Skip to content Traveling internationally with a pet requires careful planning and precise documentation. Different countries have different health certificate requirements, import permit processes, and timelines that must be followed closely to avoid delays or quarantine at your destination. At Elgin Park Animal Hospital in South Surrey, we assist with international health certificates, pet export documents, and related services to help make your pet's journey as smooth as possible. Call (604) 531-3394 to begin the process.
An international health certificate is an official veterinary document confirming that your pet has been examined by an accredited veterinarian and meets the health requirements of the destination country. Requirements vary significantly by country and even by species. Some countries require the certificate to be issued within a specific window before travel (often 10 days), while others require advance permits or additional testing. At Elgin Park Animal Hospital, we review the current requirements for your destination, complete the examination and documentation accurately, and flag any steps you need to take well in advance of your travel date.
Beyond the health certificate, international pet travel may require additional export documents depending on your destination and the species and breed of your pet. This may include declarations for specific health conditions, breed confirmations, or documentation related to the purpose of the animal's travel. We work through the required paperwork with you systematically and can communicate with destination country authorities or Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requirements as needed. Starting the process at least 30 to 60 days before travel is strongly recommended for international destinations.
Many countries require pets to be microchipped before an international health certificate is issued. ISO-standard microchips (15-digit) are the internationally recognized format. If your pet is not yet microchipped or carries a non-ISO chip, updating or adding a microchip before travel documentation begins avoids complications. Microchipping is a quick procedure that takes seconds, and we can complete it during the same visit as your travel health examination. See our Pet Care Services page for more information about microchipping.
Certain countries, particularly those with strict rabies-free status such as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, require rabies antibody titer testing to confirm that your pet has an adequate immune response to their rabies vaccination. Titer tests must be performed by an approved laboratory, and results must meet the destination country's minimum threshold. The testing process and required waiting periods must be carefully timed relative to your travel date. See our Pet Diagnostics page for titer testing details. We recommend starting this process at least six months before travel to countries with titer requirements.
As early as possible, and ideally at least 60 to 90 days before travel for most international destinations. If your destination requires rabies titer testing (such as Japan, Australia, or the UK), the process can take six months or longer due to testing and waiting period requirements. Contact us at (604) 531-3394 as soon as your travel dates are confirmed so we can map out the steps and timeline for your specific destination.
Countries that are considered rabies-free, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, typically have the most stringent requirements including ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, titer testing, and specific waiting periods before entry. Hawaii, though part of the US, also has strict import requirements for pets coming from Canada. Requirements change periodically, so we always verify current rules directly with the destination country or CFIA for each client.
Requirements for entering the US with a cat vary by state and by method of entry. Generally, cats entering the US from Canada do not require a formal health certificate for leisure travel, but specific airline or transportation companies may have their own requirements. We recommend confirming with your carrier and checking the USDA requirements before travel. We can issue a health certificate if it is needed.
Start your pet's travel documentation at Elgin Park Animal Hospital in South Surrey. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Call (604) 531-3394 or book online at elginparkvets.ca/make-an-appointment/.
