International Health Certificate Overview

International Health Certificate Overview
International Health Certificate

Purpose: An international health certificate is required for pets traveling between countries. It ensures that the pet meets the health and vaccination requirements of the destination country and complies with international regulations. Please note that due to addtional requirements, travel to Hawaii is also considered "international".

Contents:
- Verification of Health: Similar to the domestic certificate but often more detailed, including a thorough health examination and sometimes lab results.
- Vaccination and Treatment Records: Includes comprehensive details of vaccinations (e.g., rabies) and treatments (e.g., deworming) that meet the destination country’s requirements.
- Testing and Documentation: May require specific tests (e.g., rabies titer test) and additional documentation, such as proof of microchipping.
- Certification: Often includes a stamp or endorsement from the relevant government agency (e.g., USDA in the United States) to verify that the certificate meets international standards.
Usage: Required for pets traveling to or from foreign countries. This certificate ensures compliance with the regulations of both the departing and arriving countries, and it often involves additional steps, such as obtaining endorsements from governmental agencies and meeting specific timelines.

Key Differences Between Domestic & International Health Certificates:
- Complexity: International health certificates are generally more complex due to additional regulations and requirements compared to domestic ones.
- Endorsements: International certificates often require government endorsements, while domestic certificates typically do not.
- Timeframe: International certificates may require more time to process due to the need for additional testing and compliance checks.
Acknowledgment of the International Health Certificate Process

Cost Explanation for International Health Certificate Process

At our clinic, we require an initial consultation visit for your pet’s international health certificate, which is priced at $475 for one patient or $600 for two patients. This consultation is essential for:
1. Assessment and Preparation: We evaluate your pet’s health and review the specific requirements for the international health certificate based on your destination. This helps us identify any additional tests or treatments needed before the final examination.
2. Planning: We will provide a detailed plan, including scheduling the final examination and submission of the health certificate, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met to avoid delays.
3. Direct Q&A with the Veterinarian: This is your opportunity to ask the doctor any travel-related questions. Please note: receptionists cannot provide travel-related medical guidance by phone until the consultation has been completed and your pet’s travel file is established.
The final examination and submission of the health certificate are scheduled separately, with a cost of $345 for one patient or $690 for two patients. This fee covers:
- Comprehensive Examination: A thorough health check to ensure compliance with international standards.
- Certificate Preparation: Compilation and submission of all required documentation.
- Endorsement and Processing: Handling through relevant government agencies.
Additional Fees

Please be aware that additional fees may apply based on your specific travel requirements:
- Overnight Return Shipping Labels: $50.00 - $200.00, depending on the day and any holiday-related surcharges. We require clients to bring their own overnight return shipping label if a hardcopy certificate is needed.
- Additional Documentation: Some airlines may require extra paperwork, which could incur additional costs.
- Required Lab Testing: Certain countries may mandate specific lab tests (e.g., rabies titer tests), which will involve extra charges.
- Connecting Flights through Different Countries: If your travel involves connecting flights in other countries, you may need additional health certificates for those transit points, which will incur additional fees.
Important Disclaimer – International Health Certificate Processing

Our team is dedicated to supporting you through every step of your pet’s international travel preparation. However, there are external factors beyond our control that may cause delays or disruptions in the issuance or acceptance of your pet’s health certificate. These may include:
- Government Processing Delays: Staffing shortages, regulatory changes, or backlogs at agencies such as the USDA or foreign consulates may impact endorsement timelines.
- Changing Country and Airline Requirements: Destination countries and airlines may impose new or evolving requirements (e.g., rabies titer tests, deworming treatments, specific travel windows) that can affect documentation needs or timing.
- Shipping and Courier Delays: Factors such as weather conditions, customs clearance, or logistical issues may cause delays in document delivery or return.
- Global Events: Natural disasters, international conflicts, public health emergencies, or geopolitical instability can impact travel regulations and procedures.
- Incomplete or Inaccurate Information: Errors in submitted documentation, such as incorrect dates, pet information, or missing vaccine records, may cause delays or rejections.
To Help Minimize Risks:

We encourage all clients to take the following proactive steps to support a smooth certification process:
- Stay Informed: Regularly monitor the official government website of your destination country for any updates, travel restrictions, or health certificate requirements that may change with little notice.
- Contact Your Airline Early: Communicate with your airline well in advance to confirm whether they require any specific documentation, health records, or approved pet carrier dimensions/materials for your pet’s travel.
- Keep Accurate Records: Provide us with complete and accurate information at the time of your initial consultation, including the original rabies certificate and your pet’s full vaccination history.
- Follow the Recommended Timeline: Adhere closely to the customized travel plan and scheduling recommendations provided by our team during your initial visit.
Please note: Once initiated, all international health certificate services are non-refundable, regardless of delays caused by the above factors. We are unable to offer refunds for services rendered if documentation is not received on time due to unforeseen issues.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to ensure your pet’s safe and compliant international journey.
By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the information provided regarding the costs, additional fees, and potential risks associated with the international health certificate process.

You also acknowledge that health certificates are non-refundable once submitted and that delays may occur due to factors beyond our control.
Signature*

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Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Client Information (Who will be traveling with your pet)

Please provide your personal and contact details.
Full Name (as it appears on your government issued identification)*

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Street Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
Mobile Phone (USA # only)*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email Address*
example@example.com
Is the address above where you will be staying before your flight?*

YesNo
If you selected No, please provide your current temporary address.

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
Traveling Patient (Pet) Information

Please provide details about your pet.
Patient Name*
Breed*
Does your pet have a microchip?*

YesNoUnsure
If your pet does have a microchip, please provide the number and date of implantation.
Will you be on the same flight as your pet during travel?*

YesNoUnsure
Where will your pet be on the plane during travel?*

CargoCarry-On/CabinUnsure
Does your pet take any preventative medication? If yes, please specify.
Does your pet take any other prescription medications?*

YesNo
If your pet does take other medications, please provide the name, strength, amount given, and frequency.
Travel Information

Please provide your travel details.
Date of Departure*

MonthDayYear
Date
Date of Arrival*

MonthDayYear
Date
Which airport will you be departing from?*
Which airport will you be landing in?*
Which airline will you be using?*
Which country will you be traveling to (Destination)?*
Destination Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
How long will you be staying at your destination?*
Upload any additional documentation that you require us to complete outside of the standard USDA Endorsement process. Examples include: airline-specific health certification forms, pet passports, or travel agency documents. If you are using an external travel agency that provides its own forms or requires additional document review and signatures, please attach those here as well. Note: Completion and review of documents outside of the USDA process may incur an additional fee due to the extra time required.

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If your cat has been seen elsewhere, please upload complete medical records, including doctor’s notes, signed rabies certificates, and any relevant test results for our team to review. Receipts or invoices alone are not sufficient and will not be accepted as medical records. If you prefer, your previous veterinary clinic may send the full records directly to us at: info@thecoastalcatclinic.com

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International Health Certificate Overview

International Health Certificate

Acknowledgment of the International Health Certificate Process

Cost Explanation for International Health Certificate Process

Additional Fees

Important Disclaimer – International Health Certificate Processing

Client Information (Who will be traveling with your pet)

Traveling Patient (Pet) Information

Travel Information