International pet travel docs and USDA-endorsed health certificates
At Pacific Paws Vet, we are committed to helping your pet travel safely — with all the right documentation handled correctly and on time.
Travel Paperwork Done Right
International pet travel requires precise documentation. The wrong paperwork, a missed stamp, or a mistimed test can mean your pet is turned away at the border or placed in quarantine.
At Pacific Paws Vet, we will support your journey through the process — from the initial health exam to the final USDA endorsement.
We work directly with the USDA APHIS office and are experienced in preparing documentation for the EU, UK, Japan, Canada, and many other destinations worldwide. Call us as early as possible — timing is everything with international pet travel.
Pet Travel Document Services
International Travel Health Exam
A thorough veterinary examination designed to meet international entry requirements. We verify your pet is healthy for travel, confirm microchip compliance, review vaccination records, and document everything destination countries require — including parasite treatments where applicable.
Domestic Travel Health Exam
Traveling within the US? Most airlines require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued within 10 days of travel. Some states also have their own pet entry requirements. Please check with your airline to verify airline-specific documentation needs.
USDA-Endorsed Health Certificate
Most countries require an official USDA-endorsed health certificate signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. We prepare the country specific health certificate and submit it to USDA for endorsement, then ensure that you have the endorsed documentation that your pet needs to travel.
Rabies Titer Test (FAVN / RNATT)
Countries classified as rabies-free — including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hawaii — require a rabies neutralizing antibody titer test to confirm immunity. We draw the blood sample in-clinic and submit it to a USDA-approved laboratory. Note: many destinations have mandatory waiting periods after the test, so plan well in advance.
Key Requirements for International Pet Travel
Every destination country has different rules. The items below apply to most international trips — call us and we will confirm exactly what your pet needs for your specific destination.
Microchip: Most countries require an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination and titer test to be valid.
Rabies vaccination: Must be current and given after microchip implantation. Some countries require specific vaccines, timing, and booster intervals.
USDA Health Certificate: Must be signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the state USDA APHIS office — usually within 10 days of travel.
Rabies titer test: Required for rabies-controlled countries such as Japan, Australia, Hawaii, and others. Allow 3 to 6 months for testing and mandatory waiting periods.
Parasite treatment: Some destinations, including the UK and certain EU countries, require documented external and/or internal parasite treatment within a specific window before arrival.
Start early: For most countries, begin at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel. For titer-test destinations, start 6 months or more in advance.
Our Process, Step by Step
Call Us Early
Contact us as soon as you know your travel dates. We will identify what your destination requires and build a timeline with you.
Destination Review
We research the veterinary health requirements for your destination country — microchip standards, vaccination timing, titer tests, parasite treatments, and endorsement windows.
Exams and Testing
We perform the travel health exam, any required rabies titer tests, and confirm your pet's microchip and vaccination records are complete and correctly documented.
USDA Endorsement
We prepare the health certificate and submit it to USDA APHIS office for official endorsement.
Ready to Travel
You receive a complete, organized travel document packet. Your pet is cleared and ready to go.
Working Directly with the USDA
International health certificates must be signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and then endorsed by your state's USDA APHIS office before they are accepted at international borders. This two-step process has strict timing rules — the health certificate is typically only valid for 10 days before departure.
Our veterinarians are USDA-accredited. We prepare the appropriate health certificate correctly for your destination, coordinate with the Washington State USDA APHIS office, and make sure everything is signed, endorsed, and in order before your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start the international pet travel process?
We recommend starting at least 4 to 6 weeks before your travel date for most countries — and 6 or more months if your destination requires a rabies titer test, such as Japan, Australia, or Hawaii. There is a mandatory waiting period after the blood draw before your pet can enter those countries. Call us as soon as you have your travel dates.
Does my pet need to be microchipped for international travel?
Yes. The vast majority of countries require your pet to have an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination and titer test for those vaccines and tests to be considered valid. We verify and document your pet's microchip number at every travel visit.
What is a rabies titer test and does my pet need one?
A rabies titer test (FAVN or RNATT) measures antibody levels in your pet's blood to confirm their rabies vaccination is effective. Countries classified as rabies-free or low-risk — including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hawaii — require this test before entry. We draw the blood sample in-clinic and submit it to a USDA-approved laboratory.
What is the USDA health certificate and how is it endorsed?
Each destination has a specific health certificate that must be completed by a veterinarian for entry into that destination country. It must be completed and signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian, then submitted to your state USDA APHIS office for endorsement — typically within 10 days of departure. We prepare the form and complete the steps to obtain USDA endorsement and ensure you have all documents you need for your journey.
Do I need a health certificate for domestic travel within the US?
Most airlines require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within 10 days of travel for pets flying in-cabin or as cargo. Some states also have their own entry requirements. We issue domestic health certificates and can confirm what your specific airline requires.
Planning Pet Travel?
Call or text Pacific Paws Vet as early as possible so we can help prepare your pet’s documents correctly and on time.