Get Your Pet Trip-Ready Without the Paperwork Stress
Traveling with a dog or cat means meeting health and entry rules that change from state to state and country to country. At Dorr Veterinary Clinic in Dorr, MI , our USDA Accredited Veterinarians perform the required exams, review your destination’s rules, and issue the domestic or international health certificates your pet needs, so you can focus on the trip instead of the red tape.
Request an AppointmentTips for Traveling With Pets
Know the Rules Before You Go
Every country, and many U.S. states, has its own regulations for pet travel. Our team reviews the specific requirements for your destination, whether you’re driving across state lines, flying across the country, or relocating overseas. All of our veterinarians are USDA Accredited, which allows us to complete the health certificates required by most states and countries.
Some destinations require:
- Specific vaccinations
- Rabies documentation
- Microchip identification
- Blood tests
- Parasite treatments
- Waiting periods before travel
These requirements are time-sensitive and can take several weeks or even months to complete. Missing a step could mean denied entry, quarantine, or other travel complications, so for international trips we strongly recommend starting as early as possible. Airlines also have their own pet travel policies and documentation requirements, so contact your airline well before your departure date.
Keeping your pet current on routine care makes travel preparation easier. Our preventative medicine services cover vaccinations and parasite control, and a general exam is a good way to confirm your pet is healthy before a big trip.
Preparing for Your Trip
Steps to Take
Please complete our Pet Travel Request Form below or call our office. To help us prepare your travel documents, please provide:
- 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, or separately from the owner
Before scheduling your health certificate appointment, our team carefully reviews the travel requirements for your destination. Once that review is complete, we will contact you with the next steps. If your travel is urgent, or you haven’t heard from us by the following business day, please call our office.
Destination Country Requirements
What if My Pet Doesn’t Meet the 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 of them, you may request a waiver directly from the Ministry of Agriculture or equivalent government agency in that country.
If permission is granted, obtain written approval (preferably in English) and give copies to everyone involved in your pet’s travel. Neither your USDA Accredited Veterinarian nor USDA APHIS has the authority to waive another country’s import regulations. If you can’t reach officials in the destination country, your USDA Endorsement Office may be able to suggest options.
Helpful resources include USDA APHIS International Pet Travel, the USDA Endorsement Offices listed by state, and your airline’s pet travel policies.
Documents Needed
What Will My Pet Need for International Travel?
In general, you will 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 starting 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. For international trips, ideally begin planning several months before you leave.
Start Your Pet Travel Review Request
Ready to begin planning your pet’s trip? Submit the form below and our team will guide you through each step, from the required exams to accurate, on-time documentation. If you have urgent travel plans or don’t hear from us by the following business day, please call our office.
In addition to travel certificates, Dorr Veterinary Clinic provides wellness exams, vaccinations, dentistry, diagnostics, surgery, preventative medicine, and compassionate care at every stage of your pet’s life.
Pet Travel Request Form
Pet Travel Certificate FAQs
Are your veterinarians USDA Accredited?
Yes. All of the veterinarians at Dorr Veterinary Clinic are USDA Accredited, which allows us to perform the required exams and issue the health certificates needed by most states and countries.
Do you provide both domestic and international health certificates?
Yes. We prepare health certificates for dogs and cats traveling within the United States and for pets traveling abroad.
How early should I start the travel certificate process?
We recommend starting at least 45 days before your departure date. For international travel, beginning several months ahead is ideal, since some requirements involve waiting periods or take weeks to complete.
Is there a rush fee for last-minute travel?
Travel requests received within 30 days of departure may be subject to a $250 rush processing fee, depending on the complexity of the destination’s requirements.
What information do I need to provide to get started?
Tell us whether your dog or cat is traveling, your destination country, any stopover countries, your planned departure date, and how your pet will travel (in the cabin, checked baggage, cargo, or separately from you). Please also send any vaccination records, rabies certificates, and microchip details we don’t already have on file.
What if my pet doesn’t meet the destination country’s requirements?
A health certificate can’t be issued until your pet meets the import requirements. You may request a waiver from the destination country’s Ministry of Agriculture or equivalent agency. Neither your veterinarian nor USDA APHIS can waive another country’s rules, so be sure to get any approval in writing.
What documents will my pet need to travel internationally?
Generally you will need an International Health Certificate from a USDA Accredited Veterinarian, USDA endorsement when required, copies of the two most recent rabies certificates, complete vaccination records, microchip identification, and any documents your airline requires.
Let’s Get Your Pet Ready for the Journey
Call (269) 793-7387 or visit us at 3752 18th St, Dorr, MI 49323 to start planning your pet’s travel documents with our USDA Accredited team.