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Travel Certificates

Pet health certificates for travel.

Travel Health Certificates: Getting Your Pet Ready for the Journey Ahead
Planning to travel with your pet? Whether you’re heading across state lines or across the globe, your furry companion may need a veterinary-issued health certificate to meet airline, state, or international requirements.

Our team is experienced in preparing both domestic and international travel certificates, ensuring your pet meets all necessary health, vaccination, and documentation requirements—so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.

What Is a Pet Travel Health Certificate?

A travel health certificate is an official document issued by a licensed veterinarian after examining your pet. It confirms that your pet:

  • Appears healthy and free of communicable diseases

  • Is up to date on required vaccinations

  • Meets the entry or transit requirements of your destination

Health certificates are typically required by:

  • Airlines and rail services

  • U.S. states with specific entry regulations

  • International destinations

Each destination (and airline) has its own rules, and those rules can change. We’re here to help you navigate them.

Domestic Travel (Within the U.S.)

For travel within the U.S., some states require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and proof of rabies vaccination. Most airlines also require a certificate issued within 10 days of your travel date.

We recommend checking with your airline and destination state well in advance and then contacting us to schedule the necessary exam.

International Travel (Including Hawaii)

Traveling internationally (or to Hawaii) is more complex and often requires:

  • Microchipping

  • Rabies titer (FAVN) blood tests

  • Multiple vaccines and treatments

  • Government approval from USDA-APHIS

Some countries require planning 4 to 6 months in advance, especially if quarantine or bloodwork is involved. We’ll walk you through every step and make sure no details are missing.

What to Expect During the Visit

  • Physical exam to confirm your pet is healthy for travel

  • Review of vaccine and medical records

  • Administering vaccines or treatments if needed

  • Completion of required travel forms

  • Coordination with USDA (for international travel) if certification is needed

We also provide tips on preparing your pet for the trip such as crate recommendations, hydration, and feeding guidelines on the day of travel.

We’re here to make pet travel as stress-free as possible. Whether you’re relocating, vacationing, or traveling for work, we’ll help ensure your pet has everything they need to arrive safely and in compliance with regulations.

💙 Whether it’s a checkup, questions, or care needs, visit us—we’re here to be your partner in your pet’s health and well-being.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

Payment is due when services are rendered at All Creatures Pet Hospital. We accept all major credit cards and offer Care Credit for your convenience.

Heartworms have been diagnosed in all fifty states and are especially prevalent in warmer climates found in Alabama. Heartworms can be transmitted to dogs and cats by the bite of a mosquito infected with immature heartworms. If the dog or cat is not protected by a heartworm preventative, the worms can mature, eventually damage the heart and lungs, and cause death if left untreated. Please remember that heartworm preventatives are always less expensive and more effective than heartworm treatments. Dr. Ted Hankes attends conferences and lectures throughout the country to stay current and ensure that All Creatures Pet Hospital offers the safest and most effective products here at our pharmacy, including heartworm preventatives. Please call one of our caring veterinary team members at (205) 947-4083 and schedule a heartworm-preventative appointment for your companion.

Dr. Ted Hankes recommends spaying or neutering all pets not being used for breeding purposes. Sterilization not only prevents unwanted litters but can also prevent certain reproductive cancers later in their lives. Puppies and kittens can be spayed between four and six months of age. Our pets feel pain the same way people do, therefore, we administer pain medication to keep them comfortable during and after the procedure. Additionally, blood work is needed to help determine if your puppy or kitten is healthy enough for the procedure. Please call All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your furry friend for a spay or neuter as soon as they are old enough for the surgery.

Proper nutrition and portion control are as important for our pet companions as they are for us. Overweight pets face the same conditions as people, including arthritis, joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease, for example. Dr. Hankes can evaluate your pet to determine their individual nutritional needs, as well as the proper portions to maintain a healthy body weight. Affordable prescription diets are available at our hospital for your convenience. Schedule an appointment for your furry friend regardless of their life stage or current health condition.

Like people, pets need dental care for overall health. Without it, bacteria can cause tooth decay, gum damage, and may harm organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Dr. Hankes recommends dental care starting at age one to help prevent disease, improve health, and avoid costly future treatments. Contact our team at All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your pet's dental appointment.

In many species, one animal year equals about seven human years. A seven-year-old dog missing the vet for three years is like a 49-year-old person skipping the doctor for 21 years. At All Creatures Pet Hospital, we recommend yearly exams and blood work unless your pet is sick or has a special condition. Caring for your pet early can reduce future medications and may extend their life. Call us at (205) 947-4083 to schedule your pet's yearly visit.