Travel with Confidence: Cat & Dog Health Certificates in Durham, NC

Whether you're relocating, taking a vacation, or preparing for an international move, your pet may need documentation before they can travel. Cat and dog health certificates help verify that your pet meets the health requirements established by airlines, states, or destination countries.

At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, we help simplify the process from start to finish. Our Durham, NC team will review your travel plans, perform the required examination, and guide you through the necessary paperwork. We also have a USDA-accredited veterinarian who is authorized to issue international health certificates for pets traveling abroad.

Planning a trip with your pet? Call 919-973-0292 today to schedule your health certificate appointment as early as possible.

brown and white striped cat with green eyes inside carrier

What Is a Pet Health Certificate?

A pet health certificate is an official document completed by a veterinarian after examining your pet. It confirms that your pet is healthy enough to travel and has met the vaccination or testing requirements required for your destination.

Health certificate requirements vary depending on where you're traveling. Some destinations require only a physical examination, while others require specific vaccinations, laboratory testing, parasite treatments, or additional documentation before travel.

Because every destination has different rules — and many have strict timelines — it's important to start planning well before your departure date.

When Does My Pet Need a Health Certificate?

Your pet may need a health certificate when traveling:

  • By airplane within the United States

  • Across state lines

  • Internationally

  • To Hawaii or U.S. territories

  • During military relocations

  • When moving permanently to another country

Even if an airline doesn't require a health certificate, your destination may. Checking the requirements early can help prevent unexpected delays or last-minute changes to your travel plans.

black dog standing outside in grass licking nose
young white dog wearing bright pink harness and light pink leash sitting outdoors in grass

What to Expect During a Health Certificate Appointment

Our goal is to make the process as straightforward as possible.

During your appointment, we will:

  • Discuss your travel destination and departure date

  • Review the specific requirements for your destination

  • Perform a comprehensive physical examination

  • Verify your pet's vaccination history

  • Determine whether additional testing, treatments, or documentation is needed

  • Complete the appropriate health certificate paperwork

For international travel, our USDA-accredited veterinarian can prepare and issue international health certificates when all destination requirements have been met.

Because some countries require testing or treatments weeks or even months before travel, we recommend scheduling your appointment as soon as you know your travel plans.

Travel Starts with the Right Preparation

Travel Starts with the Right Preparation

Traveling with your pet should be exciting, not stressful. At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, we're here to help you navigate the health certificate process with clear guidance, careful attention to detail, and personalized support along the way.

Whether you're traveling across the country or around the world, our team will help you understand the requirements and prepare the documentation your pet needs, including international health certificates issued by our USDA-accredited veterinarian.

Call 919-973-0292 today to schedule your pet’s health certificate appointment, and let's help your next adventure get off to a smooth start.