Pet Travel Planning: Domestic and International
Springs Road Animal Hospital provides USDA-accredited travel paperwork and pre-trip exams for the dogs and cats of Hickory. Whether you’re crossing state lines or crossing oceans, our team can help you navigate the documentation, timelines, and health requirements that go with bringing your pet along.
Pet Travel Paperwork Done Right, the First Time
Traveling with a pet is rewarding, but the paperwork and preparation side of it can be a bit overwhelming. Different destinations have different rules, airlines layer their own requirements on top, and the timing of exams and endorsements matters more than people realize. The good news: the veterinarians at Springs Road Animal Hospital are USDA-accredited, which means we can handle the health certificates and documentation needed for both domestic and international pet travel.
The earlier you start, the smoother the process. We recommend reaching out as soon as you know your travel details — for international trips and trips to Hawaii, preparations often need to begin many months in advance.
Domestic Pet Travel
If you’re traveling between U.S. states or territories with your dog or cat, your destination may require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate), updated vaccinations, or specific testing.
- Health certificates are time-sensitive — most are valid for 10 to 30 days from the date of issuance
- Rabies vaccination is required almost everywhere in the U.S.
- Some states have additional requirements that vary by destination
- Make sure your contact information is current with your microchip provider before you travel
For a state-by-state breakdown, the USDA-APHIS website is the authoritative source.
International Pet Travel & USDA Health Certificates
Planning to travel internationally with your pet? International pet travel requirements can be complex and vary by destination. Please contact us as soon as you know you will be traveling so we have enough time to review the requirements and complete any necessary examinations, vaccinations, testing, treatments, and health certificates.
USDA Export Health Certificates
Most countries require a health certificate for pets entering the country. Depending on your destination, the certificate may need to be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS.
The requirements are determined by the country you are traveling to and can change at any time. Please review the requirements for your destination before scheduling your appointment.
USDA APHIS Pet Travel – U.S. to Another Country
We recommend beginning the process as early as possible. Some countries require specific vaccinations, laboratory testing, microchipping, parasite treatments, or waiting periods that must be completed well before your travel date.
CDC Rabies Documentation for Dogs Returning to the United States
Additional CDC documentation may be required when a U.S.-vaccinated dog travels to a country classified as high risk for dog rabies and then returns to the United States.
CDC – Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Form & Instructions
Please complete any required owner information before your appointment and bring the following documentation with you.
Please bring or provide:
- Consignor information
- Full name
- Physical address
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Consignee information
- Full name
- Physical address
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Your pet’s microchip number
- Copies of your pet’s previous rabies vaccination certificates, preferably showing the pet’s microchip number
- Previous veterinary records, including vaccinations, testing, treatments, and other relevant medical history
- Airline information, including the airline your pet will travel on
- Travel dates
- Destination country
- Any countries your pet will travel through or stop in
- Import permits or other documentation required by the destination country
- Laboratory test results, such as FAVN if required
- Any other documentation specified by the destination country or airline
Important: Missing or inconsistent microchip information or other required documentation may delay completion of your pet’s travel certificate.
New World Screwworm Certification
Some countries affected by New World screwworm may have additional requirements for pets returning to the United States.
If your pet is traveling from a country affected by screwworm, additional certification may be required. We can complete the veterinary portion of the screwworm certification within 5 days of your pet’s travel, when applicable.
USDA APHIS – Dog Import Requirements & Screwworm Information
Before Your Travel Certificate Appointment
Please have the following information available:
☐ Destination country
☐ Date of departure from the United States
☐ Any countries your pet will travel through or stop in
☐ Airline and flight information
☐ Pet’s microchip number
☐ Current and previous rabies certificates
☐ Previous vaccination and veterinary records
☐ Laboratory test results, if applicable
☐ Import permits, if applicable
☐ Consignor’s full name, physical address, telephone number, and email address
☐ Consignee’s full name, physical address, telephone number, and email address
Start Early!
International pet travel requirements are established by the destination country and may involve deadlines that begin weeks or months before travel. Please contact us as soon as you know you will be traveling with your pet.
Springs Road Animal Hospital can assist with veterinary examinations, required vaccinations and treatments, and preparation of USDA export health certificates. However, final entry requirements are established by the destination country, and it is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure that all requirements are met. To schedule a travel consultation, call us at (828) 256-2151.