health certificates

If you are planning to travel with pets within the US, you'll need a domestic health certificate from your local veterinarian. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has issued the template below for domestic pet travel use. Feel free to download and print out the form below to take to your veterinarian.

Health Certificate for US Pet Travel

Many Latin and South American countries require not only a USDA endorsement from the state veterinarian but also a consular endorsement from their government's consulate office.  However, Brazilhas adopted a "norm of reciprocity," which means that countries that do not require a Brazilian government endorsement for shipments coming from Brazil are treated in kind and not required to provide a Brazilian conuslar endorsement for shipments into Brazil.

We often get asked about requirements for bringing pets into the US. All that is required is an International Health Certificate and a current rabies vaccination. The International Health Certificate, when importing pets to the US, can be something as simple as a print out from your vet's office stating your pet is healthy to travel. However, if you'd like to use this template, it is also acceptable.

Below is a question from our partners PetTravelCenter.com, where we answer questions as Ask the Pet Travel Expert.

I have read many things about traveling with your pet to puerto rico. I need to know exactly what I have to do. I leave from Alabama on the 27th of July. I am taking my dog to the vet on Monday the 20th of July. Is all I need a Certificate from the vet and his rabies shot?

After two years in the Czech Republic, we are returning to the US with our cats. Does the EU pet passport, which each cat has, replace the health certificate requested by airlines? Our vet seems to think it does. There's a page that he would sign that says the animal is in good health and able to withstand carriage. Is he correct? Thank you.

- Sheila

This question came from our partnership with PetTravelCenter.com as their Pet Relocation Expert.  Click here to read past questions and our answers on their site.

Hello, I will be moving to Cairo with my dog in late August.

If you're moving internationally, you're most likely going to need a Vet Health Certificate, also known as the USDA APHIS Form 7001.  We get asked about this form often and it is actually our most-searched item once people arrive on our website.

We often receive calls from concerned pet owners who are soon to be moving with their pets and have no idea how to begin the process.  While every country has different import requirements, all pets, regardless of destination, are required to have a health certificate issued by their veterinarian at least within 10 days of travel.  Not only does this ensure that your pet is in good physical shape to fly, but it is required by all airlines as proof that your pet is in good enough condition for them to accept any type of liability in the transport.<