Travel Health Certificate Preparation

Although certificates may vary with destination, completion typically follows similar steps.

• CONFIRM (pet owner, veterinarian) your veterinarian has valid accreditation to perform accreditation (interstate and international health certificate) duties. Your veterinarian can use the self-service “Check my accreditation status” tool to check accreditation status, accreditation renewal date, Category, and the States where they are authorized to perform accreditation duties.
• GATHER (pet owner) initial information regarding the details of the animal movement.
  • At minimum – where, when, mode of travel, type and number of animals, etc. 
• VISIT (pet owner, veterinarian) the APHIS Pet Travel website for the most current destination country or State regulation information and necessary certificates and documents, and contact your VS Endorsement Office or destination SAHO’s office (interstate movement) if you have further questions.
• SCHEDULE (pet owner, veterinarian) an appointment with your veterinarian to create a time table for required vaccinations, tests, treatments, inspections, and examinations. Be aware of your responsibilities and costs for every step of the export process.
  • Many requirements must be conducted in sequence and will have specific time factors associated.
  • Some tests for international export must be submitted to USDA-approved laboratories using their required form(s).
  • If required, factor in time for the endorsement processing with your VS Endorsement Office or authentication of the certificates and documents by the destination country—the time table prior to departure can be restrictive.
• PERFORM (veterinarian) inspections, examinations, vaccinations, tests, and treatments according to the import requirements set forth by the State or country of destination.
• COMPLETE (veterinarian) the proper certificate(s) and documents for the State or country of destination.
  • For interstate movement, an interstate CVI from the State of origin needs to be completed.
  • For international movement, the destination country’s model health certificate should be used (if available). These model health certificates can be found on the APHIS Pet Travel website. If a country-specific model certificate is not available, an APHIS Form 7001 may be used. It is recommended that the veterinarian contact animal health officials from the country being traveled to for more information.
• SUBMIT (pet owner) the international health certificate and any applicable supporting documents to your VS Endorsement Office if endorsement is required and, if applicable, submit the endorsed certificate for authentication by the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
  • Endorsed certificates are returned to the address indicated by the submitter of the certificate.
  • A copy of the certificate may need to be forwarded to the destination country prior to departure but the original certificate must always accompany the traveling animal(s).
  • Contact your local VS Endorsement Office to determine options for submitting the certificate (by mail or in person).

For more information about the specific requirements for pet travel, visit the APHIS Pet Travel website.