We cannot thank you enough for saving Cayden. He is such a huge part of our lives and couldn’t imagine being without him. You have made it possible for him to be a puppy again and to enjoy his special life with us. It was such a gift to see him be reunited with his brother, Romeo and how happy they’ve been since his return. Again, thank you for taking such wonderful care of Cayden, we couldn’t have asked for more.
Traveling with your pet – both domestically and internationally – takes special planning and preparation. Be sure to check with your destination for any special pet requirements well in advance of your trip, and call us to schedule time for any necessary paperwork, examinations, or testing prior to your departure.
Domestic Travel
Requirements for domestic air travel within the Continental US usually include vaccination certification and a current health certificate, which can be completed by any Veterinarian on staff. Airlines generally require certification to be completed within ten (10) days of departure. Check with your airline for specific requirements.
International Travel – USDA Certificate
There are a few steps involved with travelling internationally with your pet. Do your research and plan ahead. Each country is unique and requirements change. Most countries require special documents which must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Contact your destination’s consulate or embassy for the most current requirements.
Most of the time, these requirements are simple to fulfill, but other times it is fairly complex. Once you have a list of the specific requirements, schedule an appointment with one of the USDA-accredited veterinarians at Animal Health Center. Bring your pet, your pet’s medical records (if not a current client), and all of the required forms.
The USDA-accredited veterinarians at ANIMAL HEALTH CENTER will review the forms, carry out the necessary tests, perform any necessary pre-travel treatments, and complete the required forms for you. We handle regular and expedited domestic/international export. Not every veterinarian on staff has USDA accreditation, so ask to see the appropriate USDA-accredited veterinarian when you make an appointment.
Requirements at foreign destinations may include:
• Specific health certificate documents for a particular country
• Proof that vaccinations are current
• International Microchip Identification, which may be either a 10- or 15-digit microchip, depending on the country’s standard
• Blood tests for infectious diseases and rabies titers that are below or above a minimum level
• Treatments for external and internal parasites given within a day or two of travel
• Completion of tests or procedures as long as 6 months prior to travel
• A certificate of acclimation and a health certificate for the airline carrier
Because there are hundreds of countries, each with different and often changing requirements, we do not know the requirements for each country. You must contact the authorities of the country you are traveling to and ask them to provide you with the necessary information and forms that need to be completed prior to arrival in their country. Often this information can be obtained on the Internet and printed out to prior to your visit.
General Travel Information
The stress of travel can panic some pets. A leash can help calm the nerves and remind your pet that you are in control even in an enclosed carrier.
If your pet does escape, make sure your most current contact information is attached to your pet’s collar at all times. Should the collar fall off, a registered microchip is an additional identification safeguard.
We recommend always securing your pet with a leash to a collar when not in a the carrier.
We generally do not recommend sedation or tranquilizers for pets that travel. Discuss this with the veterinarian when your pet is examined.
The ANIMAL HEALTH CENTER AT THE VETERINARY VILLAGE wishes you and your pet a safe and happy trip!
