Travel Domestically and Internationally with Your Pet

Review the APHIS website for your destination — if you’re traveling to a second or third country with your pet on your trip, please review the site for each country.

You’ll need to provide Bond Vet with the following veterinary information:

• Your pet’s last two rabies certificates
• Your pet’s vaccine history and medical records (DA2PP, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Rabies, and Heartworm Test)
• Your pet’s microchip number

You’ll also need to provide us with the following travel details:

• Name of the person traveling with the pet (as it appears on your ID/Passport)
• US address & telephone number
• Destination address & telephone number
• Method of transport, whether in-cabin or in cargo
• Travel itinerary details (include flight confirmation email, seat confirmation email, etc)
• Date(s) of travel
• Your address — the paperwork will be sent from the USDA straight to you

Bond Vet is responsible for:

• Collection of documents
• Verification of documents
• Completion of USDA Health Certificate and physical exam
• Submission of USDA Health Certificate documents to the USDA

All other requirements are the responsibility of the pet parent since each country is different and requirements change frequently.

The USDA and UPS are responsible for:

• Document endorsement
• Document pick up & return

Requirements for travel will vary by destination.

All pets who fly, either domestically or internationally, will need a current rabies vaccine. For most international flights, a rabies certificate and an ISO compliant microchip are needed. Additionally, almost all International countries require an International Health Certificate (IHC) issued by an Accredited Veterinarian. For interstate travel, a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) may be required. Please inquire with a Bond Travel Agent so we can help you assess what your travel requirements are.

There are three types of travel documents:

• A Certificate of Health (COH) is a non-government issued document, and is used as a convenience to show that your pet has been fully vaccinated and has been verified to be healthy. This is used for some domestic travel when more official paperwork has not been identified as necessary.
• An International Health Certificate (IHC) issued by 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.
• Depending on your destination, states may require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). This document is issued and signed by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian. If your destination state does NOT require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, please check with your airline if any documentation is required. Your Bond Travel Agent will assist you with determining the requirements for your destination state.

We will need you to provide us with all of your pet’s vaccinations records and medical documents. Many destinations need proof of vaccinations, parasite prevention, tests, and/or import permits.

Bond Travel Agents are dedicated Veterinary Nurses who are here to help you navigate the travel requirements for your destination. Before you book a travel appointment, please complete this inquiry form, and our team will reach out to answer any questions you may have and discuss next steps.

Once you and your Bond Travel Agent have confirmed and organized all of the required documentation for your travel plans, they will coordinate a Travel Appointment with you. During your appointment the Accredited Veterinarian will perform the USDA Exam and complete all required documentation. Please note that International Health Certificates can take up to 72 hours to be endorsed while Certificate of Veterinary Inspections will be given to you at the time of your appointment. Depending on your destination, International Health Certificates will either be emailed to you via the email address we have on file or will be mailed overnight, priority shipped directly from the USDA office.

Our Bond Travel Agents are ready to help you navigate this process and ensure you and your pet are ready to travel. Additionally, please visit the USDA APHIS pet travel website to fully understand your pet’s travel requirements for your destination.

Once you and your Bond Travel Agent have confirmed and organized all of the required documentation for your travel plans, they will coordinate a Travel Appointment with you. During your appointment the Accredited Veterinarian will perform the USDA Examination and submit all required documentation to the USDA. International Health Certificates can take up to 72 hours to be endorsed.. Depending on your destination, International Health Certificates will either be emailed to you via the email address we have on file or will be overnight, priority shipped directly from the USDA office.

A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or Certificate of Health will be given to you at the time of your appointment. CVIs will also be automatically sent to your destination state’s Government. We will give you a physical copy and we can always email a PDF copy to you as well.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are planning to travel internationally within 3 business days of your inquiry date, a USDA endorsed certificate will not be able to be completed. The USDA requires a 72 hour processing time and they are closed on the weekends. Please reach out to a friend or your local boarding facility to arrange accommodations for your pet.

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.
• We recommend sending inquiries no later than 10 days before your travel date. The sooner you know when you are traveling the better we can accommodate your needs!

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.

• Inquiries must be made at least 45 days before your travel date. Travel inquiries made within 30 days will incur a $250 rush fee. Please note that the earlier you inquire, the better we can accommodate your needs.

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 prides itself on providing urgent care to all pets, this includes urgent travel needs. We will do our very best to accommodate you and your pet for last minute travel inquiries. If you are requesting documentation outside of the recommended inquiry times (15-30 days prior for international travel or 10 days prior for domestic travel), a STAT fee may be applied to your total cost.

Here are some of our recommendations:

• Vaccines and documentation
• ID tags
• Pet license
• Pet passports (EU)
• Calming aids (ask your vet prior to travel)
• Treats and toys
• Secure leashes and carriers
• Pet supplies for the trip
• Preflight workout/brain games for your pet

• Visit CDC Guidelines to get up-to-date information on pet travel requirements and restrictions.
• Visit APHIS Pet Travel Checker to learn more about how to fly with your pet and the requirements for each country.
• How to Travel With a Cat: Tips for Safety and Comfort
• Tips for Traveling With Your Dog
• Traveling Internationally With Your Dog: A Guide
• Dog Travel Anxiety: Prevention, Treatment, and More

FAVN tests are used to determine the Rabies Antibody levels in your pet’s bloodstream. This ensures that your pet has the appropriate rabies antibody levels to prevent transmission of the rabies virus. 

Every country’s requirements are different. Many island nations require this test prior to arrival as the country may be Rabies Free. These rules and regulations are strictly enforced by the importing country that requires them. 

Generally, the laboratory test can take 4-6 weeks to receive results. Bond Vet sends all samples to Kansas State Rabies Laboratory located in Manhattan, KS. Currently, this is the only laboratory that is qualified to run FAVN tests for international pet travel. Bond Vet has no control over turn around time for results as this test is completed by this third party.

Please note, the laboratory does NOT offer expedited testing services.

Unfortunately, due to the USDA offices being closed on weekends and holidays, we do not do international health certificate exams on those days. USDA Vets are available at select locations for exams Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm.