STATE-TO-STATE TRAVELING WITH A PET (HEALTH CERTIFICATES/CVI - CERTIFICATE OF VETERINARY INSPECTION)
*FYI, INTERSTATE TRAVEL INCLUDES THE US, US TERRITORIES AND CANADA ONLY!!! DUE TO INTRICACIES IN THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE OF HAWAII, HEALTH CERTIFICATES FOR HAWAII WILL, FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES, BE TREATED AS AN INTERNATIONAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE. PLEASE SEE INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL (AND HAWAII) HEALTH CERTIFICATES HERE.
When traveling with your pets within the United States*, you will find that each state has their own set of rules and regulations to travel into that state. To find out what those regulations are, visit www.aphis.usda.gov to find state regulations for importing animals, or search for the state’s actual Department of Agriculture website or phone number to find out requirements for legal entry into that state. E-mail: [email protected], Customer Service Call Center: 1-844-820-2234. You should give yourself plenty of time to do this, as it is your responsibility to know exactly what your pet needs to fly or travel by car with your pet. Some airlines also have requirements, and you should check with the airline you are using for their rules and regulations. Another great source of travel regulations and information is located here: AVMA
A current rabies vaccine will ALWAYS be required, unless the pet is too young to receive a rabies vaccination. OTHER VACCINES, TESTING OR PREVENTIONS may be required, as well.
When traveling, it is YOUR responsibility to DO YOUR RESEARCH before you travel! Health certificates can ONLY be signed by a licensed and accredited veterinarian. When calling to make the appointment to get the health certificate, a form will be e-mailed to you which must be filled out and returned to us 24 hours prior to your appointment. This information is required to properly fill out the health certificate. With international travel or travel outside of the 48 contiguous states, the health certificate process may be required to be started many as several months prior to travel. Flying with your pet will may require a health certificate AND a letter of acclimation (temperature). It is at the veterinarian's discretion whether or not to sign the letter of acclimation due to possible temperature variations at the pet's departure location and destination AT THE TIME OF TRAVEL. Forecast temperatures may be reviewed here. Safe travel temperatures can vary due to the age and breed of the pet. If the pet is flying to states that can have lower or higher temperatures than those deemed safe, you may want to check into a pet transport company. This way, someone can travel with the pet in the temperature-controlled cabin of the plane. Again, always check with your airline for their requirements, as they may require additional documentation. Driving your pet across state lines could also require a health certificate to ensure your pet is healthy, vaccinated and has been given parasite prevention for travel in general. You can never be sure what type of diseases and parasites your pet can be exposed to by visiting another state. Contact the state’s Department of Agriculture prior to any travel to make sure you are entering the state legally and safely.
As with any travel, it’s best to always take your pet’s rabies vaccination certificate, and any other vaccine history and health records in case you have to visit a veterinarian on an emergency basis. You may also access your vaccination history through your Pet Portal on our website/mobile website.
Below, please find the information required for us to fill out a Health Certificate, and this information MUST be provided at least 24 hours prior to your appointment:
Owner/Breeder name
Owner/Breeder Address and Phone
Owner/Breeder Email
Destination Owner Name
Destination Address and Phone
Destination Owner Email
Date of Travel
Car or Airplane
Pet Name
Age
Date of Birth
Color
Breed
Sex
Microchip? Microchip Number
Rabies Vaccine? Info, including brand and serial number (we will have this info if we gave the vaccine)
Date given, and Tag number
(Original Rabies certificate, signed, is required if from other vet) - Can attach a picture of certificate for the Health Certificate information or history from other vet), but SIGNED ORIGINAL is required with travel
ALL STATES REQUIRE A CURRENT RABIES VACCINE IF OVER 12 WEEKS OF AGE!
Other vaccines given (please include brand and serial number) - Can attach a picture for Health Certificate, if you have a health record with these listed, or can send history from other vet. (We may ask for additional information regarding vaccines.)
Date(s) given
Does airline require Letter of Acclimation for specific temperatures?
What are projected temperatures for both departure airport and destination airport on the scheduled travel date?
DEPENDING ON TEMPERATURE AT DEPARTURE AND DESTINATION TIME, ALONG WITH AGE AND BREED OF PUPPY, DOCTOR WILL DETERMINE IF IT CAN SAFELY TRAVEL AT THAT TIME.