Pet Travel Services

International travel with a dog or cat requires more preparation than domestic trips, and the rules vary significantly by destination country. At Edmonds St. Animal Hospital in Burnaby, BC, we help pet owners in the Burnaby and greater Vancouver area navigate international travel requirements for their pets, including official health certificates, microchipping documentation, and titer testing where required. Booking early and understanding destination requirements well in advance is essential, and we are here to guide you through the process.

International Health Certificates for Pet Travel

An international health certificate is an official veterinary document confirming that your pet has been examined, is free of signs of infectious disease, and meets the health entry requirements of your destination country. Health certificates must be issued by a licensed accredited veterinarian and, for many countries, must be endorsed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) before travel. Requirements vary widely by destination. Some countries require endorsement several days in advance of travel, while others have specific windows within which the health exam must occur before departure. The United States, European Union countries, Australia, Japan, and most other destinations each have their own rules. We strongly recommend booking your pre-travel consultation at least four to six weeks before your intended travel date to allow time for any required documentation, testing, or endorsement steps.

Microchipping for International Pet Travel

Microchipping is required for pet entry into most countries and is a standard pre-condition for an international health certificate. Your pet must have an ISO-standard 15-digit microchip, and the chip must have been implanted and registered before other pre-travel requirements such as rabies vaccinations and titer testing are carried out, as the sequence matters for compliance. If your pet is not yet microchipped, we recommend doing this as early as possible in your travel preparation timeline. Microchipping is a quick in-clinic procedure available at any regular appointment. For full details on microchipping as a routine service, see our Pet Care Services page.

Titer Testing for International Pet Travel

Certain countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the United Kingdom, and others with strict rabies-free status, require a rabies antibody titer test to confirm that your pet has a sufficient immune response to their rabies vaccination before entry is permitted. The titer test must be performed at an approved laboratory, and many countries require a waiting period of three to six months after a passing titer result before entry is permitted. The test must also be carried out after microchipping and vaccination, in the correct sequence. Planning for titer testing requires significant lead time, sometimes six months or more before your travel date. Dr. Maan can walk you through the specific requirements for your destination and ensure the correct sequence of steps is followed. For titer testing as a general diagnostic service, see our Pet Diagnostics page.

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Microchipping and pet identification services

Titer testing and pet diagnostics

Contact us to book a travel consultation

FAQ

How far in advance should I book a pre-travel consultation for my pet?

We recommend booking at least four to six weeks before your travel date for most destinations. For countries requiring titer testing with a mandatory waiting period, such as Australia, New Zealand, or Japan, you may need to begin the process six months or more before travel. Contact us as early as possible and we will walk you through the specific timeline for your destination.

Which countries require titer testing for pet entry?

Countries with strict rabies-free status, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and several others, require a rabies antibody titer test from an approved laboratory. Requirements and waiting periods vary by country. Dr. Maan will review the specific requirements for your destination at your travel consultation.

Does my pet need to be microchipped before getting a health certificate?