Ensuring Smooth Passage for Traveling Pets
At Tidewater Veterinary Hospital, our USDA-accredited veterinarians provide the necessary health certificates and documentation required for domestic pet travel. We guide you through the complex regulations that vary by destination, ensuring your pet meets all health requirements and has the proper paperwork. Our comprehensive pre-travel assessment also evaluates your companion’s fitness for travel, helping to make their journey as safe and stress-free as possible.
Navigating Pet Travel Requirements
If you’re across state lines with your pet, it’s important to know exactly what will be required for your animal companion to make the trip. Make sure your pet is physically healthy enough for travel. The veterinarians at Tidewater Veterinary Hospital are USDA-accredited and can help get your pet ready for your trip, including assessing whether they’re healthy enough for travel—especially airline flights.
Start by checking the USDA-APHIS page on pet travel, regardless of your destination.
The USDA suggests a minimum 10-day timeframe for completing health certificates. However, many airlines require certificates to be completed no more than 10 days before travel. Contact your specific airline for their policy. State-to-state travel may also have health and documentation requirements.
Our team stays current with ever-changing pet travel regulations and can help you navigate complex requirements specific to your destination. We recommend scheduling your pre-travel appointment well in advance to ensure adequate time for necessary vaccinations, testing, and document processing.
Have questions or want to schedule a travel/health certificate appointment? Call 301-884-3231.