Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About Pet Travel & Documentation

Q: What is a pet health certificate, and why do I need one?

A pet health certificate—also known as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)—is an official document issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian stating your pet is healthy and meets travel requirements. It's often required for interstate and international travel.

Q: How far in advance should I start preparing for my pet’s travel?

We recommend starting the process as soon as possible, especially for international trips. Some countries have strict timelines, vaccination requirements, and document processing steps.

Certain destinations—such as Hawaii, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the EU—require a FAVN (rabies antibody titer) test, which must be done months in advance and may involve a waiting period of 21 days to 6 months after testing before your pet can enter.

Starting early ensures there’s time to meet these requirements and avoid travel delays or denied entry. We'll help you understand what your destination requires and build a timeline that keeps you on track.

Q: Does my pet need a health certificate for domestic (U.S.) travel?

Airlines almost always require a valid health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, regardless of destination. While not all U.S. states require a health certificate for entry, many do—and regulations can vary depending on the species, mode of transport, and state laws.

We’ll help you confirm exactly what’s needed based on your departure and arrival locations, and ensure your documents meet both state and airline requirements.

Q: What if I’m traveling internationally?

Each country has its own import regulations. We help you identify all required documents, vaccines, and deadlines, and assist with USDA endorsements if needed.

Q: What does a Pet Travel Consultation include?

It includes a personalized review of your travel plans, documentation needs, airline or country requirements, and a timeline to ensure you're fully prepared.

Q: What services do you provide with documentation?

We assist with preparing and reviewing health certificates, USDA/VEHCS submissions, vaccine record verification, and coordination with vets and government offices.

Q: Can you help my veterinarian submit documents through VEHCS?

Yes! We offer VEHCS system support, including account setup, submission guidance, and troubleshooting for veterinary teams.

Q: How long does the process take?

For domestic travel: typically 5–10 days.

For international travel: allow at least 30 days (some destinations require even more lead time).

Q: How quickly will I get a response after contacting you?

We aim to respond within 24–48 hours of receiving your inquiry.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help! Contact us or schedule a consultation, and we’ll guide you through every step of your pet’s travel journey.