Certificates of Veterinary Inspection

Providing USDA accredited health certificates for pets traveling from Alaska to Canada and the lower 48.

A small tan and black pug puppy sits on the exam table with the tip of its pink tongue sticking out.
A small tan and black pug puppy sits on the exam table with the tip of its pink tongue sticking out.
Two small, fluffy dogs with black and white fur are resting inside a pet carrier, accompanied by a blue plush toy. The background shows a row of airport seats
Two small, fluffy dogs with black and white fur are resting inside a pet carrier, accompanied by a blue plush toy. The background shows a row of airport seats
Driving
Flying
A cream-colored Pomeranian seems to smile through a soft-sided pet carrier
A cream-colored Pomeranian seems to smile through a soft-sided pet carrier
A dog looks at the camera while lounging on a metal chair in an airport awaiting his next flight
A dog looks at the camera while lounging on a metal chair in an airport awaiting his next flight
A dog with white fur sits in the background. The foreground has orange and purple flowers
A dog with white fur sits in the background. The foreground has orange and purple flowers
A French bulldog sits in the back seat of a car and looks out the window at a log building.
A French bulldog sits in the back seat of a car and looks out the window at a log building.
A small dog with tan and black fur is seated in a pet carrier on the back seat of a car. The interior of the car has patterned seat coverings, and the dog is wearing a blue harness. The carrier is decorated with white paw prints. Outside, part of a green building and a parked car are visible through the window.
A small dog with tan and black fur is seated in a pet carrier on the back seat of a car. The interior of the car has patterned seat coverings, and the dog is wearing a blue harness. The carrier is decorated with white paw prints. Outside, part of a green building and a parked car are visible through the window.
Two black dogs wearing colorful vests and leashes are sitting on the tarmac in front of a passenger airplane. The sky is clear with a few clouds, and the background shows parts of the airport infrastructure.
Two black dogs wearing colorful vests and leashes are sitting on the tarmac in front of a passenger airplane. The sky is clear with a few clouds, and the background shows parts of the airport infrastructure.
Link to USDA Pet Travel Website
Orange tabby peeks out of black suitcase
Orange tabby peeks out of black suitcase

General requirements for driving through Canada to lower 48:

  • Dogs and Cats:

    • Must have a current rabies certificate.

    • Must appear healthy and be free of infectious disease.

    • *May need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (see below)

  • Dogs Only:

    • Must have a microchip implanted (does not need to be present on rabies certificate).

    • Must be over 6 months of age.

    • Must have a CDC dog import form (free form available on CDC.gov, search dog import)

*Depending on what state you re-enter the U.S. through, and what your destination state is, you may or may not need a health certificate (also known as Certificate of Veterinary Inspection). The USDA Pet Travel website has the most up-to-date information on state requirements. We do recommend having a health certificate even if your plans include states that do not require one, in case of route changes or road closures while en-route.

Link to CDC.gov
Link to USDA Pet Travel Website

Travel Tips:

  • Get your pet used to the kennel or enclosure long before travel occurs (ideally associate the kennel as being a safe and positive space).

  • Before your trip, practice traveling while in the kennel or enclosure that will be used during the trip.

  • If your pet experiences significant anxiety or seems to have motion sickness when traveling, please ask your regular veterinarian for medication recommendations for travel.

  • Plan for frequent breaks if driving

  • Be extra aware of where your pet is when opening doors to avoid accidental escapes during travel.

  • Remember not to leave your pet unattended in the car during extreme temperatures, or during very sunny days.

Link to AVMA pet travel tips

General requirements for flying to the lower 48:

  • Valid rabies certificate (if old enough for rabies vaccine)

  • If your pet is flying cargo:

    • A valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within 10 days of flight.

    • A letter of acclimation (temperature tolerance form).

  • If your pet is flying in cabin:

    • Please check with your airline as they may or may not require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.

*Please remember that airlines often have their own regulations and requirements for pet travel. These regulations could include breed restrictions, breed verification forms, and kennel requirements. Due to the variation in requirements between different airlines, you will need to check directly with your airline to ensure your pet is qualified for travel in its specific carrier.

A french bulldog relaxes in her soft pet carrier with an expression that seems tired or fed up.
A french bulldog relaxes in her soft pet carrier with an expression that seems tired or fed up.

Contact

Request Registration Forms:

petvetinak@gmail.com

907-691-7905

© 2025. All rights reserved.

Silhouette of a dog and cat sitting in front of a mountain with a car and airplane in background.
Silhouette of a dog and cat sitting in front of a mountain with a car and airplane in background.