Traveling with your pet offers unforgettable experiences, but it also demands thorough preparation. At Blue Mountain Animal Clinic, we help you secure the necessary international travel & health certificates for your pets to help you get where you need to go. Our goal is to make your pet's travel arrangements seamless and worry-free. Find helpful travel preparation tips below and let us know if you need help with any paperwork!
Planning a trip? Get in touch with us by calling (360) 457-3842 or requesting an appointment online.
Knowing Your Travel Requirements
When planning international travel with your pet, be aware that each country has unique requirements, including health certificates, import permits, vaccinations, microchipping, and sometimes quarantine periods. Start your research early to stay informed. For comprehensive details, visit the US Department of Agriculture's pet travel resources.
Getting Ready for Domestic Travel (within the US)
If you and your pet are traveling within the US, know that airlines do need a current health certificate for your pet to confirm their health status. Any of our veterinarians can issue this certificate once we have examined your pet and given them a clean bill of health.
Similar to different countries, different states may have their own health and vaccination requirements. Go here to see what your destination state or territory may need in order for your pet to enter its borders.
Preparing for International Pet Travel
Follow these steps to make sure your pet is ready for international travel.
Research Destination-Specific Requirements
Every country has specific regulations for pet entry. Investigate the requirements of your destination, including documentation, blood tests, and vaccination titers. Some health tests, such as a rabies titer, may take several months to complete, so plan ahead.
Contact the Destination's Consulate
Regulations can change frequently. Contact the consulate of your destination country for the most up-to-date information and to confirm that you have all the necessary forms and documents for your pet's entry.
Check Airline Policies
Airlines have their own rules regarding pet travel, including carrier specifications and health certificate timelines. Contact your airline well in advance to understand their policies and confirm your pet's travel arrangements.
Schedule a Veterinary Appointment
Book an appointment with us to obtain the required health certificates for your pet. Inform the receptionist that you need an international pet travel certificate and specify the destination country. During your visit, bring:
- All required forms from the consulate
- Your current local address and phone number
- The address and contact information for your destination
- Previous veterinary records and vaccination history
Our USDA-accredited veterinarian will complete the necessary forms, such as the APHIS 7001 form (International Health Certificate), to certify your pet's health status for travel.