International Pet Health Certificates for Dogs & Cats

Traveling Internationally With Your Pet?

Dr. Cory Korsgen, DVM, CHPV, CPEV, is a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian providing international pet health certificate services for dogs and cats throughout Bergen County and Northern New Jersey.


She helps pet owners prepare for international travel by reviewing destination-specific requirements and completing required veterinary documentation, including health examinations, rabies and vaccination documentation, microchip verification, and international health certificates.


When USDA endorsement is required by the destination country, Dr. Cory can help guide families through the appropriate process. Whether you are relocating overseas, planning an extended stay, or traveling internationally with your dog or cat, Dr. Cory provides personalized guidance to help make the pet travel process as clear and straightforward as possible.

Ensure Your Pet's Safe Travel

International Pet Health Certificates for Dogs & Cats

How to Obtain a Certificate

To obtain a health certificate, schedule an in-home appointment with Dr. Cory. During the visit, we will conduct a thorough examination of your pet and complete the necessary paperwork for travel.

Call to Schedule

Important Considerations

Different countries have varying requirements for pet travel. It's essential to check the specific regulations for your destination to ensure compliance.
Understanding the Essentials of Pet Travel

What Is an International Pet Health Certificate?

An International Pet Health Certificate is a crucial document required for traveling with your pet across international borders. This certificate verifies that your pet is healthy and free from contagious diseases, ensuring they meet the health regulations of the destination country. It is typically issued by a licensed veterinarian after a thorough examination of your pet.
To obtain this certificate, your pet must be up-to-date on vaccinations, including rabies, and may require additional treatments depending on the destination's regulations. The certificate must be completed within a specific timeframe before travel, often within 10 days, to ensure its validity upon arrival.
Having an International Pet Health Certificate not only facilitates smoother travel but also provides peace of mind, knowing that your pet is healthy and compliant with international travel requirements. Always check the specific regulations of your destination country well in advance to ensure a hassle-free journey.

When Should I Start Preparing?


Start early.


Even when the health certificate itself must be issued shortly before travel, other requirements may need to be completed much earlier.


Depending on the country, your pet may need a particular type of microchip, rabies vaccination after microchipping, blood testing, parasite treatment, an import permit, or other documentation before a certificate can be issued.


For destinations with more complicated requirements, the preparation process can take several months.



If you already know your destination and travel dates, reaching out early can help prevent last-minute problems.

What Should I Have Ready?


Before contacting Dr. Cory, gather as much of the following information as possible:


  • Destination country
  • Departure date
  • Expected arrival date
  • Airline and flight information, if available
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Complete vaccination records
  • Microchip number and implantation information
  • Previous health certificates, if applicable
  • Relevant laboratory test results
  • Import permit or other destination-specific documents you have already received



Having complete records available can make the process much smoother.

International Pet Travel Requirements Can Change


Pet import requirements are established by the destination country and can change.



The USDA also maintains official information regarding international pet travel from the United States.

Pet owners should always verify current requirements for their destination and check directly with their airline for any separate transportation requirements.


Airline requirements and government entry requirements are not always the same. Your airline may require additional documentation, carrier specifications, or travel arrangements beyond the international health certificate.