Health certificates are necessary to obtain before traveling with your pet within or out of the country. It is important to get information on what paperwork your pet will need to have completed well before your travel departure date.
Domestic
Domestic If you are planning to travel by plane with your pet you will need to have them examined by your veterinarian in advance, especially if it has been more than a few months since their last health check or if your pet has any health problems. Travel by airplane can pose a health risk to pets so it is important to discuss these matters with your veterinarian preceding travel. Be sure to check with the airline you are using for your travel to see which documents are needed prior to the flight.
International
If you are traveling to a foreign country, you may need to provide a specific international health certificate endorsed by a government-approved veterinarian. The precise requirements for travel vary by country and it is your responsibility as a pet owner to ensure that you meet all the criteria for your chosen destination. Requirements may include written evidence of certain vaccinations, blood tests or anti-parasitic treatment that has been completed within a specific period of time. It may take several days or even weeks to get test results or obtain the correct paperwork so plan well in advance. You may attain the specific requirements from the government website for your destination country. It is also a good idea to ask about any quarantine necessities, especially if your endpoint is an island.
