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Pet Travel Certificates

Whether you’re planning on traveling domestically or internationally, you will usually require a health certificate for your pet. We can help with the necessary paperwork to allow your pet to join you on your travels.

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Domestic travel certificates for cats & dogs

If you’d like to take your cat or dog with you when traveling domestically within the United States, you’ll generally need to provide a travel certificate of some sorts, or at the very least, vaccination records signed by your veterinarian.

The regulations vary depending on which state you’re traveling to, and how you’re getting there – certain airlines have different requirements and specific forms for you to fill out about your pet. Our doctors can advise on what exactly you need. You can also quickly reference the USDA’s State-to-State website detailing interstate travel requirements.

International travel certificates for cats & dogs

If you’re planning on taking your pet abroad, it’s important to plan ahead. Some countries have strict health requirements and restrictions on entry; for example, many countries require your pet to have received a current rabies vaccination no less than 30 days before travel. Some countries may also require your pet to be quarantined for a certain amount of time upon arrival.

Additionally the CDC has recently updated their regulations for rabies documentation for dogs entering the U.S. from both high-risk and low-risk countries. You can reference those changes in detail here.

Many of our doctors are USDA-accredited, which means they can complete the paperwork required for your pet’s international travel. Please contact us before booking your appointment, so we can determine the exact requirements for your planned travel and ensure you’re able to get the travel certificate you need. You may also find the USDA’s Pet Travel website helpful.

In order to ensure that we can accommodate your certification needs, Small Door requests that you start the international travel certification process 30 or more days in advance, with a minimum requirement of 3 weeks (15 business days Monday to Friday). If you are traveling with a dog, due to the CDC Rabies requirements updates, we recommend starting the process 60 days or more in advance.

What to take with you when traveling with your cat or dog

When packing your bags, make sure you’ve got everything you need for your furry family member. As well as all their usual creature comforts, make sure you have:

Records: Physical and digital copies of their travel certificate, vaccine records and any other important medical records.

Emergency contact: A contact number for the nearest emergency veterinary hospital at your destination.

Medication: A good supply of any medication your pet takes.

ID tag: An ID tag with your cell phone number (and if appropriate, the country code needed to call from your destination).

Microchip: Ensure your pet has the correct microchip for your destination (we can check for you) and that your contact details with the microchip company are up to date.

Carrier: A crate or pet carrier that’s approved for travel. If you’re traveling by plane, your airline will have different requirements depending on whether your pet is traveling in the cabin with you, or as cargo. Cabin carriers must allow sufficient room for your pet to stand up, turn around and lie down, and must also fit under the seat in front of you. Cargo pet carriers must again allow sufficient room, and must be made of rigid materials. Check with your airline for specific requirements.

Water bowl: A travel water bowl to keep them hydrated.

Our app: Download our app to make sure you can contact us for advice if you’re ever concerned about your pet while you’re away. Our medical team is available on the app 24/7, so no matter what time zone you’re in, we’re here for you!

Common questions

When do I need a travel certificate?
You’ll need a travel certificate for any international travel, and for some domestic interstate travel. Some states may only require signed vaccination records instead of a formal travel certificate. If you’re traveling inside your home state, you do not require a travel certificate unless you’re traveling by plane.
Do I need a travel certificate if I’m not traveling by plane?
Yes, you’ll still need a travel certificate when crossing borders by car, train or boat.
Do I need a new travel certificate for each trip?
Yes, for each separate trip, international or domestic, you will need a new travel certificate. If you are going to multiple destinations in one trip, you may need multiple certificates depending on your destinations. For example, most countries in Europe have the same requirements for pets, but if you are traveling to different continents, they all have their own unique restrictions.
Do I need an appointment to get a travel certificate?
For domestic travel, we can provide a certificate based on your pet's most recent visit with us. If your pet is overdue for a wellness exam, then please reach out for more options. For international travel, an examination with a USDA-accredited veterinarian is typically required. This is dependent on your destination's specific requirements. Contact us to ensure you're booked with a USDA-accredited doctor if needed.
How long does it take to get a travel certificate?
It depends! We always recommend planning far in advance—at least 60 days ahead of your travel date. The turnaround time for travel certificates depends on your destination's requirements. For Domestic Travel, certificates are processed fairly quickly and often can be provided as early as the same day. (However, we'd appreciate the heads up!). For International Travel, some certificates may require specific waiting periods and additional diagnostics which take more time to complete before obtaining a certificate. Our team can outline a more exact timeline once we know where you are traveling!
Can you guarantee my travel certificate will be ready in time?
Depending on your destination, it can take some time to fulfill the requirements for travel. Any certificates for international travel must be endorsed by the USDA. Consequently, we recommend you reach out to us 30 or more days in advance of your travel to ensure we allow enough time for processing – a minimum requirement of 3 weeks (15 business days Monday to Friday) notice is needed. Provided the process begins far enough in advance, almost all travel certificates will be ready in time. At Small Door, we will always do everything within our power to meet your travel dates, but please note that since we work with third parties such as the USDA and approved couriers (including FedEx & UPS), we unfortunately cannot be held responsible in the unlikely event of a delay at their end.
Can you provide travel certificates for any country in the world?
We can help you obtain the necessary paperwork for almost any country in the world, with the current exception of Turkey. Please note that if you’re traveling to New Zealand, Jamaica, or South Africa, you will also need to utilize the services of a pet travel agency due to the complexity of these countries’ requirements. We can provide recommendations for specific travel agencies depending on your circumstances.
Do I need a pet passport?
You do not need a pet passport in the United States. If you and your pet will be traveling consistently in a different country or continent, you may consider getting a pet passport for that area. For example, if you travel throughout Europe, a certified EU veterinarian can provide an EU passport for your pet. A veterinarian in the United States cannot issue an international pet passport.
Is my service animal or ESA (Emotional Support Animal) subject to the same regulations?
Yes, even if your pet is a service animal or ESA, they will still require a travel certificate and be subject to the same health regulations as other pets. Please note that due to changes in regulations, ESAs are now only permitted to travel in the cabin on certain airlines.
Does my pet need a rabies titer test?
Depending on your travel destination, your pet may need a rabies titer test. This is a blood test performed by an external laboratory to ensure that your pet has the necessary antibodies against rabies. Some destinations that require a rabies titer test include Australia, China, Hawaii (US), Japan, Korea & New Zealand. The current turnaround time for a rabies titer test is 4-6 weeks, so please plan accordingly!
What are the new CDC rabies requirements for dogs returning to the U.S.?
Effective August 1, 2024, dogs must be at least 6 months old, have an ISO-compatible microchip, and be vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccination must be current and administered at least 28 days prior to entry.
What documentation is required for dogs from high-risk and low-risk countries?
For high-risk rabies countries, dogs need a “Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination” completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and officially endorsed by the USDA, or a valid endorsed International Health Certificate until July 1, 2025 if the dog is 6 months old upon inspection and the rabies vaccine was administered in the U.S. Dogs from low-risk and rabies-free countries only need to meet age, microchip, and rabies vaccination requirements and complete the CDC Dog Import Form.
What steps must dog owners take before re-entering the U.S.?
All dog owners must complete the CDC Dog Import Form prior to re-entering the U.S. If your dog has a foreign rabies vaccination, you must coordinate with the vaccinating veterinarian OR get your dog a booster through Small Door. For more details, visit the CDC’s official page.
How much does the International Health Certificate cost?
The International Health Certificate (IHC) process starts at approximately $750 per pet per travel certificate. Additional costs may apply depending on the destination and its specific requirements. To begin the process, please contact our team through the app, call us at 212.933.9044, or schedule an exam if you haven’t established care with us yet.
What does the fee cover?
The fee covers the following: Research and review of your destination’s requirements and your pets medical records to ensure travel requirements are met, preparation of travel documents including the international health certificate, physical exam with a USDA Accredited doctor who will issue the health certificate, submission of your pets travel documents to the USDA for official endorsement, and shipping and endorsement fees for the endorsed health certificate.
Are there discounts for multiple pets?
There are no discounts for multiple pets.
Can I handle this process myself?
While we encourage you to look into travel requirements as well, the research portion of the process must always be done internally. Our doctors are signing legal documents and we must ensure that all due diligence is completed. Pet owners cannot submit documents to the USDA themselves, all documents are now required to be submitted via the online portal which is only accessible to veterinarians or transport agencies.