Travelling Outside Canada With Your Dog or Cat: Pet Health Certificates and Travel Documents

Quick answer: Travelling internationally with a pet usually means meeting health and documentation requirements for your destination. At Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre, our team can help you prepare the necessary documentation for safe and compliant travel, from health certificates to vaccinations, and we can microchip your pet so they have permanent identification while you are away.

Taking your dog or cat on an international trip can be exciting, but international regulations and health requirements can make the process complex. Here is how to get your pet ready and how our team can help.

How to prepare your pet for international travel

Step 1: Find out what your destination requires. Requirements depend on where you are going. Check the rules for your destination and your airline or carrier before you book, then bring that information to your appointment.

Step 2: Contact us early. Call us at (902) 864-2882 or request an appointment online as soon as you know your travel plans. Giving our team time to review your pet's needs helps make your plans smoother.

Step 3: Book an exam. Your veterinarian will examine your pet and review their health history. If your pet is new to us, please bring any previous veterinary records, booklets or paperwork, and arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Step 4: Update vaccinations. We will review your pet's vaccination history and make sure their vaccines are in order for your trip. Core vaccines for dogs include rabies, distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus, while cats typically receive vaccines for feline leukemia, rabies and feline distemper. Learn more in our pet vaccination guide.

Step 5: Microchip your pet. A microchip is a small device inserted under the skin that gives your pet permanent identification. Collars and ID tags can be lost or removed, but a microchip lets veterinary professionals and shelters identify your pet and contact you if your pet is found. Read about the importance of microchipping.

Step 6: Get your documents in order. Our team will help you prepare the health certificates and documentation your trip requires, so you have everything ready before your journey.

Before you leave

• Keep copies of your pet's travel documents and medical records with you. Our patient portal lets you access your pet's records and request prescription refills.
• If your pet takes medication, make sure you have enough for the whole trip.
• Keep up with parasite prevention for fleas, ticks and heartworms. Learn more about our wellness and preventive care.

Frequently asked questions about pet travel

Can you help me get a health certificate for my pet?

Yes. Our team can assist you in preparing the documentation needed for safe and compliant travel, including health certificates and vaccinations.

Does my pet need a microchip to travel?

Requirements vary by destination, so check the rules for where you are going. Either way, we encourage all pet owners to consider microchipping as part of their pet's safety plan, because it is a permanent form of identification that cannot fall off like a collar or tag.

How far in advance should I book?

Contact us as soon as you know your travel plans so we can review your pet's vaccination history and documentation needs with you.

Book a pet travel appointment in Middle Sackville

Planning a trip with your dog or cat? Learn more about our integrated support services, including microchipping and international travel documentation, then request an appointment online or call us at (902) 864-2882. New to the clinic? Visit our new clients page.

Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre is a veterinary-owned, CVMA- and NSVMA-accredited animal hospital at 1622 Sackville Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3A8. This article is general information and is not a substitute for an examination of your pet by a veterinarian.