Health Travel Certificate Information
Updated Last Modified: March 29, 2024
Traveling with your pet—both domestically and internationally—takes special planning and preparation.
Be sure to check with your destination for any special pet requirements well in advance of your trip and call us to schedule time for any necessary paperwork, examinations, or testing prior to your departure.
What is a Health Certificate?
A Health Certificate or CVI (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) is a required document that allows your pet to travel to certain states or countries. The requirements vary depending on the airline, state and country to which you’re traveling.
How Much Does It Cost?
Domestic Health Certificates typically cost anywhere from $200 to $350. If you’re traveling internationally, this will require more in-depth planning and pricing may vary.
Do I need a Health Certificate?
The website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel also contains more information and specifics for traveling for out of the country. If you are still unsure, please contact our clinic and let us know that you are unsure if you need a health certificate for your traveling plans. (Please note this conversation could take more than a normal call as there are a decent number of questions that need to be asked. DO NOT CALL
If you need to schedule and know your dates of travel, please call any of our clinics that you would like to be scheduled at.
Types Of Travel Certificates
Click for more info about each type of travel certification.
Domestic Pet Travel Certificates
Hawaii Travel Certificates
Canada
Mexico
Note: Driving may still require Domestic Certificates, see above) and Mexico (return to US)
International Travel Certificates
Health/Travel Certificates Form
Please complete this form in full to ensure a smooth certification process for your pet’s travel. If your pet has received care at another clinic, kindly upload their medical records.
Domestic & U.S. Travel (Including Mexico & Alaska)
We offer dog and cat travel certificates for travel to:
Alaska & the Lower 48 (by plane, car, or ferry)
Canada & Mexico (See additional requirements below)
👉 Book Domestic/U.S./Mexico Travel – Click Here!
Mexico Requirements
Flying vs Driving to and from Mexico:
Your pet will likely need a Health certificate, and will need a Rabies Certificate
Mexico does not require a health certificate at the border until re entry. See Return Considerations.
*If you are flying, please be sure to meet your airlines requirement; the requirement is typically a rabies certificate and a health certificate that pet is fit enough for travel (should be examined within 7 days of flight).
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Return considerations will require a health certificate from Mexico (list of vet clinics is in link at the bottom of the page);
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The guideline for return is as follows: “As of November 22, 2024, Mexico is considered to be affected with screwworm. All dogs (including U.S. origin dogs returning to the U.S. after traveling to Mexico) must meet APHIS requirements for screwworm freedom certification upon entry (re-entry).
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Note: APHIS Veterinary Services does not have a required template or form for screwworm freedom certification. The certification can be a standalone document or incorporated into an export health certificate issued in the exporting country (Mexico). Documentation will be reviewed and the dog inspected at the port of entry.
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Additional Information about Dogs Entering the United States from Mexico: For dogs traveling to the United States from Mexico, the required screwworm freedom certification may be issued by a clinical veterinarian trained and authorized to sign on behalf of the official government veterinarian.
A list of authorized veterinarians in Mexico that can issue screwworm freedom certification can be found on Directorio de MVRA en Clínicas y Hospitales Veterinarios (MVRA Directory of Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals)
A CDC import permit will also be required for both driving and flying back to the U.S. This is a free document that takes about 5 minutes to complete and requires an email of receipt for review by customs officials. The form is the first clickable link on the website listed below:
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/dog-import-form-instructions.html
This information was pulled from the following pet travel guideline from the USDA:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/another-country-to-us-import/dogs
Canada Requirements
✔ Must be older than 4 months
✔ Must have a current, valid rabies certificate (per Canadian requirements)
✔ Must have a microchip detectable with a universal scanner
✔ Owner must complete the CDC Dog Import Form for return to U.S. (no vet input required) available via CDC website
For Cats/Driving across border and back:
✔ Only require a Rabies Certificate (per Canada’s requirements)
For Dogs/Cats Flying:
Must meet requirements listed above, and:
✔ A Health Certificate may be required depending on the Airline
Puppy/Dog For Sale/not traveling with owner via auto or airline:
Note: The health certificate for the export of Commercial Dogs intended for Resale/Adoption must be signed by a USDA accredited veterinarian. Endorsement by APHIS Veterinary Services is not required.
Hawaii Travel Certificates
Due to Hawaii’s strict quarantine & rabies-titer requirements, travel certificates must be arranged in advance.
Steps to Book Hawaii Travel Certification:
📧 Email us a copy of your pet’s:
1. Most recent rabies certificate
2. FAVN report (Hawaii requires this test; we do not perform lab testing, so it must be done at a full-service vet clinic beforehand.)
👉 Going to Hawaii? Email us at AnchoragePetTravel@gmail.com
⚠️ Hawaii travel certificates cannot be booked through our website without pre-authorization from our veterinarians.
International Travel Certificates (Excluding Canada & Mexico)
For international travel outside of Canada & Mexico, additional planning is required due to country-specific regulations.
📧 To begin the process, contact us via email or our Contact Us link above.
⚠️ Quick endorsements may not be available with short-term notice.