International Health Certificate

International Health Certificate
$179

Some people call it an international health certificate, some call it a pet travel certificate, and some an animal health certificate. Whatever it is called, it is an official government document required for legal international or interstate travel with your pet.

Your health certificate must be signed by an accredited veterinarian who can practice in the state where the exam takes place; that is to say, if I am helping, you must live in
Maryland
(hopefully within my travel range, or an extra fee will apply)

To get started, please copy and paste the below questions, and send me an email with your answers/documents at least two months before your travel date.
Please attach copies of the two most recent rabies certificates for each animal (and any additional documents that may apply for your specific travel plans).

1. Country you are traveling to:
2. Date of departure from US, date of arrival to foreign country, and date of return to US:
3. Number and type of animals (eg. 3 cats):
4. Address where the animal lives in US:
5. Address where the animal will live in the foreign country:
6. Any medications you currently use for heartworm, intestinal parasites, and external parasites; how often you give it, and the date the last dose was given.
7. A guess at the specific certificate required based on your travel plans and/or any specific travel plans you think are relevant, including:
   • which airport
   • any countries you are passing through to reach your destination country
   • if your pet will be traveling alone, as cargo, or with a person in the cabin of the plane
   • if you are using a pet relocation company
   • is this a vacation, a temporary move, or a permanent move
   • if anti-anxiety medications are needed for a calm trip (for your pet)

If the country you are traveling to requires a paper certificate, you will also need to email me a PDF of an overnight, pre-paid return shipping label (Fedex, UPS…) with your US address in both the “From” and “To” section.

If you are looking for requirements for travel with your dog or cat to a specific country or state, visit the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website. I will request additional information based on the requirements of the country you are traveling to.

Each country or state requires different testing or treatments. It is best to begin this process months before your planned travel.

The cost for this service is for writing the international health certificate, but writing the certificate also requires a physical exam included in the cost of a Yearly Wellness Visit, as well as the Endorsement Fee (updated January 2025) that USDA charges. Additional costs apply for specific tests and treatments. However, as I explained in my description of the Mobile Vet Services, I am not interested in nickel and diming you. Additional services will be given as close to at-cost as possible.

For most certificates, expect the cost to be:

Prior to this job as house call vet, I worked for USDA APHIS in the division of Animal Export, so I am comfortable and well-versed in navigating these sometimes confusing waters.

Keep in mind, though, that the information at the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website is only related to being able to legally enter a different country or state. We must also think about meeting the requirements of airlines, and any requirements related to coming back home to the United States or Maryland.

Starting August 1, 2024, the CDC implemented new requirements for dogs (not cats) re-entering the US. For low-risk countries, you only need the CDC Dog Import Form. There are two sets of requirements, which I encourage you to also read below:

1. returning from a low-risk country
2. returning from a high-risk country (click here to see the list of “high-risk” countries)

Need help figuring out how to arrange for travel with your pet? Email me at thedoc@catondog.vet and then book online.