Traveling with Your Pet
South Davis Veterinary Center has two USDA Accredited Veterinarians who are able to perform Health Certificate exams. Pet Health Certificates are designed to verify that a pet is fit for travel, and to limit the spread of some communicable diseases and parasites. Traveling with you pet can require extensive planning and preparation which is why we recommend that you lookup your destination’s requirements in advance to make sure all requirements are met. Please allow adequate timing for scheduling, and make sure you are within the specific time frame prior to travel (many airlines and destinations require a health certificate 10 days prior travel). For more information on specific requirements, please visit the APHIS Website.
Domestic Pet Travel
If you are traveling via airplane within the continental US, please note that some states or airlines may or may not require a health certificate. Please contact your airline or visit the USDA website for specific travel information.
Please keep in mind the size of your pet and carrier requirements when traveling via airplane.
International Pet Travel
Flying internationally with your pet requires even more preparation, including microchipping, vaccination, and/or rabies titer testing up to 1 year prior to travel. Please refer to the APHIS website for detailed information. International Health Certificate appointments are scheduled for one hour due to the extensive process that is required. We also require a deposit of the cost of the exam.
Please note at this time we are not issuing Health Certificates to Australia/New Zealand.
Rabies Titer Testing
Some countries require Rabies testing prior to arrival. If your pet is scheduled for a rabies titer test with us, you will need to fill out the form below:
Health Certificate Information
If your pet is scheduled for a Health Certificate with us, please fill out the form below prior to your appointment:
Frequently Asked Questions:
What happens during the Health Certificate appointment?
When you arrive for the appointment we will verify all information including the name of the person traveling with the pet, the pet’s information, vaccine and microchip status and destination address. Please be sure to bring all previous documentation for vaccines. Our veterinarian will examine your pet to determine if they are healthy for travel. Some pet’s need vaccinations administered or flea prevention prior to travel.
What happens after the exam?
After we have competed, signed, and dated the health certificate, we will submit it to the USDA Endorsement Office in the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) on your behalf or provide the paperwork to you to submit to the USDA Endorsement Office. Once we send it to them (with tracking), it is in their hands for processing. Processing times can vary, so we recommend that you contact their office with any questions. They can be reached via email at sacanimalexport@usda.gov, or by phone at 916-854-3960. The USDA, APHIS, VS, Veterinary Export Trade Services is located at 10365 Old Placerville Road, Ste. 210 Sacramento, CA 95827-2518.
Does one Health Certificate work for each country I am visiting?
Unfortunately no, each country as their own requirements so they cannot take a “one size fits all” approach.
Do you perform rabies titer testing?
Yes! We work with Auburn University and Kansas State University who have laboratories for Rabies Titer Testing. Please note there is a significant time frame for shipping and laboratory processing.
Can I have my titer test expedited?
Only Auburn University is offering expedited results at this time and has a 1-2 week turnaround time.
Can I use the same Health Certificate for multiple animals?
Unfortunately no, each pet traveling needs their own.
If I am driving across state lines, do I need a health certificate?
Most states do not require one if driving, however check with their regulatory agencies on the APHIS website.