Whether you will be driving or flying, you will most likely be required to show officials a current Health Certificate for your pet. If you are traveling by car and will be crossing state lines or international borders, you may be asked to produce a Health Certificate. Most major airlines require that you have visited a Veterinarian within 10 days of travel to obtain a Health Certificate and booster vaccines if needed. It is always a good idea to contact your airline prior to your trip to learn their policies, as these may differ from one airline to the next.
Keep in mind that your Health Certificate is only valid for 10 days after it is issued. If you will be traveling for more than 10 days from the date your Certificate was issued, you will need to visit a Veterinarian in that area to obtain a new Health Certificate for your return trip. At your request, the Park Vet staff would be glad to help you locate a Veterinarian in your destination area.
Obtaining a Health Certificate is usually a quick appointment, which includes an exam. Please allow more time if your pet needs vaccines or is ill. Be sure to bring the destination address so that we can complete your Certificate in a timely fashion.
For travel outside the continental United States you should research your destination's legal requirements, which may include the need to quarantine your pet upon arrival. The following website contains information on international shipping requirements: www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/iregs/animals/. For interstate shipping requirements you may call 1-800-545-USDA or visit: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/.