Health and travel certificates

Moving, flying, or driving your pet across a state line usually means a certificate of veterinary inspection, signed by a veterinarian, within a window that is shorter than most people expect. If you are PCSing out of China Lake or driving a dog to family in another state, start this early.

The three kinds, and why the difference matters

Interstate travel within the US

Most states require a certificate of veterinary inspection issued within a set number of days before travel, plus proof of current rabies vaccination. The exact window and the exact requirements are set by the destination state, not California, and they are not all the same. Check the destination state's requirements before you book the appointment, because that is what determines how early we can see you.

Air travel

Airlines set their own rules on top of the state's: crate specifications, temperature limits, how recently the certificate was signed, and whether the pet flies in cabin or as cargo. Get the airline's current requirements in writing before your appointment. Airline policies change and the counter agent is the one who decides on the day.

International travel

This is the one that catches people out. Many countries require a microchip, a rabies vaccination given after the microchip, a rabies titer test with a waiting period measured in months, and USDA endorsement of the paperwork. Some destinations need planning six months ahead. If there is any chance of an overseas move, ask us at your next visit rather than when the orders come through.

What to bring

• Your pet's rabies certificate and full vaccination history
• Microchip number, if your pet is chipped
• The destination's written requirements, and the airline's if flying
• Exact travel dates, since the certificate window is counted backward from them

Start early

We are a two-location practice, closed Thursdays, with Ridgecrest open Mondays and Fridays. A certificate that has to be signed inside a ten-day window does not leave much room. Call as soon as you have dates and we will work backward with you.

Official requirements

Requirements change, so always check the source rather than a blog post:

• USDA APHIS Pet Travel, the authority for interstate and international movement
• CDFA Animal Health and Food Safety Services, for California requirements