Pet Health Certificates for Travel: Everything Explained
Prepared by the Waggle editorial team. This article is educational, not a diagnosis or an individual veterinary review.
Photo by Rishu Bhosale on Pexels. Illustrative photo; not a patient or clinical diagnosis.
A pet health certificate is a document completed by a veterinarian stating that your pet was examined and appeared healthy and met vaccination requirements on a certain date. You may need one for airlines, state-to-state travel or international trips.
Travel rules checked October 13, 2026. Verify the destination, transit route, airline and return requirements again before booking. A scan in a record store is not a government-issued certificate or a substitute for required originals. USDA APHIS reports new EU non-commercial certificates effective October 1, 2026; use the current destination-specific form, not an old downloaded template.
What is on a health certificate?
- Your name and contact details, and the destination
- Your pet's description, such as species, breed, age, color and weight
- Microchip or other identification
- Rabies and other vaccination details
- The veterinarian's statement about the exam, signature and license details
- Any required tests or treatments
Types you may hear about
- Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI): commonly used for domestic travel and for some airlines
- International health certificate: a destination-specific form, often completed by an accredited vet and then endorsed by USDA APHIS
When do you need one?
Requirements depend on your airline, your destination state or country and your pet's species. Some airlines ask for a certificate for all pets, while others only for certain routes. Always confirm directly with your airline and the destination authority.
How to get one
- Check the requirements for your destination and airline
- Make an appointment with a licensed, and when needed, accredited veterinarian
- Bring your pet's vaccination records and microchip details
- Complete any required tests or treatments
- Have the vet complete the certificate within the allowed window
- Arrange for any government endorsement, if required
To find a vet for the exam, find a nearby veterinarian.
Keep it organized
Scan the certificate and save it in your digital pet health vault, and carry the original in a folder you can reach quickly.
FAQs
Is a health certificate the same as a vaccine record?
No. It's a vet's statement about your pet's health and compliance on a specific date, and it usually refers to the vaccine record.
Can I ask a vet about travel readiness first?
Chat with a licensed vet on Waggle Vet about your pet's health before the exam.
Related reading
- How Long Is a Pet Health Certificate Valid?
- USDA-Endorsed Health Certificates: Timing Is Everything
- Online Vet vs. ER: A Decision Guide for Pet Parents
Waggle resources
Find nearby US veterinary clinics
Store pet documents with Waggle Vault
Sources and further guidance
- USDA APHIS: current pet travel requirements
- CDC: bringing a dog into the United States
- USDA APHIS: France/EU export requirements and October 2026 form changes
Sources checked October 13, 2026. These references inform the guidance; they do not mean the authors medically reviewed or endorsed this article.
Still have questions?
For non-emergency questions, explore Waggle Vet. Trouble breathing, collapse, suspected poisoning or other severe signs need immediate in-person emergency care—do not wait for an online chat.
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