16355 SW 88th Street
Miami, FL 33196
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-6:00pm; Saturday: 8:30am-2:00pm; Sunday: Closed
Traveling with your pet means proving they meet the health and vaccination requirements of your destination. A health certificate, sometimes called a certificate of veterinary inspection, is official confirmation from a licensed veterinarian that your pet has been examined and appears free of contagious disease.
Dr. Morales and Dr. Fernandez handle health certificates for both domestic and international travel, combining a thorough exam with up-to-date knowledge of destination requirements. We take the time to explain exactly what your destination needs and make sure your pet’s documentation is complete, accurate, and properly formatted before you travel.
Requirements vary by state, some only require certificates for shows, boarding, or specific species, while airlines almost always require one for pets in cargo and often for cabin travel too. States like Hawaii and Alaska have stricter import rules, and many southern states require certificates for dogs to prevent the spread of canine brucellosis.
International certificates involve stricter rules around vaccinations, parasite treatments, blood tests, and sometimes quarantine, and require USDA endorsement, an official government seal that foreign authorities recognize. This endorsement has to happen within a specific window before departure, so starting the process early matters. Call (786) 885-1590 to talk through your destination’s requirements.
The exam includes checking temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body condition, along with eyes, ears, mouth, skin, and coat. We review your pet’s vaccination history closely, since rabies vaccination is universally required and most destinations specify a minimum interval between vaccination and travel. Some international destinations also require rabies titer blood tests, which take several weeks to process at approved labs.
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Most domestic certificates are valid for 10 to 30 days, so we schedule strategically to cover your full travel window without running past the validity period. International travel often needs the exam within 10 days of departure, with USDA endorsement completed in that same tight timeframe, and airlines usually require certificates issued within 10 days of the flight regardless of destination rules.
Each country sets its own import rules. The European Union requires microchips and specific rabies vaccination timing, sometimes with a months-long titer test waiting period, while countries like Japan and Australia have especially strict quarantine and testing protocols. We recommend checking your destination country’s official requirements early, since they change and unofficial sources can be outdated.
Book your appointment after your travel dates are set, but early enough to complete any required testing. If your pet needs vaccinations or testing before the official exam, we recommend a separate visit first, so vaccines have time to take effect and results are back before the certificate exam.
At Your Family Veterinarian, we’re proud to offer:
The cost includes the physical exam and any required testing, such as bloodwork for international travel, so it varies by destination and whether USDA endorsement is needed. Call (786) 885-1590 ahead of your appointment and we can give you an estimate based on your specific travel plans.
For domestic travel, most certificates are valid 10 to 30 days, so scheduling 5 to 7 days before departure usually works well. For international travel requiring USDA endorsement, start the process at least 2 to 4 weeks ahead to allow time for testing and processing. Airlines also require certificates issued within 10 days of the flight.
Yes, most airlines require a health certificate for cats whether they’re in the cabin or cargo, issued within 10 days of the flight. Some states, particularly Hawaii and Alaska, have stricter documentation requirements. We’ll confirm your airline’s specific requirements at your appointment.
USDA endorsement adds an official government seal to your pet’s health certificate, which most countries require for entry. After the exam and certificate preparation, we submit the paperwork to the USDA within the required timeframe before departure. Since some countries require testing and waiting periods started months in advance, call (786) 885-1590 well before your planned travel date.
Rescheduled flights or changed travel dates can invalidate a health certificate if it falls outside the required validity window, which usually means a new exam and fresh documentation. Letting us know as soon as your dates shift helps avoid a last-minute scramble before departure.
Traveling with your pet takes planning, and we’re here to help you get it right. Call (786) 885-1590 or book online to schedule a health certificate appointment with Your Family Veterinarian. Our clinic is located at 16355 SW 88th Street, Miami, FL 33196 in the shopping plaza with LA Fitness and Starbucks. We’re open Monday through Friday, 9am–6pm, and Saturday, 8:30am–2pm.
