What Is an Animal Health Certificate?
An Animal Health Certificate, or certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI), is a document that you often need for pet travel. A USDA accredited veterinarian must fill it out for you. The certificate lists basic information about your pet, including breed, age, and vaccination history. It also certifies that the animal is free of disease and up to date on everything it needs to be.
Do You Need A Certificate to Travel Within a State?
It depends. Frequently, you do not if you are traveling with your pet in your private vehicle, but it is good practice to have proof of up-to-date vaccinations with you anyway. Hosts of pet shows or expos may require a certificate, proof of current vaccinations, or negative tests.
Do You Need A Certificate Driving State to State?
Requirements for online animal health certificates and statuses are different from state to state. What kind of animal you are traveling with also matters. Some, like California, do not require pets to have a certificate to enter the state. Others may fine you hundreds of dollars for crossing state lines without the proper documentation. You can check the USDA website for the rules for each state.
Do You Need A Certificate to Fly?
Yes, animal health certificates are required for an animal to travel by air, regardless of the destination. Rules vary between airlines regarding how recent the certificate must be, so you should double-check this before flying. Some require attaining it within 10-14 days of the departure date.
