Health Certificates for Pets

Health certificates are required when flying your pet from one state to another (interstate) or when flying your pet to a different country (international). As veterinarians, we want to make your travel as smooth as possible with your pet. In order to make the travel process for you and your pet as smooth as possible it is recommended that research regarding your destination be performed well in advance.

There have been a few instances when a client has intended to travel/move with their pet to a rabies free country or state (Hawaii) within a short period of time only to discover strict requirements must be met that required several months preparation prior to obtaining a health certificate.

Interstate Health Certificates: If you will be travelling with your pet (whether in the cabin or in cargo) an exam must be performed within 7-10 days of travel (check the airline for exact requirements), the pet must be in good health and must be current on rabies vaccine for a health certificate to be issued. If you are not accompanying your pet on a flight, it is recommended that the USDA is consulted to determine if there are any additional requirements. For example, Montana requires that a permit number be issued prior to issuing a health certificate if you are not accompanying your pet on the flight. EXCEPTION: Hawaii is a state that is free of rabies and has very specific guidelines that must be met prior to transporting your pet. It will take approximately 6 months to meet the requirements for transporting your pet to Hawaii. Please consult with the USDA to obtain the appropriate forms.

For Information regarding transporting your pet to Hawaii, please visit: http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info

**Note: It is recommended to contact the state veterinarian's office to be certain this is accurate.

If there are any questions regarding a state's regulations, the state veterinarian's office can be contacted. A list of state veterinarians can be found at: http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf

International Health Certificates: Unfortunately, there are no general rules that can be made for international health certificates as each country may have different requirements and frequently have additional forms. To issue the actual health certificate the pet must be examined and be in good health within 7-10 days of travel (check with airline for exact requirements). HOWEVER, some countries have very specific guidelines/forms regarding importation of a pet into that given country. This is especially true for countries that are free of rabies.

The best recommendation I can give is that the Veterinary Services Area Office be contacted to determine the requirements for each country. A list of offices can be found at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/

Other helpful sites:

For Import and Export of animals: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_exports_pets.shtml

For International Export Regulations for individual countries: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/

For information regarding the IATA (International Air Transport Association) and IPATA (Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International): http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/pet_travel/pet_travel_tips.shtml

If you have any questions regarding health certificates we will be happy to help you obtain the information needed.

Tad Squires, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
tsquires@rivercityvet.com
Phone# 208-888-7300

Now Open Sundays 12-5 PM!