Going Somewhere?
The veterinarians at Alto Tiburon Veterinary Hospital are USDA-accredited. We can assist you in getting your pet ready for your trip, including assessing whether they’re healthy enough for travel—especially the rigors of an airline flight.
Steps to take before your trip:
- Please take the time to research what documentation you will need before your trip. (You will find the certificate and other information about what’s required for your pet to travel at the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS page listed below.)
- Be sure you know what the requirements are for the place you are visiting, as each individual country establishes the criteria for entry.
- International travel for pets requires international health certificates—and some countries require proof of additional vaccinations and testing.
- Once you know what documentation is needed, you can request that your veterinarian complete the health certificate. You, the owner, are responsible for these documents, so please be mindful of the timing of your travel. Contact us if you are waiting on a response to ensure you have the certificates in time.
- Once completed, completed documentation will need to be submitted for endorsement by mail or in person at your local USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services Export Service Office. There is an endorsement fee based on destination requirements.
- The USDA suggests a minimum 10-day time frame for completing health certificates; however, many airlines require that health certificates be completed no more than 10 days prior to travel. You’ll need to contact your specific airline to find out their policy.
- There may be some health and documentation requirements if you’re traveling with your pet from state to state. Your first step should be checking the USDA-APHIS page for interstate travel (see below).
Important Information About Pet Travel Documentation
Alto Tiburon Veterinary Hospital only prepares health certificates and required veterinary documentation for entry into your destination country. We do not prepare or manage documentation required for your pet to return to the United States.
It is the owner’s responsibility to research and confirm all return-to-U.S. requirements before departing the United States. Some return requirements may need to be completed before your pet leaves the United States and may not be completed retroactively once your pet is already abroad.
Please be sure to research both your destination country’s requirements and the current U.S. re-entry requirements well in advance of your travel date. Return-to-U.S. requirements may vary depending on the country your pet visits, and owners should confirm current requirements directly with the appropriate government agencies and their airline before departure.
Once you know what documentation is needed for entry into your destination country, you can request that your veterinarian complete the appropriate health certificate. You, the owner, are responsible for researching, gathering, reviewing, and ensuring that all required travel information and documentation are correct and completed within the required time frame.
We are here to help by administering any necessary vaccinations and preparing the required health certificate for entry into your destination country. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment prior to travel, call us at (415) 383-7700. Bon voyage!
USDA Pet Travel Resources
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel