A health certificate is highly recommended for long trips, when relocating, international travel, or if your pet hasn't been checked by a veterinarian in the last 6 months.
Having a health certificate for your pet is an important part of being a responsible pet owner, whether you travel inside your own country or internationally.
Every country has specific regulations for pets entering their territories. These typically include mandatory health screenings, vaccinations, and documentation to prevent disease spread and protect public health. A pet medical health certificate proves your pet meets all necessary health requirements and is fit for travel under these regulations.
The veterinarian will examine your pet for signs of infectious disease and assess its overall physical condition, including eyes, ears, nose, teeth, and skin. They may also perform blood tests or other diagnostics to ensure your pet is safe for transport. Any required vaccines will be administered during this visit to complete the health certificate requirements.
This document certifies that your pet is healthy and has received all necessary vaccinations, providing you with assurance that your pet is safe to travel or move between locations.
A transportation provider can also request a health certificate for travel, even if the jurisdiction you are traveling to does not require it.
Requirements change often, so always confirm current rules with your airline and the destination's official animal import authority — final acceptance of your pet always rests with the airline and the destination authority.
PadsPass helps you keep your pet's travel documents organized in one place. Start by completing your pet's profile: add their microchip number, the date of their first microchip scan, and their most recent rabies vaccination (the two most recent, if possible).