FAQs  

1. What is a health certificate? 

a)  A health certificate, or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), is an official document issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian certifying that your pet has been inspected and found to satisfy the regulations pertaining to their intended destination – within the same state, between states, or internationally. These requirements are to help ensure the animal meets the physical health criteria for their own safe travels and does not carry illnesses or parasites that would be harmful to the people or animals in the destination area. 

2. What do I need to do to travel with my pet? 

a)   Getting there: The destination state or country sets the requirements for pet import. Go to the USDA’s Pet Travel website, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel , to find out what’s required to travel to your destination. 
b)   Returning to the US: 

- The CDC has recently implemented new regulations regarding dogs returning to the US after traveling abroad. Among other requirements, 

(1) every dog that leaves the US that plans to return must have an ISO-compatible microchip, and 

(2) if your dog will be visiting any countries considered high-risk for rabies ( https://www.cdc.gov/importatio...), additional documentation may be required.

- Before traveling abroad with your dog, please visit the CDC's dog importation page for up-to-date information on re-entry requirements: https://www.cdc.gov/importatio...

3. My airline said I don’t need a health certificate.

a)  Beware! The airlines can only tell you their requirements for travel, not your destination's requirements. Always check the USDA’s Pet Travel website, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel , in addition to checking with your airline.

4. When should I start looking into travel requirements?

a)  As soon as possible! Some destinations require months of planning before allowing entry. Always research pet travel requirements before booking transportation or accommodations. 

5. What is the deposit for? 

a)  The deposit secures your pet’s health certificate appointment and covers the time spent reviewing medical records, researching requirements, and preparing documentation. Because this work is completed before the actual appointment, the deposit is non-refundable if the appointment is canceled more than 24 hours after booking. 

Please note: This policy still applies if your trip is canceled or changed due to circumstances beyond your control. If your travel plans are uncertain, we recommend waiting to schedule your appointment until your itinerary is confirmed.

b) You may reschedule your appointment to a date within 30 days of the original appointment without forfeiting your deposit, as long as the destination remains the same. However, if you miss your scheduled appointment without prior notice, the deposit will be forfeited - even if you later wish to reschedule. The deposit cannot be applied to other services or products.

6. I just brought my pet in for an exam recently. Why do I have to bring them in again?

a)  For a health certificate to be valid, the veterinarian is required to examine the pet the same day t hey sign the certificate.  

7. How much does a health certificate cost? 

a)  It varies! Some destinations have relatively simple requirements, whereas some are complex, requiring months of planning. Our health certificates are split into tiers based on complexity. Fill out an inquiry form below for a quote.

Destination Inquiry Forms

Please click the link that corresponds to your destination to fill out a health certificate inquiry form. A member of our team will reach out to you within 2 business days.

• The continental US (NOT Hawaii), US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Canada, & Mexico
• Hawaii
• All other international destinations

 

Additional Information about Australia, Iceland, Jamaica, & New Zealand

• Requirement:  Due to complex and stringent requirements for pet travel to Australia, Iceland, Jamaica, & New Zealand, clients traveling to these destinations must engage the services of an international pet transport company before scheduling any travel-related appointments with Uptown Vet. You can either have the transport company contact us directly, or give us the company’s contact information, and we will reach out to them.

• What is an international pet transport company? This is NOT just the company that’s physically transporting your pet, like an airline. A true international pet transport company should be able to:

1. Confirm that your pet is eligible for import into the destination country on the proposed travel date.
2. Educate you about import requirements and the specific timeline for required testing, vaccinations, treatment, and documentation.
3. Schedule all your pet's appointments with Uptown Vet, or tell you exactly when they must be scheduled.

• Examples:  Here are some companies that previous clients have had positive experiences with. Please note that Uptown Vet does not have formal partnerships or affiliations with any specific pet transport company. You are free to choose any reputable international pet transport service that suits your needs.
  • Pet Express
  • Continental Pet Relocation
  • Global Pet Relocation