If you plan to travel by auto or air with your pet to another state, your pet may require a certificate of veterinary inspection. A health certificate is a federal document generated by a federally-accredited veterinarian. The certificate ensures that a pet has met certain health criteria. There are two general types of health certificates for pets: domestic for interstate travel within the U.S. (usually by air) and international. Both types have stringent rules veterinarians cannot bend. At Midlothian Veterinary Clinic, we offer domestic health certificates for pets.

Domestic Health Certificates

Some common requirements for pets traveling to other states include a current rabies vaccination and testing negative for heartworm or currently on a heartworm preventative. Requirements vary from state-to-state. Domestic health certificates must be written the same day the veterinarian completes a thorough physical exam and cannot back-dated. Check with your airlines and the states you’re driving through to see if they require one (each is different).

Click here to see the requirements for your destination state(s).