Pet Jet Guides
How to obtain an international health certificate for your pet and get it endorsed by USDA APHIS before departure — the clearance step most relocations underestimate.
Rabies-free destinations (Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and others) can require a titer test plus a waiting period of up to six months. Countries in the EU are typically faster, but the endorsed certificate itself is still time-boxed to roughly 10 days before travel. Work backwards from your departure date.
Every country sets its own pet import rules. Start on the USDA APHIS Pet Travel page for your destination — it lists whether you need a rabies titer test (FAVN), an import permit, a quarantine reservation, or breed/species restrictions. Requirements can add 3–7 months to your timeline, so check before booking a flight.
Your pet needs an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip, and it must be implanted before (or on the same day as) the rabies vaccination — a rabies shot given before the chip is usually rejected. Keep the rabies certificate showing the microchip number, vaccine product, date, and validity period.
Only a USDA-accredited veterinarian can complete the international health certificate (often called the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, or the destination country's own form). Most countries require the exam and certificate within 10 days of departure — many airlines apply the same window.
The certificate is not valid for travel until APHIS Veterinary Services endorses it. Most vets submit digitally through VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System); some destinations still require mailing or hand-delivering originals to an Endorsement Office. Endorsement fees apply, and processing time varies — build in a buffer.
Carry the endorsed original health certificate, rabies certificate, microchip implantation record, titer results, and any import permit in your hand luggage — not in checked bags or the crate. Airline check-in and destination border officials both inspect them.
This guide is general information, not legal or veterinary advice. Always confirm current requirements with USDA APHIS and your destination's authority.
USDA APHIS endorsement is the official review and stamp applied by APHIS Veterinary Services to your pet's international health certificate. It confirms the document is complete and the accredited veterinarian is in good standing. Most countries require an endorsed certificate for entry.
Digital submissions through VEHCS are often endorsed within 1–3 business days. Mailed or walk-in submissions can take longer depending on the Endorsement Office workload. Always build in a buffer before your flight, especially around holidays.
No. Only a USDA-accredited veterinarian can complete the international health certificate. You can ask your vet whether they are accredited, or use the USDA APHIS Pet Travel site to locate an accredited veterinarian.
Validity depends on the destination country. Many countries accept the certificate for 10 days from the date of issue, while others allow longer. Always confirm the exact validity window on the USDA APHIS destination page.
Not every country. Rabies-free destinations such as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii typically require a rabies titer (FAVN) test and may impose a 3-month waiting period after the test. Many EU countries do not require a titer from low-risk countries, but rules change, so verify before travel.
Carry the endorsed original health certificate, rabies vaccination certificate, microchip implantation record, titer results if required, and any import permit. Keep these in your hand luggage, not in checked bags or the pet crate.