Health Certificates

Dog and Cat Health Certificates – Domestic Travel

Domestic / Interstate Travel (Within the U.S - excluding Hawaii)

• Pets must be at least 8 weeks old
• Pets over 14 weeks must be current on rabies vaccination
• Microchipping is not required, but strongly recommended
• Exam for health certificate must be completed within 5 days of travel

Temperature Restrictions (Cargo Travel):

• Airline cargo travel requires temperatures between 40°F – 80°F
  • Plan travel dates accordingly

Dog and Cat Health Certificates – International Travel

**Important Notice: We are unable to issue health certificates to South Africa**

*If your pet will be returning to the U.S., all pets must be microchipped*

Before You Begin

Please visit aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel and go to step 2 to select your destination country. Review all entry requirements carefully before contacting the clinic to schedule your appointment. Once reviewed, please fill out the document below and contact the clinic to schedule.

USDA Endorsement Timeline:

If your destination requires USDA endorsement:

• Exams for health certificates should be completed 7-10 days prior to travel.
• There are no emergency or expedited options available.
• We can NOT contact the USDA to rush your certificate.
• Processing may take 8 days or longer.
• Some countries allow electronic endorsement. Others require original ink signatures which cannot be emailed.

Important Microchip Rule:

• Many countries will not accept rabies vaccination records unless the pet was microchipped before vaccination
• If not:
  • Pet must be microchipped
  • Rabies vaccine must be repeated
  • Then a 21-day waiting period is required after vaccination

Mexico & Canada:

• Pets must be current on rabies vaccination
• Health certificates are generally NOT required
• However, airlines may require one → check directly with your airline
• Returning to the United States:
  
  • Pets must be microchipped
  • Mexico is considered high risk for screwworms
    
    • A veterinary exam in Mexico may be required before return
    • Documentation must confirm the pet is free of screwworms

Hawaii & Japan Travel:

These destinations have the strictest requirements. Planning should begin 8–12 months in advance. We cannot issue health certificates for Hawaii or Japan within 2 months of travel  

Requirements:

• Pet must be microchipped
• Pet must be current on rabies vaccination - Rabies vaccine does not count if given before microchipping 
• FAVN (Rabies Titer Test) 
• Pre-travel quarantine period

All Other Countries: (EU, Belize, Costa Rica, etc.)

• Pets must be microchipped 
• Pets must be current on rabies vaccination 

Additional Requirements May Include:

• CDC import forms 
• Travel applications 
• FAVN (Rabies Titer Test) – Results may take up to 3 months