Are your travel certificates in order? How we ensure a pawsitive jet set experience for you and your pet
At Upper Village Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Steven Davidson and our team in midtown Toronto, Ontario, like to “woof” about having so many services under one roof! These services make it super-convenient and easy to keep your pets healthy and happy. This extends to keeping your pets healthy, happy, and safe while travelling. Dr. Davidson is fully qualified to complete all required travel documents accurately.
What documents will I need?
We are happy to discuss the specifics with you, as it depends on where you travel and your specific situation. Generally, though, a special certificate is needed to travel within the country and to other countries. There may also be specific requirements associated with the country you are travelling to.
Why do I need these certificates in the first place?
As veterinarians, we support the health of each patient and, by extension, healthy households and pet-people relationships. Our responsibility extends beyond this. The health care we provide also supports healthy and happy communities. These certificates are confirmation to the proper authorities that your pet is healthy, vaccinated, and fit to travel. This is the top priority; however, a failure to have the right paperwork or to complete it properly can also result in delays or headaches when travelling, or your pet may not be allowed to cross any borders or enter your intended destination. Fines and additional penalties may also be imposed. To ensure a truly relaxing vacation or to ease the headaches that so often accompany travel anyway, we cannot overemphasize the importance of starting the travel certificate process now rather than later. Do not wait.
What is involved with the certificate process?
As an example, the International Health Certificate for Dogs and Cats largely includes:
- Basics about your pet, such as distinguishing marks and microchipping information
- A list of required vaccinations with the corresponding dates each was administered, as well as the respective name, type, and manufacturer
- A statement that the pet has been clinically examined by a licensed veterinarian and is “clinically healthy,” “free of external parasites,” and “fit to travel” (the date of the exam is also included)
- Another section that lists additional vaccinations or treatments and the date and reason for each treatment or vaccination listed
- Verification that your pet has undergone testing to confirm they have sufficient immunity against rabies after vaccination.
Dr. Davidson must confirm and sign off on each of these areas.
Can all of this be done in one appointment?
Generally, all of the services and health requirements above reflect a process. Your pet may have additional needs that must be addressed before they are “fit to travel.” We encourage you to allow ample time for us to vaccinate your pet, provide other preventative services, and treat any existing health issues. It is our responsibility to ensure your pet’s health, which also contributes to the well-being of other pets and animals that your pet may encounter while travelling. When taking a pet on a journey, there are important considerations that should not be rushed.
Your friends at Upper Village Veterinary Hospital are happy to answer any questions you may have about travel documents and travelling with your pet in general. Contact our clinic in midtown Toronto, ON, at (647) 560-9276 to speak with a member of our team today.
