We are able to offer health certificates for both domestic and international travel. A physical examination of your pet will be required on the day that the veterinarian signs the certificate. Please follow the guidelines below to ensure a stress-free travel experience with your pet.

· Allow yourself plenty of time to research guidelines for your specific travel destination. There are different requirements for Hawaii and for many foreign countries.

· For international travel, check with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Richmond or the consulate of the country to which you are traveling to obtain any additional requirements or paperwork to enter that country.

· For travel to Hawaii, there are numerous requirements that do not pertain to other domestic travel destinations. Please check with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (www.hawaiiag.org) as soon as you know your plans for travel.

· If you are a member of the armed forces, the military may be able to answer questions concerning travel requirements for your pet.

· Check with your carrier (airline, train line, cruise line) to inquire about requirements for your pet to travel. Ask how long the carrier will honor a health certificate so that you can schedule an appointment with the veterinarian within the appropriate time period.

· Schedule the examination with the veterinarian within the appropriate time period. If additional paperwork is needed for the country to which you are traveling, it is helpful to bring it by the hospital a day or so before the appointment so that we can begin preparing it for you. Sometimes the paperwork can be very time consuming, and if we have your paperwork in advance, we will attempt to expedite your visit.

· Remember to bring vaccine records if a veterinarian at another facility has vaccinated your pet. For international travel, a copy of the rabies certificate for your pet will need to be mailed to the USDA with the health certificate. If your pet received a rabies vaccine elsewhere, please bring a copy of the certificate with you to the examination appointment. Medical history containing microchip, tattoo, and/or flea control information may also be required.

· Remember to bring the street address and phone number of your travel destination. It is required for an federal and international health certificates.

For international travel, you will need a separate check made out to the USDA to cover the cost of the state veterinarian who will approve the health certificate. A social security number printed or written on the check is required.