Pet Health Certificates: What You Need to Know

Every pet owner needs to have health certificates for their furry friends. Airlines, international destinations, and states all have rules and regulations about pet travel. Pets should have health certificates before traveling or moving. These certificates prove that your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccinations. 

 

What Is on a Health Certificate

Only a USDA-accredited veterinarian can provide pet health certificates, including international health certificates. This document helps a pet owner prove that their pet meets the regulations for their intended movement for sale or travel. The certificate indicates the following information:

 

• The pet owner’s phone number, address, and name
   

• State and country of origin
   

• Age of pet
   

• Color
   

• Breed
   

• Name of pet
  
   

Your vet will indicate that your pet is up to date with all vaccinations. The certificate includes details about the treatments and vaccinations your pet has received. This information will state details such as batch numbers, manufacturer information, and type of vaccination given where applicable. Generally, the pet health certificate is a clean bill of health proving that your is free of parasites and communicable diseases.

 

If you are planning to travel, certification requirements may vary depending on the destination. If you are moving across states within the United States, you need to confirm with your vet about the details or check in with your state USDA office. For international travel, verify specifications with airlines or relevant offices in your place of destination.

 

How Do You Get a Pet Health Certificate?

Look for a certified veterinarian. Ensure that they meet all the requirements of the law. Before providing the certificate, your vet will conduct a complete physical evaluation of your pet. This will include administering necessary vaccinations, parasite screenings, and blood tests. Note that your pet should receive relevant vaccinations at least 21 days before travel.

 

Take your pet for the inspection appointment well before your travel date to ensure they get all the required vaccinations before traveling. If your pet is up to date with their vaccinations, vets recommend taking them for a health certificate and inspection a few days before traveling since these certificates have expiration dates. The expiry date of a pet health certificate is normally 30 days after the date of issue. 

 

What to Consider When Deciding to Travel With Your Pet

Most pet owners have a hard time leaving their pets in someone else’s care even for a few days. If you are thinking of traveling with your pet, there are several considerations. First, ensure that your furry friend can handle travel. Are they healthy enough to endure the distance you will cover? Second, make sure that their tag has up-to-date information or that they have a microchip. This will give you peace of mind in case they get lost. Third, find out if the place you want to visit allows and accommodates pets. You do not want to go into all the trouble of planning only to find out that you cannot go there with your pet. 


 

To learn more about pet health certificates, contact Liberty Animal Clinic at our office in Hinesville, Georgia. You can call (912) 368-4080 to schedule an appointment today.