Health Certificates

If you are traveling to a foreign country with your pet, you are required to obtain an international health certificate. The APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) mandates that any pet traveling abroad meet certain conditions before entering another country. Our veterinarians at West Hills Animal Hospital are APHIS accredited and certified to issue international health certificates for dogs and cats.

Requirements for Foreign Travel

Although the prerequisites for travel can vary, most countries require that your pet is microchipped, parasite-free, and current with all of their vaccinations before entering the country. Prior to issuing the health certificate, our veterinarians will perform a thorough examination to ensure that your pet is healthy and ready for international travel.

Planning for Your Pet’s Trip

If you have plans to travel to another country with your pet, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements for an exam. In general, rabies vaccinations must be given at least 30 days prior to traveling. However, the vaccination needs to be administered no more than 12 months before travel. Please note that each country has their own specific rules and guidelines, so be sure to check what your pet needs depending on your destination. For a list of requirements by country, please visit the APHIS website for more information.

Issuing and processing of international health certificates can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, so it’s best to allow enough time to complete the process. To schedule an exam for an international health certificate, please call our office today at 631-629-5055.

For more information about traveling abroad with your pet, please visit the APHIS website with answers to frequently asked questions.