Sustina Animal Urgent Care

Pet Health Certificates & Travel Documentation

Planning to travel with your pet?

Many airlines and international destinations require official health certificates to ensure your pet is fit for travel and does not pose a risk for spreading infectious diseases. We provide short notice health certificates for airline cargo travel to lower 48, Canada, and Mexico. A current rabies vaccination is required for all health certificates. Please bring your rabies certificate, or we can administer the vaccine during your evaluation.

Please note: We do not provide health certificates for travel to Hawaii or countries outside of Canada and Mexico, as these require additional resources testing. See additional resources below.

Need travel documentation quickly?

Call us today or contact us online to discuss issuing a health certificate.

dog with owner on mountain

Types of Pet Health Certifications

At Susitna Animal Urgent Care, we provide a range of urgent, emergency, and select orthopedic surgeries to address critical and time-sensitive conditions.

Standard Health Certificates (U.S., Canada, & Mexico)

  • Required for domestic and cross-border travel
  • Certifies that your pet is healthy and free from contagious diseases
  • Valid for entry into the U.S., Canada, and Mexico with proper documentation
  • Hawaii requires additional testing and documentation.

International Health Certificates (Outside the U.S., Canada & Mexico)

  • Many countries require specific forms, vaccinations, and tests
  • Some destinations have quarantine requirements
  • Plan early—consult with your primary care veterinarian at least 6 months before travel to meet all regulations

CDC Requirements for Dogs Entering the U.S.

  • All dogs must have a microchip
  • Rabies vaccination is required, with documentation linking the microchip number to the vaccination record
  • Before booking your pet’s trip, confirm all travel requirements with your veterinarian, airline, and destination authorities to avoid delays or complications.
dog and owner overlooking snowy mountain

Additional Resources

For additional guidance on pet travel requirements, explore these trusted resources, including specialized veterinary services, USDA and CDC regulations, and essential checklists for domestic and international pet travel.

Anchorage Pet Travel Certificates

Anchorage veterinary service specializing in pet travel certificates.

Pet Travel | Domestic and International Travel With a Pet

USDA guidance on pet travel

Bringing an Animal into the U.S. | Importation | CDC

CDC pet importation guidance

Animal Importation Form

CDC dog import form.

Hawaii Checklist

Pet travel to Hawaii checklist.

Certificate Process

Ensuring your pet meets travel requirements is a quick and straightforward process at Susitna Animal Urgent Care. Follow these steps to obtain your pet’s health certificate:

Step 1:
Confirm Rabies Vaccination Status

A current rabies vaccination is required for all health certificates.

If your pet’s rabies vaccine is expired or proof is unavailable, we can administer the vaccine during the exam.

Step 2:
Arrange an Examination

Call ahead to inform us of your travel plans and departure timeline.

We will do our best to accommodate your needs and ensure timely certification.

Step 3:
Receive Your Certificate

Your pet will undergo a health examination to confirm they are fit for travel.

The health certificate will be provided the same day, so you can travel with confidence.

Schedule Your Pet’s Health Certificates & Travel Documentation

For smooth travel preparation, call 907-600-0838 today to discuss issuing a health certificate.

Health Certificate FAQs

International travel with a Pet to Hawaii or other countries aside from Canada and Mexico can require long term preparation. Touch base with your primary care team as early as 6 months and no later than 3 months ahead of your planned trip.

The actual examination for the health certificate needs to be within 10 days of your planned departure date if flying, 30 days if driving.

Bring a healthy pet and up-to-date rabies vaccination certificate including the vaccine serial number.

Per CDC guidance, your dog may require a microchip if you plan to drive through Canada to the lower 48. The microchip must be noted on the rabies vaccination certificate.

Health certificates are valid for air departure for 10 days, and valid for a return flight within 30 days of the examination date. Health certificates are valid for 30 days if driving, departure and return.

If your travel plans change and your health certificate is no longer valid we are happy to fit you in for another examination and issue another health certificate if your pet’s physical state has not changed.

Susitna Animal Urgent Care does not offer international health certificates for countries other than CANADA AND MEXICO.

Sustina Animal Urgent Care 907-600-0838 Contact Online