Last checked: June 1, 2026. Travel rules change often. Always confirm the current rule with the airline, border agency, or official government page before booking or flying.
USDA APHIS is one of the most important official sources for U.S.-based pet travelers. It does not mean every pet trip is approved. It gives the process for checking the importing country’s rules and completing a health certificate when one is required.
What USDA APHIS helps you check
| Question | APHIS role | Traveler action |
|---|---|---|
| Can my animal travel as a pet? | APHIS explains which animals qualify under pet travel guidance. | Confirm species before assuming dog/cat rules apply. |
| What does my destination require? | APHIS links to destination country requirements for exports from the U.S. | Select the destination country and read the exact instructions. |
| Do I need a health certificate? | APHIS explains the certificate and endorsement process. | Work with a USDA-accredited veterinarian early. |
| When should the vet sign? | APHIS warns there may be a limited time after signing to get endorsement and travel. | Build a date schedule backward from the flight. |
| Does CDC also apply? | APHIS notes CDC is the primary authority for dogs entering or returning to the U.S. | Check CDC separately for U.S. dog entry. |
Step-by-step APHIS check
- Go to the USDA APHIS Pet Travel page.
- Choose whether you are exporting from the U.S., importing into the U.S., or traveling interstate.
- For export, select the destination country and animal type.
- Read the country page for vaccines, tests, treatments, certificate forms, and endorsement instructions.
- Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as you decide to travel.
- Create a timeline for microchip, rabies vaccination, blood test, parasite treatment, health certificate signature, USDA endorsement, and flight date.
- Confirm the airline’s paperwork and carrier requirements separately.
Why the timing matters
APHIS explains that once an accredited veterinarian signs a health certificate, there may be a limited amount of time to get it endorsed and travel with the pet. That timing can be different by destination. If the certificate is signed too early or endorsed too late, the destination may reject it.
APHIS versus CDC for dogs entering the U.S.
For dogs entering or returning to the United States, CDC dog import rules are separate from APHIS export guidance. APHIS says CDC is the primary government authority for dogs imported into the United States. If your route includes a dog entering the U.S., check CDC’s Dog Import Form and requirements even if you already checked APHIS.
Information to prepare before calling the vet
- Pet species, breed, age, sex, color, and microchip number.
- Origin country, destination country, and transit countries.
- Travel date and expected arrival date.
- Rabies vaccination date and vaccine validity.
- Whether the pet is personal, commercial, adoption, rescue, service animal, or other purpose.
- Airline and whether the pet is cabin, checked baggage, or cargo.
FAQ
Is USDA APHIS only for dogs and cats?
No. APHIS pet travel guidance covers several pet categories, but rules vary by species. Check whether your animal qualifies as a pet under APHIS guidance.
Can any veterinarian issue the certificate?
For U.S. export certificates, APHIS commonly directs travelers to work with a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Your destination may also require government endorsement.
Does APHIS decide another country's import rules?
No. Destination countries set their own entry requirements. APHIS helps U.S. travelers find and complete the required process.
Can APHIS endorsement be done after travel?
Do not assume so. Some forms and endorsements must be completed before departure, and CDC rabies-related forms for U.S. dogs have their own timing rules.