Planning to travel with your pet? Hayfield Animal Hospital is here to make it smooth. We issue pet health certificates in Alexandria, VA for both domestic and international travel, and because our practice has multiple USDA-accredited veterinarians on staff, we’re authorized to handle the international paperwork many other clinics can’t. We do these all the time — so you can plan your trip with confidence.
What Is a Pet Health Certificate?
A health certificate confirms that your pet is healthy enough and meets all the requirements to travel domestically or internationally. Depending on your destination, those requirements might include a rabies titer test, specific vaccines, bloodwork, flea treatment, or a microchip. All pets traveling within the United States or abroad need a health certificate — and for international travel, the USDA must review and endorse that certificate before your pet can leave the country. A pre-travel appointment is required for all international travel, so we can review your pet’s records, confirm your destination country’s requirements, and set timelines for any necessary testing.
Domestic Health Certificates
For pets traveling within the United States:
- Plan ahead — domestic certificates are only valid for 30 days.
- Bring vaccine verification — if vaccines were done elsewhere, you’ll need to provide documentation, including a rabies certificate, which must accompany the health certificate.
- Check with your airline for any specific regulations. If you’re traveling by car, most states still require a health certificate.
- Mind your final destination — if you’re making multiple stops, the certificate must list your final destination address (this includes travel to Canada).
- Timing for flights — if flying, your appointment must be at least 10 days prior to departure.
Even when driving, a domestic certificate matters: if you’re pulled over in another state, you may be asked for proof of your pet’s rabies vaccination, and not having it could mean an additional fine. It’s rare, but we’re required to make our clients aware of the risk.
Hawaii Health Certificates
Hawaii has especially strict requirements because it’s a rabies-free state. A rabies titer test must be completed at least 120 days prior to your arrival date. This involves drawing blood to measure each pet’s level of rabies protection, and results can take up to four weeks. A passing test is valid for 36 months, and the sample must be submitted with your pet’s microchip number and destination.
International Health Certificates
Traveling internationally with your pet can feel overwhelming — but that’s exactly what we’re here for. Every country has different criteria, so we’ll work with you to determine precisely what your pet needs to travel. Start planning at least four months in advance for international travel. If rabies titers are required (for destinations like Hawaii, Australia, and others), you may need even more lead time for testing. Because the final certificate can be a lengthy process, please contact us as soon as you’re considering international travel, not just once it’s booked.
A Note on Bringing Pets Into the U.S.
The CDC’s requirements for dogs entering the United States have changed in recent years and continue to be updated. If you’re returning to the U.S. or bringing a dog in from abroad, current rules may apply regarding documentation and rabies status. We’ll help you understand what’s needed — and you can review the latest requirements directly on the CDC’s website.
Helpful Travel Resources
- USDA APHIS Pet Travel — Animal Import/Export Guidelines
- USDA APHIS Interstate Pet Travel
- CDC: Bringing a Dog Into the United States
Only USDA-approved veterinarians can issue international health certificates. Hayfield Animal Hospital has multiple approved veterinarians on staff ready to help!
Wherever you and your pet are headed, we’ll help you get there. Call us at 703-971-2127 to schedule your health certificate appointment — and reach out early so we have plenty of time to plan.