Health Certificates
Domestic Health Certificates
(not including Hawaii)
When traveling from one state to another with your pet, you may need a health certificate, or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). Requirements are set by the state of destination. Dr. Green is accredited in the states of Illinois and Missouri – meaning she can write a health certificate for a pet leaving either of these states. Pets originating in another state will need to be seen by a veterinarian in that state of origin.
Pets 16 weeks and older must be vaccinated for Rabies.
A veterinarian must have examined the pet within the last 10 days to write the health certificate. The certificate is good for 30 days after being issued.
Health certificates are also occasionally needed for animals going to a show/exhibition, or for rescue groups moving dogs and cats from one location to another.
State requirements can be found here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/state-to-state
International Health Certificates (and pets traveling to Hawaii)
If your pet is going to be traveling to another country, you will need an international health certificate. The process and requirements vary with the country of origin. While it is occasionally a simple process, the exam, treatment, and testing requirements sometimes take 4-6 months prior to travel (depending on the destination). For this reason, it is very important to contact us as soon as possible so we can start to make arrangements for everything to go smoothly!
Please note that in addition to the CVI requirements, airlines may have additional specifications for pet travel. It is helpful if you know which airport your pet will leave from and arrive to, as well as the name of the airline.
The USDA APHIS site has helpful information on international travel with a pet.
If you are in need of a health certificate, or have any questions about traveling with your pet, please contact us and we would be happy to help!