certain time frame (often 10 days) before entry. Check with the destination country’s embassy or official pet travel guidelines well in advance. A great resource is: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel

2. Schedule a Visit with Your Veterinarian

• A visit to your vet will be essential to obtain the health certificate. Make sure to mention your travel plans so they can advise on necessary vaccinations, tests, or treatments.

• Be prepared to discuss recent health issues or any medications your pet takes, as some destinations might have restrictions on certain treatments.

3. Allow Time for Documentation Processing

• For international travel, many countries require health certificates to be endorsed by a government agency, like the USDA in the United States. This can add processing time, so be sure to schedule accordingly.

4. Microchipping and Identification

• Many countries require pets to have an ISO-compliant microchip for identification. This should be done before any vaccinations to ensure they’re appropriately linked to your pet.

5. Understand Airline and Crating Requirements

• If you’re flying, check with your airline about their requirements, as each may have different regulations regarding crate size, health documentation, and seasonal temperature restrictions for pets.

6. Plan for Quarantine Possibilities

• Some destinations, such as Australia or New Zealand, require pets to undergo quarantine upon arrival. Understanding these requirements beforehand can help you plan how long your pet will be separated from you if required.

7. Keep a Copy of All Paperwork

• Always keep a physical and digital copy of all health certificates, vaccination records, and other relevant documents in case you need them at any point during your travels.

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience for both you and your pet. Please give our clinic a call to schedule an appointment if you plan on traveling with your pet. Both of our veterinarians are USDA accredited veterinarians and can sign off on these important documents.