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Travel Certificates

Pet health certificates for travel.

Travel Health Certificates: Getting Your Pet Ready for the Journey Ahead
Planning to travel with your pet? Whether you’re heading across state lines or across the globe, your furry companion may need a veterinary-issued health certificate to meet airline, state, or international requirements.

Our team is experienced in preparing both domestic and international travel certificates, ensuring your pet meets all necessary health, vaccination, and documentation requirements—so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.

What Is a Pet Travel Health Certificate?

A travel health certificate is an official document issued by a licensed veterinarian after examining your pet. It confirms that your pet:

  • Appears healthy and free of communicable diseases

  • Is up to date on required vaccinations

  • Meets the entry or transit requirements of your destination

Health certificates are typically required by:

  • Airlines and rail services

  • U.S. states with specific entry regulations

  • International destinations

Each destination (and airline) has its own rules, and those rules can change. We’re here to help you navigate them.

Domestic Travel (Within the U.S.)

For travel within the U.S., some states require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and proof of rabies vaccination. Most airlines also require a certificate issued within 10 days of your travel date.

We recommend checking with your airline and destination state well in advance and then contacting us to schedule the necessary exam.

International Travel (Including Hawaii)

Traveling internationally (or to Hawaii) is more complex and often requires:

  • Microchipping

  • Rabies titer (FAVN) blood tests

  • Multiple vaccines and treatments

  • Government approval from USDA-APHIS

Some countries require planning 4 to 6 months in advance, especially if quarantine or bloodwork is involved. We’ll walk you through every step and make sure no details are missing.

What to Expect During the Visit

  • Physical exam to confirm your pet is healthy for travel

  • Review of vaccine and medical records

  • Administering vaccines or treatments if needed

  • Completion of required travel forms

  • Coordination with USDA (for international travel) if certification is needed

We also provide tips on preparing your pet for the trip such as crate recommendations, hydration, and feeding guidelines on the day of travel.

We’re here to make pet travel as stress-free as possible. Whether you’re relocating, vacationing, or traveling for work, we’ll help ensure your pet has everything they need to arrive safely and in compliance with regulations.

💙 Whether it’s a checkup, questions, or care needs, visit us—we’re here to be your partner in your pet’s health and well-being.

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FAQs

Answers to Common Questions

Feeding bones isn't appropriate for all dogs. It can cause teeth to break and bones to splinter in the intestines, which can cause major problems, including surgery and hospitalization.

Most skin closures are done with internal sutures that dissolve and do not need to be removed. Procedures involving external sutures require removal in 7-14 days following the surgery.

It is highly recommended. Male dogs are more likely to run out of the yard because they are searching for a female. Female dogs can get a pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection that requires emergency surgery.

This is a blood test run in the clinic prior to surgery. It tests overall organ functions and blood counts. It is done to assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.

No, if double-coated dogs get a haircut, it may not grow back the same, and the insulation of the second coat helps keep them cool.

Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately six months of age. Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough for surgery. A pre-anesthetic blood screen is required prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery and is covered in the overall cost of the procedure.