Health Certificates for APHIS Pet Travel

Travelling pet parents may be obligated to hold a USDA pet travel certificate. Having the certificate at hand ensures that the animal has met the required health criteria and is able to travel without any issues or discomfort. The two types of pet health certificates for travel include a domestic and international version. In order to obtain the required document, pet parents can do so by setting an appointment with a federally-accredited veterinarian.

USDA Accredited Veterinarian

Please keep in mind that the duration for obtaining an international pet health certificate may take several months. To get started, contact Town & Country Veterinary Clinic in River Oaks, Texas at (469) 251-5622 with the following information:

• The type of animal that will be traveling
• The country of destination
• The date of departure from the U.S.
• Whether your pet will be traveling alone, as cargo, or with a person in the cabin of the plane

Some countries require you to meet time frames for updating your pet’s vaccinations, diagnostic testing, or administration of treatments and/or medications, so start the process EARLY! If your pet is eligible for a health certificate we will issue it within the validity period (the time-frame for which the certificate can be used for your pet to travel) set by your destination country.

For detailed information about five steps in obtaining an international health certificate for your pet, visit the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS.