Pet travel services at McCurdy Animal Hospital in Kelowna help families prepare their dogs and cats for safe, compliant international travel. Whether you are relocating abroad, traveling with your pet, or transporting an animal to another country, international travel involves specific health requirements, documentation, and timelines that vary by destination. Our team provides guidance on requirements, coordinates the necessary examinations and documentation, and helps you navigate the process with confidence.
An international health certificate is an official veterinary document certifying that your pet has been examined and meets the health requirements of the destination country. Requirements vary significantly by country and can include specific vaccinations, parasite preventives, age restrictions, and waiting periods between procedures and travel. Health certificates must be issued within a specific timeframe before departure, and in many cases must be endorsed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. We walk you through the requirements for your destination and create a timeline that ensures all steps are completed in the correct order.
Most countries require pets to be microchipped before entering, and many require the microchip to meet ISO 11784/11785 standards. Microchipping is also a prerequisite for many health certificates and international health documentation processes. If your pet is not yet microchipped, we recommend doing this well in advance of your travel date. We can also confirm whether your pet's existing microchip meets international standards and advise if any additional steps are needed before travel.
Some destination countries require serological titer testing to confirm that your pet has adequate antibody levels for rabies, and in some cases other diseases, before entry is permitted. Titer tests must often be submitted to an approved laboratory and require a waiting period after the test result before travel. We collect samples and coordinate submission to recognized laboratories. We advise on testing timelines and ensure that all titer requirements for your destination are met well ahead of your departure date.
Pet export documentation includes all certificates, permits, health records, vaccination records, and other official paperwork required for your pet to travel internationally. Requirements vary by destination and species, and documentation errors are among the most common reasons pets are delayed or refused entry at a border. Our team reviews the specific requirements for your destination carefully, prepares documentation accurately, and advises on which steps must be completed in sequence to avoid problems at travel time.
We recommend contacting us as early as possible, and at least 3 to 6 months before your travel date for most international destinations. Some countries require titer testing with a waiting period of 6 months or more before entry. Starting early gives us time to complete all required steps in the correct sequence and avoids the risk of last-minute delays. Call (778) 484-9446 to start planning your pet’s travel.
Most countries require pets to be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip, which is the standard chip we use. If your pet was microchipped elsewhere, we can confirm whether the chip meets international standards at your appointment. Microchipping must be completed before rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count toward international health requirements in most destinations.
Yes. An official veterinary health certificate is required for most international pet travel and must be issued within a specific timeframe before departure, often 10 days or less. The certificate must be signed by an accredited veterinarian and in many cases endorsed by the CFIA. Requirements vary significantly by country. Contact McCurdy Animal Hospital at (778) 484-9446 as early as possible so we can review the specific requirements for your destination.
Contact McCurdy Animal Hospital in Kelowna to begin planning your pet's international travel documentation. Our team guides you through health certificates, titer testing, and all required export paperwork. Call (778) 484-9446 or book online at mahvet.ca/book-an-appointment/.
