Domestic Travel

Rabies vaccination is a mandatory requirement for all interstate and international travel. Additionally, other vaccinations are crucial to safeguard your pet's health.
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Interstate Travel:
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Each state and territory has its own Department of Agriculture with specific regulations.
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A valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate is universally required for entry, with some states needing a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) from a USDA Accredited Veterinarian after an in-person assessment.
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Interstate travel - Visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/interstate-pet-travel
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To check specific state requirements, visit the USDA APHIS website, or fill out our Travel Inquiry Form.
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Airline Requirements:
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Airlines have varying regulations for pet travel.
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Many airlines request a "Fit-to-Fly" certificate issued by a veterinarian after a recent physical examination, usually within 10 days of travel.
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Some airlines mandate Breed Certification for specific breeds they prohibit from traveling, like brachycephalic dogs.
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International Travel

Transporting a pet to a foreign country can be a complex process that may require weeks to months of preparation. Our USDA Accredited Veterinarians are well-versed in the export procedures for most countries and can help tailor a plan for your pet.
Where to Begin Planning for Traveling with Pets
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When considering international travel with your pet, reach out to us to review the necessary requirements. Some countries have minimal requirements such as Rabies vaccination (e.g., Mexico, Canada), while others have detailed regulations that could span over six months or longer.
Microchip Scanning in Other Countries
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Most microchips implanted in the last ten years are ISO compliant and can be scanned by any microchip reader. Domestic chips, operating on a different frequency, are only detectable by scanners in the United States. We can easily determine the chip type by scanning its number.
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Microchips are REQUIRED in some locations.
Resource for Pet Travel Information
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Airline requirements - Contact Customer Service for specific guidelines​
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International travel - Visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/take-pet-to-foreign-country
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For personalized import recommendations, please complete our Pet Travel Form for our veterinarian's review.
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Dog Entry (and Return) to the United States: ​​ Starting August 1st, 2024, the CDC has imposed regulations on ALL dogs entering the United States. This applies to dogs that originated from the United States, so even a brief day trip across the border to Canada.
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According to the CDC, dogs that do not meet all entry requirements or do not have accurate and valid forms will be denied entry to the United States and returned to the country of departure at the importer’s expense. These requirements apply to all dogs, including service dogs and dogs that were born in the United States.
To enter the United States:
-ALL dogs must be at least 6 months old
-ALL dogs must be microchipped with an ISO compatible chip (all 15 digit microchips are ISO compatible)
-ALL dogs need a CDC Dog Import Form (filled out online ideally 2-10 days before arrival)
In addition, dogs need to meet rabies vaccination based on if vaccination was done in the United States, and if the dog was in a high-risk country for rabies within the 6 months prior to import.
Please note, rabies vaccination rules are not standardized. Many dogs appropriately vaccinated based on New Jersey law are NOT considered vaccinated by the CDC.
Please complete the following form for us to best assist you with return to the United States with your dog: Pet Travel Form
Other Helpful Travel Resources:
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APHIS pet travel website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
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CDC import requirements: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/index.html
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Traveling with your dog or cat: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/cvi/traveling-your-dog-or-cat
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11 things you can do to make road trips safer for you and your pet: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/11-things-you-can-do-make-travel-safer-you-and-your-pet
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Traveling with your pet FAQ: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/traveling-your-pet-faq
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Transporting animals: Basic requirements and considerations: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/cvi/transporting-animals-basic-requirements-and-considerations
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