A dog health certificate is a document that confirms your pet has been examined by a veterinarian and is free from any diseases that could be harmful or transmissible. It is an important tool for traveling with your pet and should be completed at least 10 days before the travel date.
A Dog Health Certificate for International Travel
Almost all countries require an animal health certificate for entry into the country. It is a document that contains information about the pet and the owner, including vaccinations, medical history, and more. It is typically issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian, and it must be received in advance of your trip.
The process of obtaining an animal health certificate can take weeks, depending on the veterinarian you choose and the amount of time required for the paperwork to be processed. The process is similar to a passport for humans, but there are some additional steps that you need to follow.
To obtain a pet health certificate for international travel, the veterinarian must complete a veterinary examination that deems your pet healthy (no evidence of infectious, contagious, or communicable diseases) and is current on all vaccinations and tests. This can include rabies, heartworm testing, and a blood test for fleas and ticks.
In addition, your veterinarian must treat your pet for tapeworm and record that treatment in section 2 of the health certificate. Your vet must also ensure that your pet has a microchip that is ISO-compliant, which means it will be read by EU transponders.
If you plan to travel by air with your pet, the requirements may vary from airline to airline. You should contact the airline directly to find out their specific requirements.
Many airlines will require a health certificate to board your pet, and it is best to get the paperwork done as soon as possible. This allows time for the paperwork to be processed and any issues with the paperwork resolved before you leave.
You should also book an appointment to obtain your dog health certificate as early as possible in order to avoid any delays. Most appointments take around 45 minutes to 1 hour, and you should plan to have your paperwork and pet submitted before the appointment takes place.
Your pet will be assessed and a diagnosis made during the appointment, so you should bring your pet along to the appointment. It is recommended to bring a copy of your pet’s passport or proof of a recent rabies vaccination, as well as a microchip.
The vet must also give your pet a final exam to ensure it is still in good health. If there are any signs of disease, your pet will need to be treated before it can travel.
For travel within the United States, a current rabies vaccination and an examination by an accredited veterinarian deeming your pet healthy are usually all that is needed to obtain the health certificate. A pet can be vaccinated for rabies as early as 12 weeks of age.
