Veterinary Services
Pet Travel Health Certificate
Traveling Internationally With Your Dog
What You Need to Know About Rabies Risk Countries and U.S. Re-Entry Requirements
Traveling with your pet? Whether you’re heading to Canada, Mexico, or overseas, there are important health and documentation requirements to understand before you go and before you return. Some destinations are considered high-risk for dog rabies, and returning to the U.S. from one of these countries requires special preparation.
Leaving the U.S. with Your Pet
When traveling out of the United States, it is your responsibility to:
- Research the import requirements for your destination country
- Bring all required addresses, travel details, and any country- or airline-specific forms to your appointment
- Know your departure and return dates
- Ensure your pet is microchipped and vaccinated
- Confirm whether a USDA-endorsed international health certificate is required
We submit the required the veterinary health documents required for travel, via the online Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS), but you must come prepared with all destination-specific information. We do not determine or guarantee a country’s entry requirements or timelines.
Re-Entering the U.S. from a High-Risk Rabies Country
If your dog has been in a CDC-designated high-risk country for dog rabies in the past 6 months, you’ll need the following two documents to re-enter the U.S.
1. CDC Dog Import Form Receipt
- Must be completed online before return travel back to the U.S.
- You’ll receive a receipt that must be presented at the port of entry
2. Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Form
- Must be completed by a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-accredited veterinarian before you leave the country
- Shows your dog was vaccinated with a U.S.-approved rabies vaccine
➡ Download the form
IMPORTANT: Starting August 1, 2025, USDA-endorsed export health certificates will NOT be accepted alone for re-entry into the U.S. from high-risk countries.
This form cannot be used to enter other countries (including Canada or Mexico).
It is only valid for re-entry into the United States from high-risk countries. You must still meet the entry requirements of any country you are visiting.
What Are High-Risk Rabies Countries?
The CDC maintains an updated list of high-risk countries for dog rabies. If your dog has been in one of these countries within the last 6 months, the above documents are required.
➡ See the current high-risk list
🇨🇦 Canada – Travel & Return Guidance
- Canada is NOT considered high-risk for dog rabies.
- For entry into Canada, most pets only need:
- A valid rabies vaccination certificate
- Occasionally a general health certificate (check with your airline)
- No CDC paperwork is needed for U.S. re-entry if you’ve only traveled to Canada.
🇲🇽 Mexico – Travel & Return Guidance
- Mexico IS considered high-risk for dog rabies.
- You must obtain the following before leaving the U.S.:
- CDC Dog Import Form Receipt
- Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Form
- Your pet will not be permitted back into the U.S. without both documents.
Final Reminders
- Plan early: International travel certificates and rabies documentation take time to prepare.
- Bring your travel details to your appointment, including where you’re staying, travel dates, and all required paperwork from airlines or consulates.
- Clients are responsible for researching the requirements of their destination and return country in advance.
- We are not responsible for denied entry or re-entry due to missing documentation or country-specific rules.
- Expect an administrative fee:
There will be an additional charge on your invoice under “Health Certificate/Travel Document Admin Time.”
This covers the time our staff spends:- Completing and submitting forms through the USDA online portal
- Preparing the CDC Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Form
- Verifying documentation and assisting with form accuracy
- If you are unsure whether your destination is high-risk, check the CDC website or contact your destination’s embassy.