USDA-Endorsed International Travel Certificates
Official health certificates for dogs & cats traveling abroad — endorsed by USDA APHIS
The International Health Certificate Process
Obtaining International Health Certificates is an intensive process for all involved and can take weeks of preparation prior to travel. In order to expedite the International Health Certificate process, you will complete the International Health Certificate Questionnaire to provide us with the information we require to assist you in obtaining the certificate necessary for travel to international destinations.
The questionnaire will only take a few moments to complete and it will provide us with all of the information we need to assist you in obtaining your pet’s USDA endorsed International Health Certificate. Completing the questionnaire well in advance of your desired travel date will allow us to efficiently evaluate your pet's travel needs and avoid unnecessary delays.
Initial International Health Certificate Consultation:
During this consultation we will review the current requirements for travel to your chosen destination, review the medical records you have provided to confirm that your pet is up-to-date with all required vaccinations, confirm that your pet’s rabies certificate includes an appropriate microchip number, and determine if a preliminary examination is necessary for your pet.
Preliminary Examination:
Typically only necessary if your pet has not been previously examined at Barnside Veterinary Hospital, is not microchipped, and/or is not up-to-date on required vaccinations or testing.
During this examination we will review your pet's vaccination and health history, confirm that your pet has an ISO compliant microchip, administer any required vaccinations, complete or schedule any required testing, and schedule your pet's pre-departure exam within the legally required time-frame for your scheduled travel.
Pre-Departure Examination:
This exam is typically performed within 10 days of travel. It is recommended that it be scheduled as early as possible to avoid any possible delays. During this examination appointment, we will complete the USDA application and provide you with a “fit-to-fly” general health certificate which is required by most airlines.
Completion of International Health Certificate and submission of supporting documentation to USDA:
At the end of your pet’s pre-departure examination, the certificate will be completed using the USDA VEHCS platform and will be transmitted electronically to the USDA for endorsement.
Although very rare, some destinations do not allow for electronic submission of the health certificate application which can add additional time and costs to the process.
Once endorsed, the USDA will return the endorsed certificate to Barnside Veterinary Hospital.
USDA Document Delivery:
Barnside Veterinary Hospital has no control of the timing of USDA endorsements, and it is recommended that you schedule your pet's pre-departure exam as early as legally possible. Once the endorsed certificate is received by Barnside Veterinary Hospital, you will be notified that the certificate is available for pickup during our regular business hours.
Additional Services
(The following services may be required depending upon your specific travel destination)
- Administration of any required vaccinations
- Any required parasite treatments or laboratory testing
- Microchipping, if not already microchipped
- Rabies titer testing
- USDA High Risk Rabies Certificate Endorsement
- Expedited Document Delivery for non-VEHCS eligible certificates
