Services

Pet Health Certificates

Planning to travel with your pet? Whether you’re heading to another state, visiting Hawaii, or crossing international borders, ensuring your furry companion meets the necessary health requirements is essential. At Baseline Animal Hospital, we are here to provide expert guidance and the documentation you need to make your pet’s travel experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Our veterinarians are USDA-accredited and experienced in preparing both domestic and international health certificates. We are committed to ensuring that your pet meets all travel requirements, allowing you to focus on your journey with peace of mind.

Book Appointment

Domestic Health Certificates

If you’re traveling to another state within the U.S., your destination may have specific animal health requirements that necessitate certification. A domestic health certificate is an official document provided by a licensed veterinarian to confirm that your pet is healthy, current on vaccinations, and meets all criteria for travel and entry into your destination state.

To prepare for your trip:

Plan Ahead: Contact us as soon as you know your travel plans. Some requirements, such as specific vaccinations or diagnostic tests, may need to be completed within a certain timeframe.
Review State Requirements: Each state may have unique regulations for pet entry. We can guide you through the necessary steps to ensure compliance.
Update Preventive Care: Ensure your pet is current on vaccinations, parasite prevention, and any other required treatments before travel.
Transport Considerations: Be aware of your airline or transportation provider’s policies regarding pet travel, as additional rules may apply.

For more detailed information, you can also consult your destination state’s animal health office or their website.

Special Requirements for Traveling to Hawaii

If you’re planning to travel with your pet to Hawaii, there are unique and stringent requirements to meet. Hawaii is a rabies-free state, and its laws are designed to protect its ecosystem and residents from rabies exposure. All pets entering the state must meet these requirements to avoid extended quarantine periods.

Key requirements for pet travel to Hawaii include:

Microchip Identification: Your pet must have a microchip implanted before completing any rabies vaccination or testing. This microchip ensures accurate identification.
Rabies Vaccinations: Your pet must receive two rabies vaccinations, with the most recent given no less than 30 days before travel. Documentation of both vaccinations is required.
Rabies Titer Test: A rabies antibody test must be conducted at an approved laboratory to confirm that your pet has sufficient immunity. This test must be completed at least 30 days before arrival in Hawaii.
Health Certificate: A USDA-accredited veterinarian must issue a current health certificate. This document must confirm your pet’s microchip number, rabies vaccinations, and the rabies titer test results.
Parasite Treatments: Hawaii requires pets to be treated for fleas and ticks before travel to prevent introducing pests into the state.
Timing: If all requirements are met, your pet may qualify for Hawaii’s Direct Airport Release Program, which allows your pet to skip quarantine and join you immediately. Failing to meet these requirements can result in a 120-day quarantine period.

Because of the complexity and time sensitivity of these requirements, we recommend beginning the process several months before your planned travel. At Baseline Animal Hospital, we’ll help you every step of the way to ensure your pet can enjoy Hawaii’s beautiful scenery without delay.

International Health Certificates

For international travel, requirements vary significantly depending on your destination country, and these rules can change frequently. An international health certificate is a critical document that ensures your pet meets the entry standards of the country you’re visiting. Our veterinarians are USDA-accredited and can help navigate these often complex and time-sensitive requirements.

Considerations for international travel include:

Destination-Specific Requirements: Research your destination country’s rules, including vaccination mandates, diagnostic testing, quarantine policies, and other health-related criteria.
Timing and Documentation: Many countries require certifications, vaccinations, and tests to be completed within specific timeframes before travel. It’s crucial to start the process early.
Transport Guidelines: Airlines and shipping companies often have additional requirements for pet travel, such as crate dimensions, documentation, or pet health declarations. Be sure to review these with your carrier in advance.
Additional Documentation: Depending on the destination, you may need import permits, proof of microchip identification, or rabies titers. We will guide you through the process to ensure all necessary paperwork is in order.

How to Schedule a Health Certificate Appointment

Preparing for pet travel requires careful planning and coordination. Our veterinary team is here to make the process as smooth as possible.

Domestic Travel: Contact us as soon as you know your travel dates. This allows time for vaccinations, testing, or treatments as required by your destination state.
Hawaii Travel: Start planning well in advance—ideally several months before your trip—to meet Hawaii’s strict rabies-free requirements.
International Travel: Reach out to us at least one to two months ahead of your travel date to account for the complex and time-sensitive documentation process.

To schedule an appointment for your pet’s health certificate, call us at (909) 987-4788.

Your Trusted Partner in Pet Travel

At Baseline Animal Hospital, we understand that traveling with your pet can feel overwhelming. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process, providing expert advice and ensuring that all requirements are met. Whether you’re traveling across the country, visiting the beautiful islands of Hawaii, or heading to an international destination, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Contact us today at (909) 987-4788 to learn more about our health certificate services or to schedule your appointment. Let us help make your journey with your pet a safe and enjoyable experience!