International Pet Travel Health Certificates(USDA-Accredite)

All dogs entering or returning to the U.S. must be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt.
Dogs coming from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries do not require any other documents, but must still meet other requirements, such as appearing healthy, having a microchip, and being at least 6 months of age.
Dogs coming from high-risk countries will need additional documents.

CDC required form:
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/index.html

Traveling with your pet? We’ve got you covered.

At Forest City Veterinary Clinic, we are USDA-accredited and fully equipped to help you navigate the process of international pet travel. Whether you're moving abroad or planning a vacation with your furry friend, our team ensures your pet meets all the health and documentation requirements of your destination country.

An International Health Certificate, also known as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), is an official document completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. It confirms that your pet is healthy, up to date on vaccinations, and meets all the import requirements of the country you’re traveling to.

Our Process – Step by Step

1. Contact Us Early 

Start the process as early as possible—some countries require paperwork and vaccinations several weeks or even months in advance. We recommend reaching out at least 2–3 months before travel.
 

1. Information Gathering
   Provide us with:
    
   • Destination country
      
   • Travel dates
      
   • Airline information (if applicable)
      
   • Pet’s species, breed, age, and microchip number

                   Vaccinations and medical records 

1. Review of Country Requirements. 

              Click Here. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel

              Each country has unique requirements. 

• Required vaccinations (e.g., rabies, distemper)
   
• Blood tests or treatments (e.g., tapeworm, tick treatments)
   
• Quarantine rules
   
• Timeline for exams and document endorsement ( varies by country )
• Some countries  prohibit the import of some dog breeds   
   

1. Veterinary Exam and Vaccinations
   We’ll schedule an appointment for:
    
   • A thorough health exam
      
   • Administration of any required vaccines or treatments
      
   • Microchip placement (if not already implanted)
      

1. Completion of Health Certificate
   After the exam and verification of all requirements, we will complete the USDA-approved international health certificate.
    
2. USDA Endorsement
   For most international destinations, the certificate must be endorsed by the USDA APHIS office. We’ll either guide you through the submission process or, in some cases, send it in on your behalf.
    
3. Final Document Delivery
   Once endorsed, we’ll notify you when the certificate is ready to be picked up or mailed to your home address directly. Make sure to carry it with you during travel.
    

• Airlines and destination countries may have different rules.
   
• Some countries have waiting periods after vaccines or blood tests.
   
• Last-minute travel? We’ll do our best to assist quickly, but advanced notice ensures a smooth process.

Ask your veterinarian to give your pet a 1-year rabies vaccination (after scanning the microchip) at least 21 days before your travel to the EU but less than one year before your travel date (for example, 3-6 months before travel date). That way, no matter the rabies vaccination history, you only need to keep up with one vaccination certificate instead of several! Doing it this way also makes it easier for the USDA endorsement office to review, which means you get your endorsed certificate back faster.

• USDA-accredited veterinarians
   
• Personalized guidance for your pet’s travel
   
• Up-to-date on international regulations
   
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff to help reduce the stress of pet travel