Health Certificates
For domestic & international travel
Traveling with your pet within the US or internationally requires advanced planning and the appropriate health documentation. Typically, a pet is required to be current on vaccinations, have other tests and treatments, and have a USDA approved health certificate.
At The Ridge Veterinary Clinic, we offer comprehensive services to help you obtain the necessary health certificate, ensuring your pet is ready for a smooth journey abroad. As soon as you know your travel details, contact us to assist with the pet travel process. This is a time-consuming process, especially when travelling internationally, and preparation may need to be started months in advance.
- Traveling in the lower 48 US states? Call us at (402) 334-1580 or email us. We will then send a form for you to complete. Once completed and submitted, we will contact you to make an appointment to finalize the health certificate.
- Traveling outside of the lower 48 US states? Please visit packyourpets.com to get started. This site will help you navigate the requirements for the country you are visiting. Once the forms are complete, submit to our hospital. Once reviewed by our team, we will then contact you to schedule an appointment. Questions? Contact Pack Your Pets at (316) 768-7978.
What is a Health Certificate?
A health certificate is an official document issued by a licensed veterinarian that confirms your pet is in good health and free from contagious diseases.
When Do You Need a Health Certificate?
- Air Travel: Most airlines require a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. This certificate ensures that your pet is healthy enough to fly and meet the airline's requirements.
- Interstate Travel: Some states have specific health requirements for pets entering their borders. A health certificate verifies that your pet meets these state-specific regulations.
- Entering a Foreign Country: Most countries have specific health regulations for animals entering their borders, including vaccination requirements, microchip identification, and parasite treatments.
- Re-entry into the US: If you are traveling abroad and plan to return to the U.S. with your pet, you will need an international health certificate that complies with re-entry requirements.
- Pet-Friendly Accommodation: Many hotels, resorts, and other accommodations require a health certificate to ensure the safety and health of all guests.
What Does a Health Certificate Include?
A health certificate may include the following. When travelling internationally, the country visiting may have additional criteria.
- Pet Information: Details such as your pet’s name, species, breed, age, and identification (microchip number, if applicable).
- Vaccination Records: Proof that your pet is up to date on required vaccinations, such as rabies and other country-specific vaccinations.
- Health Examination Findings: Results of a thorough physical examination conducted by a veterinarian, confirming your pet’s overall health and fitness for travel.
- Veterinarian’s Information: The issuing veterinarian’s name, signature, and contact information, along with the date of examination.
- Parasite Treatments: Documentation of treatments for parasites, such as ticks and tapeworms, as required by the destination country.
- Endorsements: Some countries require that the health certificate be endorsed by a government veterinarian, such as those from the USDA in the United States.
You can also check out this link to the USDA pet travel website for more information.
For more information or to schedule an appointment for a health certificate, please contact us at (402) 334-1580.
