If you are traveling outside the United States with your pet, you'll need to obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian. Here, our Elk Grove veterinarians explain how to get a health certificate for a dog or cat and break down the cost factors involved.
Health Certificates for a Dog or Cat
A health certificate is an official document that certifies that a pet has undergone the necessary requirements to travel internationally and even into some states. Requirements for an international pet health certificate will vary depending on the location (countries like Germany, France, New Zealand and Poland have pet health certificates specific to their countries) and the airline you'll use but often include:
- Health examination performed by an accredited vet
- Up-to-date vaccines for rabies and other contagious diseases
- Internal and external parasite treatment
- Microchip
You might assume any licensed veterinarian is qualified to issue health certificates for their patients, but this is not the case. If your pet is travelling internationally from the USA, a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)-accredited veterinarian will examine your pet to determine their general health status, scan the microchip, administer required treatments, verify immunizations, and record this information on the international health certificate required for your destination.
Owners require domestic or international health certificates to transport their pets and animals across state or national borders.
Domestic Pet Health Certificate
This official document confirms your pet's overall health and certifies that they are fit to travel within the United States. While every state has its own regulations, several states across the country require a health certificate for pets traveling across state lines. Along with local, state, and federal requirements, airlines and other transportation services usually have their own set of regulations and requirements that your pet must meet before they will be allowed to travel. Whether you'll be traveling by vehicle or airplane, check the specific requirements of your destination state.
International Pet Health Certificate
You'll need an international Pet Health Certificate when traveling internationally with your pet. These certificates are valid for a short period: 10 days if you travel by plane with your pet and 30 days if you travel by land.
Some destinations may even require your pet to be quarantined, while others do not have an approved health certificate at all.
If there is no health certificate for the country you are traveling to from the United States, you should use the International Health Certificate. This certificate is officially known as the United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals.
Because international travel has different requirements and certificates than domestic travel, traveling internationally with your pet can be very complex and may take several months of planning to allow time for the necessary diagnostic tests to ensure your pet meets all the requirements for your destination country and the transportation services you'll use. Additionally, you must plan ahead for your trip home as your pet will need to be recertified and meet requirements for re-entry to your home country and state.
Why do I need a pet health certificate to travel with my dog or cat?
Pet health certificates help avoid the spread of diseases. Especially if you are traveling to an island where diseases like rabies could quickly spread, it's important to residents there that any dog or cat entering the country is up to date on their vaccinations.
Additionally, think about a plane's cargo area. If just one of the animals there is sick, even with just an upper respiratory issue, it may easily spread to other animals. A health certificate ensures that there's nothing for your dog or cat to catch.
What certifications does my pet need in order to travel?
Unfortunately, there is no cut-and-dry answer as to what documentation your pet needs in order to travel. It all depends on what country you’re going to, as every country has different specifications.
Speak with your United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified veterinarian well in advance of your departure, and have them help make sure your pet has what's needed.
Some countries require a USDA-endorsed (countersigned and embossed/stamped) health certificate in order to enter. Other countries, however, require a health certificate of their own, which needs to be applied for through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website.
In some cases, this document can take up to six months to receive, so plan ahead.
For specific information on what is required for the country you’re going to, visit the APHIS website and select your destination.
How can I get a health certificate for my dog or cat?
Contact your vet to find out if they are accredited by the NVAP and whether they can issue health certificates for your pet. An accredited vet will perform a thorough wellness exam to confirm your pet does not have any contagious illnesses or diseases. The health certificate exam may also include checking for external parasites like ticks, fleas, or mites. Additionally, your vet may need to review the preventive measures you take to. protect your pet from internal parasites like heartworm, intestinal worms, or other common parasites.
Specific tests, including blood tests and fecal examinations, for contagious diseases may also be required to rule out conditions that can pose a risk to other animals. If your pet needs a fecal examination, bring a fresh stool sample when you come to the veterinary clinic. After your vet has completed the exam, they can work on getting your pet certified to travel.
What information is on a Pet Health Certificate?
If you ask your vet for a pet health certificate, they will create a robust document that will give all of your dog’s information to the border agents. The information in this document includes:
- Name, age, and gender of your dog
- Breed
- Vaccination information, including manufacturer, dates of vaccination, lot numbers, and expiration dates.
- Veterinary attestations
If you have multiple pets, some may be able to be listed on a single health certificate. However, if you have a mix of species (cats and dogs), the cats may need to be listed on one certificate and the dogs on another.
How much is a pet health certificate?
Now that we've explained what a pet health certificate is, how to get one, and what information will be on it, you're likely wondering, "How much is a health certificate for a dog or cat?"
You'll need to budget for multiple costs when pursuing a pet health certificate for your four-legged friend. Prices for a certificate can vary widely. Factors that may influence the cost of your pet's health certificate include:
- Your pet's wellness exam
- Treatment for any diseases or illnesses your cat or dog may be diagnosed with, so they'll be healthy for the trip
- Veterinary requirements like vaccinations, bloodwork, and microchipping
- USDA endorsement of paperwork (many countries also require the local USDA to officially endorse the certificate and confirm the information on it is complete and correct. This fee depends on how many documents need to be endorsed and will depend on the destination country and the number of pets traveling)
- Shipping costs (if your vet will charge you to ship your pet's health certificate and additional paperwork to you before your pet's departure)
- Driving expenses to travel to and from an accredited vet
Once your cat or dog passes the health examination and is deemed healthy, your vet will issue your official pet health certificate. Some countries you travel to will also require additional blood tests, which are another cost to account for. These other costs can add up quickly if you have multiple pets, as each one will need a health certificate.
Good Practices For Future Travel
Even if you’re not planning on traveling any time soon, you should have your pet ready just in case. Make sure your dog or cat is always up to date on their vaccinations. It is also helpful to have your pet microchipped, as some countries require that. Bringing your pet in for routine examinations and annual vaccinations is the best way to ensure that they are healthy, happy, and thriving, and are ready to travel with you wherever you decide to go!
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.