Family Pet Hospital & 24 Hour Pet Emergency Centre
International Health Certificates
Going out of the country? As a federally accredited veterinarian practice, we can issue travel and acclimation certificates for your healthy pet so they can travel internationally with you.

Overview
We understand that your pet is family, and that when you travel, you want them right by your side. As a federally accredited veterinarian practice, we can issue travel health certificates for your healthy cat, dog, or other animal so that they may travel internationally with you.
Why does my pet need a certificate to travel?
Only pets in good health are permitted to travel by plane or boat. The country you are traveling to may have specific health requirements that must be met before your pet can enter. Certain health requirements may include: up to date vaccinations, a passing health exam, etc. Health certificates ensure that your pet is healthy to travel and isn’t susceptible to transferring diseases to other pets or people.
When should I start the process?
Certificate timing varies greatly by country: For example, rabies-free territories such as Australia and New Zealand take six months. We strongly encourage checking the CFIA website as early as possible.
How can I obtain an international health certificate?
Before you start the process, you need to determine the destination country and dates of travel.
We will work with you to determine the health certificate requirements based on your travel destination. Since requirements are determined by each country and can change frequently, we suggest you check the current pet travel health requirements for your destination country on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website here.
We will perform a health exam to determine if your pet has any sign of disease or health risks that could pass along to others while traveling. We will also ensure that your pet has all required vaccinations to travel. Once all requirements are met, we will issue a certificate indicating that your pet has been cleared to travel.
Important Information for Pet Travel Requirements
Planning to travel with your pet? Ensuring your pet’s smooth entry into your destination country requires careful preparation. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Know the Requirements Before You Contact Us
It is essential that you understand the specific requirements for traveling with your pet before reaching out to us. Every country has its own set of rules and regulations, and it’s the pet owner’s responsibility to research and ensure compliance.
Certificates Are Issued by the CFIA
Please note that the necessary fit-to-fly certificate and other travel documentation are issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), not by veterinarians. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the CFIA’s process and requirements for obtaining these documents.
Consider Professional Assistance
Traveling with pets can be complex. We recommend using a professional pet travel company to help navigate the requirements and ensure all documentation is in order. These experts can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the process.
Disclaimer: Responsibility for Compliance
While we are here to provide general advice, we cannot take responsibility for ensuring your pet meets all entry requirements. We strongly encourage you to confirm all details and documents with the relevant authorities. We are not liable if your pet is denied entry due to incomplete or incorrect documentation.
Check All Ports of Entry
Don’t forget to review the entry requirements for all ports of entry, including layovers. Each country or transit location may have its own regulations, and failure to comply with these could lead to delays or issues during your journey.
By planning ahead and ensuring all requirements are met, you can help make your pet’s travel experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. For more information, consult the CFIA or a trusted pet travel service.