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South Shore Animal Hospital

International Health Certificates

Taking your pet abroad? The team at South Shore Animal Hospital is here to make your next trip smooth, safe, and stress-free.

Why Does My Pet Need an International Health Certificate?

Every country has specific health regulations to protect animal and public health. Your pet’s travel certificate confirms they are healthy, vaccinated, and meet the requirements of your destination country. Failure to obtain the appropriate documentation could result in significant consequences, such as animal quarantine or inability to enter your destination country.

What Does it Cost?

The cost for international health certificates is based on your destination and your pet’s needs. An estimate will be provided to you before your appointment.

How Do I Start?

  1. Know your travel plans. We’ll need your destination and travel dates before beginning.

  2. Contact us. Call our hospital, and our team will gather initial information and create a patient record if one doesn’t already exist.

  3. Prep work and paperwork. We’ll send you a personalized intake form, collect your pet’s health history, and provide a cost estimate.

How Far in Advance Should I Plan?

If you are considering international travel with your pet, now is the time to call! The timeline depends entirely on where you're headed:

  • Some countries only require proof of vaccination and a simple health check.

  • Others may require blood tests, microchipping, or parasite treatments over a series of months.

We recommend starting as early as possible—ideally 1 to 6 months in advance. Use the USDA Pet Travel Tool to research your destination’s requirements.