Traveling internationally with your pet requires careful preparation and precise documentation. Homer Animal Hospital in Vancouver assists pet owners with the veterinary requirements for international travel, including official health certificates, export documentation, and the health exams and vaccinations needed to satisfy destination country requirements. Planning ahead and understanding the specific rules for your destination is essential.
An international health certificate is an official document completed and signed by a licensed veterinarian confirming your pet's health status and vaccination record. Most countries require this certificate to be issued within a specific window before departure. At Homer Animal Hospital, we complete health certificates based on the requirements you provide. It is your responsibility to confirm the most current requirements with the destination country's relevant authority and with your airline. Bring all documentation to your appointment so we can complete the paperwork accurately.
Some destinations require additional documentation beyond the health certificate, including proof of specific vaccinations, titer testing to confirm immunity, microchip verification, and parasite prevention records. Requirements vary significantly by destination and can change. We perform the necessary exams, vaccinations, and testing as specified by the requirements you provide. We recommend starting this process well in advance of your travel date, as some tests have minimum waiting periods before departure.
Many countries require that pets be microchipped with an ISO-certified chip before entry. If your pet is not yet microchipped or their chip does not meet the destination's standard, we can implant a chip at Homer Animal Hospital. Microchip implantation is a quick, low-discomfort procedure. Check your destination's microchip standards before your appointment.
Some countries, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii, require a rabies antibody titer test to confirm immunity before allowing entry. This test must be performed by an approved laboratory, and there are strict timelines around when the test can be performed relative to travel. We collect the blood sample at Homer Animal Hospital and submit it to the appropriate laboratory. Plan at least three to six months in advance for destinations requiring titer testing.
Planning international travel with your pet? Contact Homer Animal Hospital in Vancouver to book your travel health appointment. Call (604) 416-4114 or book online. Give yourself as much lead time as possible. We are open Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
