Pet Health Certificates

If you have plans to travel or move out of state with your pet, Garden Oaks Veterinary Center can help make your transition as smooth as possible! Our USDA-accredited veterinarians can issue both domestic and international health certificates to ensure your pet is healthy enough to travel and meets all necessary requirements.

IMPORTANT TIME CONSIDERATIONS: PLEASE CALL US AS SOON AS YOU BELIEVE YOU MIGHT BE TRAVELING.

1. Please understand that certificates for International Pet Travel which require USDA endorsement take time. If you are in Houston we are centrally located. If you are further North in the area please contact The Village Vet at Sterling Ridge, in the Woodlands. If you have a vet now who does not provide these services, we are happy to help you and follow up with your vet as needed. Please be prepared to send us all veterinary records on any pet traveling.

2. Let us know as soon as you decide to travel. Some countries have rules requiring 6 months duration between certain tests. Some countries require exact timing for the administration of specific drugs to treat internal and external parasites, as well country specific vaccinations.

3. Please do not rely on the advice of those who do not regularly handle International Health Certificates.

4. Please understand that country specific rules and Airline specific rules can be quite different. You are responsible for knowing and complying with airline rules.

5. If you are a frequent traveler, many countries allow you to also see a vet in that specific country and then receive a "Pet Passport," alleviating many future endorsements and the subsequent costs. Here is an example involving the European Union and certain treaty countries.

6. Once we have completed gathering all data on your animal(s), ensured all vaccines and any testing are completed correctly, and submit all information to the USDA, the endorsement is no longer under our control. This is why we want long lead times on travel where possible so that you do not have to miss a flight or leave your pet in boarding.

7. Pet movements where you are not traveling on the same plane as the pet or the pet is not arriving within 24 to 48 hours of you, will require the assistance of a Pet Travel Company. These companies handle logistics of the move and are often helpful in moving pets. Please note that they can also be quite expensive as pet travel is quite complex. Please check the USDA Website for many of the rules regarding specific country transport.

As soon as you know where you will be moving or traveling to, as well as your estimated date of travel, please contact Garden Oaks Veterinary Center so we can begin planning and can make sure there is enough time to meet all animal export requirements. Well before your travel date, you will need to conduct extensive research so you understand and will be able to comply with the specific requirements set forth by your destination and chosen mode of travel. For instance, each domestic airline service might have different rules and regulations regarding flying with a companion animal. You’ll want to have a clear understanding of this ahead of time so there are not any last-minute surprises.

It is important to note that when it comes to traveling with your pet internationally, it can take several months and multiple visits with us to complete the necessary requirements.

**Please note: Because Hawaii is considered a “rabies-free” state, export to this destination is treated very similarly to international travel. Once you know you will be moving or traveling to Hawaii with a pet, please inform us of your travel date and provide all medical records so we can ensure there is enough time to complete necessary testing and paperwork.