What You Should Know About International Pet Travel

If you’re planning an exotic getaway with your pet in tow, did you know you’ll need an international pet travel certificate? On Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Westside Veterinary Center has veterinarians accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help with the required documentation. Every country sets its own requirements for both the necessary paperwork and the timeframe for your pet’s examination. Many foreign countries require an international pet travel certificate that has been completed, signed, and dated by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and then approved by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). As a responsible pet owner, it’s your duty to make sure this information is all in order before your trip, and our staff will do our best to help you meet every established international pet travel guideline.

The International Pet Travel Certificate Process Explained

When planning your trip abroad, it’s important to remember that many countries post their specific international pet travel certificate guidelines online. If you happen to be traveling to a country that doesn’t have its own approved health certificate available, the United States offers one that’s suitable for many small companion animals. Please contact our veterinary clinic on the Upper West Side of Manhattan at least 21 days before your travel date, as international pet travel certificates can take some time to process. Most certificates include the following information certified by an accredited veterinarian:

  • Your pet’s name
  • Breed
  • Age
  • Color
  • Country of origin
  • Health confirmation (that your pet is free of parasites and up to date on relevant vaccinations, including the type, manufacturer, and batch number of any administered recently)
  • Owner’s contact information (in case your pet gets lost, though some destinations may require microchipping to help prevent this)

Generally speaking, your pet will need a rabies shot at least 30 days before your trip (but not more than 12 months before), although this may vary from country to country. Some destinations may require additional paperwork, travel permits, and laboratory tests beyond what’s outlined on your international pet travel certificate. At the very least, you’ll be asked to provide the type of animal traveling, your destination, the date of your departure, the address at which your pet will be staying once they arrive, and your exact travel arrangements, including whether your pet will travel alone in cargo or with you in a carrier on the plane.

It’s Best to Be Prepared Months Before Your Travel Date

We recommend contacting Westside Veterinary Center as soon as you know you’ll be traveling internationally with your pet. The amount of time needed to have your international pet travel certificate verified before your trip varies from country to country, so it’s best to be prepared as early as possible, sometimes many months in advance. You should also be aware that certain airlines have their own international pet travel requirements that must be met separately. Travel and export guidelines change frequently, so it’s imperative to have a plan in place.

Additionally, if you plan to bring a pet into the United States from a foreign country, there’s additional paperwork involved for international imports. There’s also required paperwork for those who wish to move their pet from one U.S. state to another. Please feel free to discuss whatever upcoming international pet travel arrangements you’re planning with our USDA-accredited veterinarian. We’re here to help!

Please Plan Your Pet’s Examination Date Accordingly

If you’re planning to travel internationally with your pet soon, please plan your examination date with us carefully to ensure your visit complies with USDA guidelines as well as those of your destination country. Most destinations require the paperwork from your visit with our USDA-accredited veterinarian to be sent to the USDA’s main office for final approval. You’ll need to either send your paperwork to the USDA facility in Albany via FedEx or set up an appointment to personally visit their facility at John F. Kennedy International Airport. For your convenience, we’ve provided links to the USDA website and a suggested checklist of possible international pet travel requirements:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel

Printable Suggested Checklist

Contact Westside Veterinary Center on Manhattan’s Upper West Side

Do you have questions about international pet travel certificates? Contact Westside Veterinary Center on the Upper West Side to schedule an appointment with our USDA-accredited veterinarian and ensure your paperwork is in order. Filling out your international pet travel certificate incorrectly can cost you time and money, but our experts in international pet travel will steer you in the right direction so you and your pet both enjoy a memorable trip. You can also reach us at (212) 580-1800. Bon voyage!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I start the pet travel certificate process?

We recommend contacting us at least 21 days before your travel date, though some countries require much longer. Because requirements and processing times vary widely, starting several months ahead is ideal.

Do all countries have the same pet travel requirements?

No. Every country sets its own requirements for documentation, vaccinations, and examination timing. Many post their guidelines online, and our team can help you understand what your destination requires.

Does my pet need a rabies vaccination to travel internationally?

Generally, your pet will need a rabies shot at least 30 days before your trip but not more than 12 months prior, though this varies by country. Some destinations also require additional tests and vaccinations.

Who needs to approve my pet’s travel certificate?

Most international certificates must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and then approved by APHIS. Paperwork is often sent to the USDA endorsement office for final approval before travel.

Can you help if I’m bringing a pet into the U.S. or moving between states?

Yes. There is additional paperwork for importing a pet into the United States from abroad, as well as requirements for moving a pet between U.S. states. We’re happy to discuss your specific situation.

Do airlines have their own pet travel requirements?

Yes. Airlines often have separate requirements that must be met in addition to your destination country’s rules. We recommend confirming these directly with your airline well before your trip.

How do I schedule my pet’s travel examination?

You can schedule your examination by calling our team at (212) 580-1800 or contacting us through our website. Please plan the timing carefully to meet both USDA and destination-country guidelines.