Pet Travel Health Certificate

What You Need To Know Before Travel

Are you planning a trip with your pet soon? Whether you’re moving or just taking a long trip, you will need to get some things together before bringing your furry friend on a journey. At Highbury North Pet Hospital in London, Ontario, we help many families prepare for travel with their pets. Before you fly with your pet, make sure you’re prepared. Whether you’re heading out on vacation, relocating, or travelling internationally, a pet travel health certificate is an essential part of the journey.

This blog from a North London, ON vet covers everything you need to know about travelling with pets from Canada. Certificates are required in many places to travel safely and legally with your dog or cat, including required documents, timelines, vaccinations, and airline-specific rules.

What Is a Pet Travel Health Certificate?

A pet travel health certificate is an official document issued by a licensed veterinarian. The document confirms that your pet is healthy and fit to travel. It includes vaccination records, parasite treatments, microchip details (if applicable), and other key information.

For international travel, health certificates must meet the requirements of the destination country. Some countries require proof of rabies titers, while others may require quarantine periods. It’s important to verify the rules early, as some certifications take weeks or months to complete. 

You can find out more about country-specific travel requirements here.

When Should You Book a Travel Health Exam?

We recommend booking your pet’s pre-travel exam at least 4–6 weeks before departure. This ensures enough time to:

• Update vaccines (rabies, DHPP, bordetella, etc.)
  
• Complete deworming and flea/tick prevention
  
• Perform any required bloodwork (e.g., rabies titer test)
  
• Allow time for paperwork processing
  

Some countries or airlines require the certificate to be completed within 10 days of travel. One thing that may come into play here is vaccination scheduling. Timing is everything! Your vet will help you coordinate the logistics.

What Is Included in a Veterinary Travel Exam?

A typical travel exam is in many ways similar to a wellness exam. It may include some or all of the following:

• Review of travel destination rules
  
• Complete physical exam
  
• Confirmation of up-to-date vaccinations
  
• Microchip verification
  
• Administration of any required treatments (e.g., deworming)
  
• Preparation of required documents
  

We ensure your pet is fit to travel and guide you through any special protocols depending on whether you’re travelling within Canada, to the U.S., or abroad. 

Do Airlines Have Specific Rules for Pets?

Yes—each airline has different rules regarding pet travel, especially for in-cabin or cargo transport. Common requirements include:

• Specific carrier dimensions
  
• Pet weight limits
  
• Advance booking for pet space
  
• Temperature restrictions (especially for snub-nosed breeds)
  

Air Canada, WestJet, and other carriers outline pet travel policies clearly on their websites. Be sure to print out and bring all health documents with you at the time of travel. Learn more from Air Canada’s pet travel page.

What If You’re Driving Across the Border?

Even if you’re not flying, documentation is still required to cross into the U.S. with your pet. Rabies vaccination certificates are typically mandatory. Some states may require health certificates issued within 30 days.

If you’re travelling with multiple pets or re-entering Canada, check whether a CFIA endorsement or pre-approval is necessary.

What Is a Canadian International Health Certificate?

If you’re flying internationally, you’ll likely need a Canadian International Health Certificate (CFIA-ACC1279 or country-specific document), completed by an accredited vet.

Depending on the country, you may also need:

• Rabies titre blood test
  
• Government-issued import permits
  
• Quarantine reservation confirmation

Ask your vet for more information.

How Do You Prepare Your Pet for the Trip?

While you may need to procure pet health documents for travel, it likely isn’t the only thing you’ll need to take care of. In addition to paperwork, you’ll also need to focus on making the journey comfortable.

Here are some tips on that:

• Acclimate your pet to their carrier
  
• Pack medications, and comfort items
  
• Avoid feeding just before travel
  
• Use calming sprays or supplements if your pet is anxious
• If you can’t pack food, see about shipping it to your destination, especially if your pet’s usual brand won’t be available there.
  

During veterinary travel exams, you have a great chance to talk to your vet about anti-nausea or calming medication if your pet is prone to stress. Be sure to label your pet’s carrier with your contact info and emergency instructions.

Travel Safely with Your Pet 

Whether you’re taking your pet on a road trip or a transatlantic flight, preparation is key. Visit our Service Page to learn more about the services we offer and the type of pets we see.

Make An Appointment At Our North London, ON Pet Clinic

Do you need pet health documents for travel? Do you need to book any veterinary travel exams? At Highbury North Pet Hospital in London, Ontario, we’ll walk you through travel preparation during a wellness exam. Book your pet’s wellness appointment today and travel with peace of mind.

This blog is meant to be informational only, always consult with your veterinarian for the right medical advice or treatment plan to fit your pet’s needs.