Documentation stating that your furry friend is fully vaccinated and in good health can go a long way in protecting them in the case of a medical issue while away from home. Here, our Madison vets discuss pet travel health certificates for dogs and cats, their purpose, and what information they include.
Where can you get a cat or dog travel certificate?
One might assume that any licensed veterinarian possesses the qualifications to issue dog or cat health certificates for travel, but this is not true. Accreditation for issuing health certificates is optional for licensed veterinarians, who can decide whether to undergo the additional training required to attain this status.
Accreditation for issuing health certificates must come through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP). NVAP-accredited vets may perform testing for government disease programs and are authorized to prepare Official Certificates of Veterinary Inspection or health certificates required for owners to transport their animals across state or national borders.
What is included on a dog or cat health certificate for travel?
Your dog or cat needs travel health certificates to prove they are healthy and vaccinated against rabies. When traveling with your dogs and cats, health certifications are required to enter the state or country. Depending on what state you are going to, you may need specific health certifications or tests completed.
Strict enforcement of these requirements makes obtaining health certificates important before planning travel. Health certificates for pets are mandatory for dogs and cats and are also available for livestock. If you have any questions regarding the health certifications required for cats or dogs when traveling, please contact our vets.
Why are pet travel health certificates important?
A dog or cat health certificate for travel is important to help protect them. While the certificate doesn't protect them, it indicates that they are up to date on preventive care and deemed healthy by their vet. The last thing anyone desires is for their beloved pet to fall ill or encounter an unhealthy animal while on the move.
These certificates significantly enhance the likelihood of maintaining your pet's health during travel by reducing the risk of disease transmission.
How long will your pet's travel health certificate be valid?
Pet health certificates for travel are valid for 30 days from the issue date. If you have travel plans with your dogs, cats, or farm animals, you must proactively contact your veterinarian well in advance to schedule the necessary health inspection for your pet's certification.
Which certificates will my cat or dog need to travel?
Health certificates for dogs, cats, and large animals can differ in each state, depending on the regulations. Therefore, this question has no straightforward answer. To know exactly what certifications your animal will need, you will have to do some research.
A helpful resource for information about animal movement requirements is the state animal health official (usually the State Veterinarian) in the state you are traveling to. The animal health official of each state needs to be a standing member of the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA).
If you want more details about required health certifications or clarifications on your state's requirements, speak to your veterinarian. Your vet can direct you to the right resources to make this task easier.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.