Pet Travel Services in Maple Ridge, BC
Traveling internationally with a dog or cat requires careful preparation and the right documentation. Requirements vary by destination country and can change, so starting the process early with your veterinarian is essential. At Haney Animal Hospital in Maple Ridge, BC, we help you navigate the export documentation process, including health certificates, titer testing for travel, and microchipping, so your pet can travel with you safely and without delays at the border.
International Health Certificate
An official international health certificate is required for most international travel with a dog or cat. This document is issued by an accredited veterinarian and certifies that your pet has been examined within a specified window before travel, is healthy for transport, and meets the vaccination and parasite control requirements of the destination country. Requirements differ significantly between countries, and some destinations require specific timing for vaccines or parasite treatments that must be completed weeks before departure. Call us well in advance of your travel date so we have time to complete all required steps within the required windows.
Pet Export Documentation
Export documentation goes beyond the health certificate in some cases and may include CFIA endorsement, specific parasite clearance records, and documentation of vaccination history in a format accepted by the destination country. We assist with compiling and preparing the necessary paperwork and can direct you to the appropriate government and embassy resources for your specific destination. Some countries, particularly those with strict biosecurity regulations, have requirements that take months to complete from start to finish.
Microchipping for Travel
ISO-standard microchipping is a requirement for travel to most countries outside Canada. The chip must be implanted before vaccines are administered for the travel record to be valid in many jurisdictions. If your pet is not yet microchipped, or if you are unsure whether their existing chip meets the ISO 11784 or 11785 standard, we can check and implant a compliant chip as needed. We record the chip number in your pet’s file and on the health certificate documentation.
Titer Testing for Travel
Some destination countries, including those in the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand, accept a rabies antibody titer test in place of repeated vaccination as proof of rabies immunity. This test must be performed by an approved laboratory, and the result must meet a minimum threshold. We can collect the blood sample in-house and arrange submission to an approved testing facility. Given the timing requirements that apply to titer tests in many travel programs, we recommend discussing your travel destination and timeline with us as early as possible.
FAQs
How far in advance should I contact Haney Animal Hospital before traveling internationally with my pet?
We recommend contacting us at least three months before your travel date for most destinations, and six months or more for countries with strict entry requirements such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Requirements including titer testing, specific vaccine timing, and endorsement processing can take weeks, and missing a step may delay or prevent travel. Call (604) 476-2525 as early as possible to start the process.
What is an international health certificate and how do I get one in Maple Ridge?
An international health certificate is an official document signed by an accredited veterinarian certifying that your pet is healthy for travel and meets the entry requirements of your destination country. Call Haney Animal Hospital at (604) 476-2525 and let us know your destination and travel date, and we will guide you through what is required and when each step needs to be completed.
Does my dog or cat need to be microchipped before traveling internationally from Canada?
Yes, for most international destinations. The chip must meet ISO 11784 or 11785 standard and should be implanted before the health certificate exam and, in many cases, before vaccines that will appear on the travel documentation. If your pet is already chipped, we can verify that the chip number is readable and meets the required standard.
Planning international travel with your pet? Contact Haney Animal Hospital early to make sure all documentation is in order. Call (604) 476-2525 or book online at haneyanimalhospital.com/make-an-appointment/. Open seven days a week in Maple Ridge, BC.