How to Travel Domestically and Internationally with Your Pet

Don’t let a vacation get in the way of spending time with your pet. Whether you’re a dog person or a cat person (we love both!), our USDA Accredited Veterinarians are here to help you and your best friend travel safely—both domestically and abroad. Bond Travel is now available at select Bond Vet locations.

Need a Vet? Book a Visit.

Know Before You Go

All pets traveling, domestically or internationally, must have a current rabies vaccination. For most international travel, pets also need a rabies certificate and an ISO-compliant microchip. In addition, for international travel, almost all countries require an International Health Certificate issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian. For interstate travel, depending on the state the requirements may be a Certificate of Health or a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.

Please contact your Bond Vet team to confirm what documents are required for your pet’s destination.

Types of Travel Documents

Certificate of Health: A non-government document used as proof that your pet is healthy and vaccinated. Used for domestic travel when official paperwork isn’t required.
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection: Required by some states for interstate travel. Issued and signed by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian. If your destination state doesn’t require one, check with your airline for any documentation needs.
International Health Certificate: A government-issued document required for most international travel. Must be completed by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA.

Before your appointment, please provide your pet’s vaccination records and medical history. Many destinations also require proof of parasite prevention, diagnostic tests, or import permits.

Requirements vary by destination. Bond Vet is responsible for performing the examination and completing the health certificate; it is the pet parent’s responsibility to meet any additional requirements, as these vary and change frequently.

How do I book a travel appointment and what is the process?

Our USDA Accredited Veterinarians and team members are here to help you navigate your pet’s travel requirements. Before booking, please submit a travel inquiry. A team member will reach out to answer questions, review required documentation, and help coordinate next steps.

Once everything is confirmed, we’ll schedule your Travel Appointment. During this visit, the Accredited Veterinarian will perform the USDA exam and complete all necessary documentation.

For international travel, health certificates are submitted to the USDA for endorsement and returned once approved. Depending on your destination, the endorsed certificate will either be emailed to the address on file or mailed directly from the USDA office.

For domestic travel, a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Certificate of Health will be provided during your appointment, and a copy will also be sent to the destination state’s government.

We’re here to ensure you and your pet have a smooth, stress-free travel experience. You can also visit the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website to review your destination’s requirements.

What do I need to know if I am traveling Internationally?

If you are traveling internationally (outside of the United States) you will need the following documents:

An International Health Certificate (IHC) from a USDA Accredited Veterinarian. This is a government document that is necessary for international travel to most countries outside the US. These documents need to be issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian and endorsed by a USDA Veterinary Specialist.
Copies of the last TWO Rabies Vaccination Certificates.
Complete Vaccination Record.
Microchip (requirements vary by destination).
Always check with your airline about any specific documents they may require.

Advance Notice Requirements:

Countries requiring a Rabies Titer Test (including Hawaii): At least 3 months’ notice is required.
Countries not requiring a Titer Test: At least 45 days’ notice is required.

What do I need to know if I’m traveling domestically?

If you are traveling domestically(within the United States, Mexico or Canada) you will need the following documentation:

Depending on your destination, the state may require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).
Check with your airline, they may require a Certificate of Health.
Current Rabies Vaccine Certificate.
Vaccination Record.
Microchip (requirements vary by destination).
Mexico and Canada follow the same guidelines for Domestic Travel requirements.
Always check with your airline about any specific documents they may require.

Advance Notice Requirements:

Domestic Travel – Certificate of Health: At least 14 days’ notice is required.
Domestic Travel – Certificate of Veterinary Inspection: At least 30 days’ notice is required.

What fees should I expect for my Bond Travel Appointment?

Depending on your destination and your pet’s needs, we may need to perform one or more of the below. Your Bond Travel Agent will discuss specific costs with you prior to your appointment.

A physical examination and consultation fee
International Health Certificate, Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or Certificate of Health
Microchip
Rabies vaccine
Other vaccinations
Antigen Testing if applicable
STAT Fee: Bond Vet will always do our best to accommodate last-minute travel needs. However, requests made within the required notice windows may incur a STAT fee and are subject to scheduling availability.