Expert care for pets on the move.

Pet Travel

Pet Travel Services & Health Certificates

Official health certificates and expert guidance for safe domestic and international trips.

Traveling with your furry family members can be a wonderful experience, but crossing state lines or international borders requires careful logistical planning. At Caring Hands, our veterinarians are here to help you navigate complex travel regulations, secure the necessary official documentation, and manage your pet’s travel anxiety so you can both enjoy a safe, stress-free journey.

Understanding Health Certificates

Depending on your destination and method of travel (such as flying versus driving), your pet will likely require official documentation proving they are healthy, disease-free, and fully vaccinated. We provide both domestic and international health certificates.

Travel Type	Certificate Required	Key Details & Timelines
Domestic (U.S. States & Territories)	Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)	Most CVIs are valid for 30 days after issue, though some airlines require issuance within 10 days of travel. Proof of rabies vaccination is only required for pets over 12 weeks of age and in specific cases. There is no official age limit to travel, but it is highly recommended that pets do not travel under 8 weeks so they aren’t separated from their mother too early. Note: These are general guidelines for dogs and cats. Birds and exotic pets have their own specific travel rules.
International (and Hawaii)	International Health Certificate (IHC)	Plan at least 6 months in advance. Schedule a planning meeting with our clinic at the 6-month mark so we can discuss the plan and timeline. Requirements vary drastically by destination and may require internationally recognized microchipping, specific blood tests (like Rabies Titers), and USDA endorsement.

Important Note on Travel Requirements: Every country, state, and airline has its own strict entry requirements. We highly recommend checking the exact requirements for your destination on the official USDA APHIS Pet Travel website before scheduling your trip to make sure you have enough time to get everything in order.

Your Pre-Travel Checklist ✅

To ensure your pet is ready for departure, follow these essential steps:

Check airline policies: If flying, confirm your airline's specific pet policy. Ensure your pet carrier is large enough for your pet to stand and turn around.
- In Cabin: If your pet is flying in the cabin, the carrier needs to meet the airline's under-seat dimension requirements.
- In Cargo: If your pet will be flying in cargo, be sure to talk to the airline about their specific carrier and travel requirements. Keep in mind that many airlines have weather restrictions for pets flying in cargo (e.g., temperatures below or above which it is not safe for travel).
Update microchip information: If your pet gets lost during travel, a microchip is their ticket home. Ensure your pet's internationally recognized microchip is registered and that your current phone number is up-to-date.
Schedule your exam early: Book your travel consultation well in advance to ensure we can meet the strict timelines for any required vaccines, titer tests, or USDA endorsements.
Pack the essentials: Travel with your pet’s vaccine history, their most current rabies certificate, any required chronic medications, and your official health certificates.

Ready to start planning your trip?

Whether you need a simple CVI for a flight to the next state or a comprehensive IHC for an overseas move, early preparation is the key to a smooth trip. Contact our clinic today to schedule your travel consultation!

Request a Travel Consult with A Vet

Call Our Caring Team

We're here to answer your pet travel questions and help you schedule care.

406-656-6320