USDA certified veterinarian on staff.
Health Certificate Package Types
Please note that the Health Certificate prices listed below do not include diagnostic tests, medications, vaccines, treatments, or additional USDA endorsement fees.
Health Certificate Packages:
- Domestic Health Certificate Package-Exam: Domestic Health Certificate: $85 -Domestic Health Certificate Processing Fee: $65
International Health Certificate Package-Exam: International Health Certificate: $100-International Health Certificate Processing Fee: : $250-USDA Endorsement Fee (no labs): $101 **-USDA Endorsement Fee (1-2 labs): $160 **-USDA Endorsement Fee (3-6 labs): $206 **-USDA Endorsement Fee Addt'l Pets on same cert: $ based on patient(s) status and country of travel**-Fedex Return Overnight Label: $72 *- Extra fees may apply for FAVN Rabies and/or Distemper/Parvo titers if required by destination country-The USDA may require separate endorsement fees not included above
- Traveling to Hawaii or Australia?- Please contact us for more information
Why are International Health Certificate appointments so expensive?
The cost of veterinary international health certificate can be attributed to the comprehensive nature of the services provided. These appointments are not just routine check-ups; they involve a thorough examination of your pet to ensure they meet the specific entry requirements of the destination country, which may include a variety of vaccinations, tests for contagious diseases, and sometimes even parasite treatments. Additionally, the veterinarian's expertise in navigating the complex requirements for international pet travel is a specialized service and must have a special USDA accreditation and complete continuing education to maintain their accreditation.
The process also requires the veterinarian to complete detailed paperwork compliant with international standards that often requires the endorsement of the USDA or other regulatory bodies, which adds to the cost. Considering the time, resources, and knowledge required to prepare a pet for safe and compliant international travel, the fees reflect the extensive care and attention to detail necessary to ensure a smooth journey for your companion.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before scheduling your pet’s health certificate appointment, it is important for pet owners to research and understand the specific travel requirements for their destination. Travel regulations vary widely based on airline, state, and country, and may include timelines for vaccinations, testing, documentation, or treatments that must be completed in advance. We strongly encourage clients to educate themselves early in the planning process to avoid delays or complications. A helpful starting point for understanding domestic and international pet travel requirements is the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel.
Know What is Required!
- Requirements between destinations, ports of origin & airlines, or modes of transport vary. Before your visit, we ask that you research what is needed for the destination you plan to travel to & the airline you plan to travel on, including the timeline for any test and/or vaccine requirements.
- Chattahoochee Animal Clinic is not responsible for ensuring that veterinary services, flights, and/or any other transportation arrangements are booked in accordance with the travel requirements.
- Health Certificates can only be issued on the day of an appointment and cannot be issued retroactively.
- The USDA may require separate endorsement fees no included above. This is determined based on patient status and country of travel.**
- Additional diagnostic testing, titers and/or fees may be required based on the country of destination. Pricing is dependent on specific requirements.
- Some destinations do not accept digitally endorsed health certificates & therefore, a prepaid overnight envelope is required for the USDA to mail you your Health Certificate (Varies by destination, please check ahead with the USDA prior to your appointment).*
Airline Requirements
We strongly recommend going to your airline's website and assure that you meet all of your airline’s requirements, as they may differ from the destination requirements. Some airlines require health certificates while others do not so calling and checking in with them to understand their requirements before your appointment can help us get you and your pet ready for travel
Domestic Traveling
When traveling domestically the USDA APHIS (United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) has provided a website where you can visit and view what every state requires from you when arriving and traveling to each state.
Some states require a CVI (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) in order to be able to enter the state.
International Traveling
International Traveling can be extremely stressful; we will guide you to the best of our knowledge to the right steps for a successful, stress-free travel experience!
The link below is the USDA APHIS website that will tell you exactly what is required for the arrival to the country of your choosing.
It will direct you to the country and you will follow the prompts, be sure to select the country and species of your pet(s) and follow their prompts to view the correct requirements necessary.
Re-entry into the United States
As of August 1, 2024, the CDC has changed their import requirements for dogs coming into the United States pertaining to rabies vaccinations and travel to countries deemed ‘High Risk’ for rabies. This includes dogs RETURNING to the United States. Failure to meet these requirements is not the responsibility of the USDA or USDA certified veterinarian and dog owners are responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate documentation for re-entry prior to travel. Full details & resources can be found on the CDC website here and the answers to FAQ’s on the AVMA website here.
Rabies Titer (FAVN) Testing
A Rabies Titer Test is a test for the production of antibodies in your pet in response to a Rabies vaccine & is a requirement for some countries for entry with a pet. This test can only be run through the Kansas State Rabies Laboratory, and can take 6 to 8 weeks turnaround from the time of your pet's blood draw. This test can therefore impede your traveling plans, so please keep this in mind when booking your appointment and travel plans.
Emotional Support Animals vs Service Animals
Most Emotional Support Animals are no longer recognized for airline travel unless they are registered service animals. If you are traveling with a registered service animal we recommend that you research what forms your airline may require you to complete prior to travel.
Important information regarding travel with your pet during COVID-19
The CDC has put a temporary ban on pets coming in from certain countries. If you are traveling to those countries with your pets, you may not be able to bring them back to the US. For more information, see the latest CDC announcement here.
Call us at 770-993-6329 or use your OTTO app to contact us for your pet's health certificate.
