Main St Veterinary Hospital greatly appreciates your confidence in our hospital to help you facilitate your upcoming pet travel plan. Each country, state, and Hawaii have their own pet travel requirements and forms that need to be completed and submitted (in addition to) the USDA requirements.
It is imperative that you plan ahead. Meeting country & state requirements can take up to a year depending on destination. This process cannot be rushed or done at the last minute.
What we do:
Main St Veterinary Hospital will facilitate all the veterinary services that you need for travel such as:
- Updating vaccinations
- FAVN Rabies Titer blood work and paperwork and/or other required lab testing
- Placing International Microchip
- Parasite preventative application and/or administration
- Health certificate exams with completion of health certificate
- USDA Endorsed U.S. Issued Rabies Certificates
- Other veterinary services necessary
What you do:
As the pet owner and traveler, you are ultimately responsible for thoroughly researching all restrictions and requirements of your destination.
- Plan far in advance!
- Check your airline’s and destination’s pet travel restrictions and requirements which often differ. Don't forget to check travel crate size and weight limits.
- Check our website resources below for specific pet entry requirements by destination.
- Check the requirements for RE-ENTRY to the USA on the CDC’s website.
- Consider a professional shipping company for complicated international travel such as Australia.
Website Resources:
USDA APHIS | APHIS Pet Travel
https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/aqs-info/
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/
The International Pet and Travel Association has a list of accredited shipping companies.
As the owner, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Reading and submitting this Pet Travel Form.
- Submitting the Interstate or International Travel Questionnaire A.S.A.P.
- Researching and understanding the requirements needed for your pet to travel to your destination. Restrictions and requirements can change without notice, so please check the above website resources frequently. Personal and business travel may have different requirements.
- Communicating with us about the services your pet needs and when they need these services done. Example: ISO compliant microchip needs to be implanted before the Rabies vaccination is given, Two Rabies vaccinations are needed before traveling, Endoparasite and/or Ectoparasite treatments, etc.
- Determining logistics, timelines, and deadlines including but not limited to:
- Timing of flights. Most countries and airlines require the pet travel exam and USDA endorsement be done within 10 days of the arrival date.
- Timing of health certificate exam, required testing, required vaccinations, and/or treatments.
- Timing of paperwork submission to the USDA (Rabies Certificates,Health Certificates, Import Forms, etc)
- Completing Import forms or other specific forms if required by the destination, getting them notarized when needed, and SUBMITTED on time.
- Obtaining USDA Endorsement on certificates and forms within the time frame required.
For Hawaii, in addition to other requirements:
- Reading & understanding the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s pet travel requirements.
- Coordinating with Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture Regulations.
- Make sure you read, understand, and use the checklist for a 5 day or less quarantine.
For Interstate travel:
- Each state has their own requirements for animal movement. These regulations are in place to protect the local animal population and to provide a safe, healthy environment for animals coming into the state.
- Please visit the USDA website for state specific requirements.
- Check with your mode of transportation’s (airline, train, bus, etc.) as they may have requirements and restrictions that differ from your destination state.
Health Certificates and travel forms are legal documents. Please make sure to review and follow all guidelines and requirements for a smooth transition to your new home or vacation destination. Any changes made after a health certificate is electronically sent for USDA approval will require MSVH to restart the health certificate process. Restarting the process may cause delays and will incur additional expenses.