Pet Travel Services in Langley, BC
Pet travel services in Langley, BC at Latimer Animal Hospital help you navigate the complex documentation and health requirements for traveling internationally with your dog or cat. Each destination country has its own rules regarding health certificates, vaccination records, titer testing, and timing requirements, and errors in documentation can delay or prevent your pet’s entry. Our experienced team guides you through the entire process, prepares the required certificates and forms, and helps ensure your pet meets all health and compliance requirements well before your departure date. Call (236) 473-0375 to begin planning your pet’s international travel.
International Health Certificate for Pets
An international health certificate is required by most countries for the entry of pet dogs and cats. This official document certifies that your pet has been examined by an accredited veterinarian, is healthy and fit for travel, is up to date on required vaccinations, and meets all entry requirements for the destination country. We are experienced in completing international health certificates for a wide range of destinations and can guide you through country-specific requirements, timing considerations, and the official endorsement process. Certificates must be issued within specific timeframes before travel, so planning several weeks in advance is essential.
Microchipping for International Travel
A valid ISO-standard microchip is required for international pet travel to most countries. Many nations require the microchip to be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered for titer test purposes, making microchipping the first step in international travel preparation. We implant microchips safely at any routine appointment. If your pet is already microchipped, we will verify that the chip reads correctly and confirm the ISO standard required for your destination. See our Pet Care Services page for full information on standard microchip implantation.
Pet Export Documentation
Exporting pets from Canada involves country-specific health documentation that goes beyond a standard health certificate. Requirements may include official government endorsement of health certificates, parasite management records, breed-specific documentation, and country-specific entry forms. Our team stays current on export requirements for common destination countries and will provide a clear checklist of everything required for your specific situation. We coordinate with you well in advance of your travel date to ensure all paperwork is completed, timed correctly, and ready for submission to the relevant authorities.
Rabies Titer Testing and FAVN Test for Travel
Many countries require proof of rabies immunity through an officially approved blood test before allowing pets to enter. The FAVN test is the most widely recognized standard. Blood must be collected from a microchipped pet, submitted to an approved laboratory, and results must show antibody levels above the required threshold. Timing requirements vary by destination country, and some require testing to be completed months before arrival. We collect samples and coordinate with approved FAVN testing laboratories on your behalf. See our Pet Diagnostics page for more information on titer testing.
FAQs
We recommend beginning the process at least three to six months before your travel date for most destinations, and up to twelve months in advance for destinations with lengthy quarantine or titer testing timelines, such as Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Every country has different timing requirements, and the international health certificate itself must typically be issued within ten days of travel. Contact us as early as possible to create a timeline for your specific destination.
Entry requirements for dogs into the US from Canada include a valid rabies vaccination certificate and, for dogs that have been outside the US and Canada, additional documentation depending on the country of origin. Requirements have changed in recent years, and we recommend verifying current USDA and CBSA requirements at the time of your travel planning. Contact us and we will guide you through the current requirements for your specific situation.
Yes. Most countries require an official health certificate for cats entering from abroad. Requirements vary by destination and include vaccination records, parasite management, microchip verification, and timing of the certificate itself. We will walk you through the specific requirements for your destination country and prepare all necessary documentation.
Plan your pet’s international travel with confidence. Contact Latimer Animal Hospital in Langley, BC to start your pet travel preparation. Call (236) 473-0375 or book at latimervets.ca/book-an-appointment/.