Traveling with a dog or cat across international borders involves specific documentation requirements that vary by destination country. At PoCo West Animal Hospital in Port Coquitlam, our pet travel services team helps you navigate the process so that your companion’s travel documentation is accurate, complete, and accepted at your destination. We work with pet owners throughout the Tri-Cities area who are relocating or traveling internationally with their dogs and cats. Planning ahead is essential, as some countries require lead times of weeks or months before travel.
An International Health Certificate (IHC) is a government-endorsed document that certifies your pet's health status and current vaccine records as required by the destination country. Our clinic is accredited to issue IHCs for dogs and cats traveling internationally from Canada. The process involves a clinical examination performed within the timeframe required by your destination country, often within 10 days of travel. We verify that your pet meets all health and vaccine requirements for entry into the destination country and complete the required documentation. If your destination requires endorsement from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), we advise you on that process and timing.
Exporting a pet from Canada requires documentation that varies depending on your destination country. Beyond the International Health Certificate, some countries require import permits, rabies titer testing, specific vaccine intervals, or parasite control records. Our team is familiar with the requirements for common destinations and works with you to ensure your pet's records are complete well before your travel date. We advise on the correct sequence and timing for vaccines and testing, because mistakes in the order or timing of requirements can delay your pet's travel clearance.
Most countries require that dogs and cats entering from abroad be implanted with an ISO-standard microchip that can be read internationally. Microchipping must be done before rabies vaccination or on the same day for the vaccine record to be considered valid in some destinations. If your pet is not yet microchipped, or if their chip does not meet ISO 11784/11785 standards, we can place or confirm the appropriate chip at our clinic. See our Pet Care Services page for more information on microchip placement.
Some countries, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and countries in the European Union, require a rabies titer test showing an adequate antibody level before a pet can enter without quarantine. The titer test must be performed at an approved laboratory after a valid rabies vaccination, and many countries require a waiting period after the titer result before travel is permitted. Planning the titer testing well in advance of your travel date is essential. Our team will walk you through the timeline and requirements specific to your destination. See our Pet Diagnostics page for more information on titer testing.
We recommend starting at least 3 to 6 months before your intended travel date. Some destinations require a rabies titer test with a mandatory waiting period after the result, which alone can take 2 to 4 months from vaccination to confirmed immunity. Starting early avoids the risk of missing a required step or timing window.
Countries with strict rabies-free status, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several island nations, require a demonstrated titer level from an approved laboratory. Requirements for European Union entry vary by country and by whether your pet has been continuously resident in Canada. We recommend confirming requirements directly with the embassy or agriculture authority of your destination country and then booking a consultation with our team.
Dogs entering the United States from Canada must be healthy, show no signs of illness, and have proof of a current rabies vaccine. Requirements have been updated in recent years, and CDC regulations apply. A health certificate is recommended for air travel and may be required by your airline. We can help you confirm what is needed based on your travel method and destination state.
Planning to travel internationally with your pet from Port Coquitlam? Start the process early. Call PoCo West Animal Hospital at (604) 554-1255 or book a travel consultation at pocowestvets.ca/make-an-appointment/. We will guide you through every document and deadline.
