A health certificate, also known as a certificate of veterinary inspection or CVI, ensures that your pet is healthy and up to date on their vaccinations.
The certificate will indicate that the dog or cat is free of infectious disease and meets all import requirements for the state, territory or country in which you are traveling.
Vaccinations
A dog health certificate is a document that ensures your pet has been thoroughly examined and vaccinated against disease. This certificate is also an important part of a pet’s travel documentation.
A health certificate should be issued by a licensed veterinarian. The vet will inspect your pet and perform a thorough physical exam before filling out the paperwork.
Generally, a dog health certificate lasts about 30 days after it’s issued. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
To be on the safe side, it’s best to get your dog a rabies vaccination before you travel abroad. This will give you an animal health certificate that’s valid for travel in the EU.
You also need to make sure your dog has received a booster rabies vaccination within 4 weeks of the initial one. In addition to the above, you’ll need a heartworm test and any other vaccinations required by your destination country. The rabies vaccine is the most important because it provides immunity against rabies, which is highly contagious and deadly.
Microchip
Microchips are tiny bits of silicon that contain electronic circuits. These circuits can hold a lot of information or perform mathematical and logical operations.
A microchip can be inserted into your pet in a routine veterinary visit. Most veterinarians and animal clinics, like The Animal League Wellness Center, can implant them in your dog, cat or ferret in a few seconds.
The chip is placed underneath the skin in your pet’s neck, no deeper than the needle used for shots or blood tests. It is safe for your pet and won’t cause any pain.
It is important that the microchip is properly implanted by a veterinarian and not just by someone else. The vet knows where to place the chip, and how to prevent a microchip from becoming infected or causing a health problem later on.
Most shelters and veterinary clinics have universal scanners that read most types of microchips, including the 128 kHz ISO standard. But some countries may still require a different frequency, so check with your veterinarian if you travel abroad to determine which frequency to use for your pet.
Blood Tests
Getting your dog’s blood tested is essential for your vet to discover underlying problems. It can help them uncover infections, illnesses, or bodily malfunctions – especially those that are difficult to see and diagnose – that could grow into serious conditions if left unnoticed.
A CBC (complete blood count) identifies and quantifies white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets in a sample of your pet’s blood. It also helps the vet determine if your pet has anemia or dehydration.
Common blood serum tests evaluate organ function, electrolyte status, hormone levels and more. They are important for evaluating older pets, pets with vomiting, diarrhoea or toxin exposure, pets receiving long-term medications, health before anaesthesia and for screening for disease in puppies.
Physical Exam
A dog health certificate is a document issued by a veterinarian that indicates your pet is healthy and has been fully vaccinated. This can help prevent the spread of disease and eliminate risks for other pets, people, and wildlife in your area.
The health certificate will include information about your dog’s vaccination status, rabies status, and other details about your dog’s travel plans. Your doctor will complete this form after your dog has been through a thorough physical exam, so it’s best to get it done as soon as possible.
During the wellness examination, your veterinarian will look for any signs of illness or disease that could make travel unsafe. They will also check for heartworm, intestinal parasites, and other conditions.
In addition to the physical exam, your vet will perform laboratory tests. These will help them determine your dog’s current health status, including their blood work, urine testing, and fecal examination.