Darien Animal Clinic has multiple USDA VEHCS accredited veterinarians and is pleased to offer International Health Exams and Certificates for pets travelling with their owners!

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Any pet that is traveling requires a health certificate stating that they are free from disease and can endure the rigors of travel. While health certificates for domestic travel can be completed by any licensed veterinarian (and generally requires little more than being current on vaccines and free from contagious disease), almost all health certificates for international travel must be filled out by a specially trained veterinarian accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture.  The regulations for exporting a pet from one country and bringing them into another varies considerably depending on the destination country, and can be quite complicated, often requiring very specific bloodwork and vaccinations. A USDA-accredited veterinarian can sort through these requirements and get your pet ready for their trip, and avoid any issues that may cause delays or even refusal at entry.

Because of the often complex nature of transporting a pet internationally, it is extremely important to be familiar with the requirements of the importing country and plan accordingly (sometimes requiring planning months ahead of time). We can help reduce the stress of travelling with your pet by helping get everything in order.

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If you are planning to travel internationally with your pet, or may do so in the future, feel free to call us any time to start getting your little world traveler ready for their exciting adventure!

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International Travel with Your Pet – Steps for a Smooth Experience

To ensure a smooth international travel experience for you and your pet, please complete the following steps:

Before Travel & Before Your Appointment

1. Complete the Required Forms:

   • International Health Certificate Request Form - Click here

   • If this is your first visit to our clinic, please also fill out our New Client Form – Click here

2. After Submission:

   • We will review your information and contact you via phone, text, or email.

   • If you have not heard from us within 48 hours, please reach out to us at reception@darien.vet

3. Scheduling the Appointment:

   • Once we've contacted you and confirmed appointment availability, you may schedule your appointment via phone, text, or at this web address.

At the Appointment

1. Bring Your Pet(s) for a full physical examination with a USDA-accredited veterinarian.

2. Arrival Time & Duration:

   • Please arrive a few minutes early.

   • Appointments generally last about 30 minutes but may be longer depending on your questions and the required documentation.

After the Appointment

1. Certificate Submission:

   • We will electronically submit the following via the USDA VEHCS system:

     • International Health Certificate

     • Rabies Certificate

     • If required:

       • UPS Overnight Priority Label with Saturday Delivery

       • Rabies Titer Results

       • Internal/External Parasite Certificates

       • Any other necessary documents

2. Confirmation Messages:

   • You will receive a text message confirming submission to the USDA.

   • Once we have submitted all the documents to the USDA we have no way to expedite the process nor will they provide us with a certificate return date.

   • Once endorsed by the USDA:

     • If sent via UPS, we will text you the tracking information.

     • If submitted electronically, we will email you a copy of the health certificate.

Important Travel Note

• You must travel with either:

  • The UPS-embossed physical health certificate, or

  • A printed copy of the electronic certificate.

• Please also carry a copy of your pet’s current rabies certificate. If your pet was vaccinated at Darien Animal Clinic, we will provide this for you.

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Any questions in regards to the new CDC Rabies Requirements

Starting August 1, 2024 at 12:01AM ET, new rules go into effect.

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CDC Rabies Requirements FAQs:

Attention owners of U.S.-vaccinated dogs in high-risk countries

Many owners are not fully aware of how the CDC's “transition period” applies to their U.S.-vaccinated dogs returning to the U.S. from high-risk countries.

The transition period rule allows:

• owners who leave the U.S. with their dogs before August 1, 2025

• and who have obtained a USDA-endorsed export health certificate issued on or before July 31, 2025 for the high-risk country they are visiting

• to re-enter the U.S. with this USDA-endorsed export health certificate any time until their dogs' rabies vaccinations expire (once the rabies vaccination expires, the USDA export certificate is no long valid for return to the U.S.)

This means that owners and their dogs do NOT need to return to the U.S. from high-risk countries before July 31, 2025.

The CDC provides the following example. 

If a dog is vaccinated with a 3-year U.S. rabies vaccine on September 1, 2024, then leaves the United States to travel to a high-risk country with a USDA-endorsed (export) health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before July 31, 2025, the dog may re-enter the U.S. using that certificate until August 31, 2027. (clarifying language added)

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Call our veterinary clinic to schedule an appointment at (630) 655-1888.

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Once an appointment is schedule please complete our international health certificate form here

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You may review requirements at the USDA APHIS website here