
Domestic and International Health Certificates for Pet Travel
Planning a trip with your pet can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating travel requirements. Whether you’re flying across the country or relocating overseas, the team at Dorr Veterinary Clinic is here to help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. We provide expert guidance and personalized support to help ensure your pet meets all necessary health and travel requirements before departure.
Our experienced team helps pet owners prepare the documentation required for safe and successful travel with dogs and cats.
Our USDA Accredited Veterinarians perform the examinations required for domestic and international travel and issue the health certificates needed for your pet’s journey.
All of our veterinarians are USDA Accredited, allowing us to complete the health certificates required by most states and countries for pet travel.
Request an AppointmentTips for Traveling with Pets
Resources for Worry-Free Travel
Every country—and even many U.S. states—has its own regulations for traveling with pets. Our team will review the specific requirements for your destination, whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally.
Some destinations require:
- Specific vaccinations
- Rabies documentation
- Microchip identification
- Blood tests
- Parasite treatments
- Waiting periods before travel
These requirements are often time-sensitive and may take several weeks or even months to complete. Failing to meet all regulations could result in denied entry, quarantine, or other travel complications.
If you are planning international travel, we strongly recommend beginning the process as early as possible.
Airlines also maintain their own pet travel policies and documentation requirements, so be sure to contact your airline well in advance of your departure date.
Helpful Resources
- Plan Ahead!
- Pets on Planes
Preparing for Your Trip
Steps to Take
Please complete our Pet Travel Request Form or contact our office. To help us prepare your travel documents, please provide the following information:
- The type of pet(s) traveling (dog or cat)
- Copies of any vaccination records, rabies certificates, and microchip information not already on file
- Your destination country
- Any countries where your pet will stop during travel (for customs clearance or airport/seaport transfers)
- Your planned departure date from the United States
- Whether your pet will travel:
- In the cabin
- As checked baggage
- As cargo
- Separately from the owner
Before scheduling your health certificate appointment, our team will carefully review the travel requirements for your destination.
Once the review is complete, we will contact you with the next steps.
If your travel is urgent or you have not heard from us by the following business day, please call our office.
Destination Country Requirements
What if My Pet Doesn’t Meet the Destination Requirements?
Your pet must meet the destination country’s import requirements before a health certificate can be issued.
If your pet cannot meet one or more entry requirements, you may request a waiver directly from the Ministry of Agriculture or equivalent government agency in your destination country.
If permission is granted, you must obtain written approval (preferably in English) and provide copies to everyone involved in your pet’s travel.
Please note:
Neither your USDA Accredited Veterinarian nor the USDA APHIS has the authority to waive another country’s import regulations.
If you are unable to contact officials in the destination country, your USDA Endorsement Office may be able to recommend possible solutions.
Helpful Resources
- USDA APHIS International Pet Travel
- USDA Endorsement Offices by State
- Airline Pet Travel Policies
Documents Needed
What Documents Will My Pet Need?
If your pet is traveling internationally, you will generally need:
- An International Health Certificate issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian
- USDA endorsement of the certificate when required by the destination country
- Copies of the two most recent Rabies Vaccination Certificates
- Complete vaccination records
- Microchip identification (requirements vary by country)
- Any additional documentation required by your airline
We recommend beginning the travel planning process at least 45 days before your departure date.
Travel requests received within 30 days of departure may be subject to a $250 rush processing fee, depending on the complexity of the destination requirements.
Please Note: International travel planning should ideally begin several months before your intended travel date.
Pet Travel Review Request Form
Ready to begin planning your pet’s trip?
The team at Dorr Veterinary Clinic is here to help guide you through every step of the travel certificate process. Whether your pet is traveling across the country or around the world, we’ll work with you to help ensure all required examinations, documentation, and health certificates are completed accurately and on time.
If you have urgent travel plans or do not hear from our team by the following business day after submitting your request, please contact our office.
In addition to travel certificates, Dorr Veterinary Clinic provides comprehensive veterinary care, including wellness exams, vaccinations, dentistry, diagnostics, surgery, preventative medicine, nutritional counseling, and compassionate care throughout every stage of your pet’s life.
Pet Travel Request Form
Contact Information
Dorr Veterinary Clinic
3752 18th St, Dorr, MI 49323
Phone: (269) 793-7387
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