International Pet Travel
Going Abroad With Your Pet? 
International travel with a pet takes more than a routine health certificate. Madison Street Animal Hospital works with Pawsitive Pet Health Certificates (PPHC) to help guide you through the paperwork, timing, and requirements for your destination.
Destination rules, veterinary care, documents, and any required government endorsement all need to line up before departure.
Your Travel Plan
How The Process Works
PPHC specializes in international pet health certificate coordination and works with pet owners, veterinary practices, and the USDA when endorsement is required. Your exact process depends on your destination and your pet’s circumstances.
1
Contact PPHC
Complete PPHC’s new-client questionnaire as soon as you know you may be traveling. Share your destination, travel dates, pet details, and any countries you’ll transit through.
Review Your Requirements
PPHC will help identify the destination-specific steps and documentation. Follow the instructions and timeline provided, which may include a microchip, vaccinations, laboratory testing, treatments, or permits.
3
Coordinate Your Veterinary Visit
Once you receive PPHC’s instructions and checklist, contact Madison Street Animal Hospital to discuss scheduling. Some exams, tests, or certificates must be completed within a limited period before departure.
4
Complete The Paperwork
Your veterinary team completes the required medical examination and documentation within its authorized role. Some destinations require review and endorsement by USDA APHIS.
Confirm Documents Before Leaving
Make sure you have the final documents and understand any destination-specific instructions. Confirm airline or carrier rules separately; they may differ from government entry rules.
Plan For The Return Trip
Before departure, check the requirements for bringing your pet back to the United States, including any applicable CDC requirements for dogs. Do not assume the outbound paperwork is enough for the return.
Before You Begin
What to Have Ready
Gather as much of this information as you can before starting the process. PPHC will let you know which items apply to your trip.
- Your destination country and planned departure date
- Any countries where your pet will transit or clear customs
- Your pet’s species, age, microchip details, and vaccination records
- Relevant medical records and previous travel documents
- Travel arrangements, including airline and whether your pet travels in-cabin, as checked transport, or as cargo
- Your return-to-U.S. plans and expected dates
Ready to Get Started?
Begin with PPHC’s new-client questionnaire. After you submit it, watch for their follow-up instructions and complete any requested intake, contract, or deposit steps promptly.
When PPHC provides your travel checklist and recommends timing for the veterinary appointment, contact Madison Street Animal Hospital to coordinate the next steps.
Good To Know
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start?
Can I use the same health certificate for every country?
What if my plans or travel date change?
Does my pet need a passport?
Does the airline have its own rules?
Can Madison Street Animal Hospital guarantee my pet will be admitted?
Official Information
Helpful Travel Resources
Use these resources alongside the instructions you receive from PPHC. Official requirements can change, so verify them for every trip.
PPHC: Get Started
New-client questionnaire and next steps for international health certificate support.
USDA APHIS: Traveling Abroad
Official U.S. guidance and country-specific export requirements.
USDA APHIS: Process Overview
A step-by-step overview of preparing a pet for international travel.
CDC: Bringing Dogs into the U.S.
Requirements that may apply when returning to or entering the United States with a dog.
U.S. Department of State
General guidance about pets and international travel.
About PPHC
Learn more about Pawsitive Pet Health Certificates and its role in the process.
Questions about the process? Start with PPHC, then contact Madison Street Animal Hospital when you receive your checklist.
compassionate veterinary care in seattle & beyond
Madison Street Animal Hospital provides full-service veterinary care for dogs and cats, supporting pet families throughout Capitol Hill, Madison Valley, Madison Park, and the surrounding Puget Sound area. From preventive wellness exams and vaccinations to diagnostics, digital radiology, dental care, and surgery, our veterinary team is committed to helping pets stay healthy and comfortable through every stage of life. Whether your pet needs routine preventive care or a closer look at something new, we're here to provide compassionate, personalized veterinary care you can trust.