Travelling internationally with a dog or cat involves more veterinary preparation than many pet owners realise. Each destination country has its own entry requirements for pets, and failing to meet those requirements can result in your pet being quarantined or refused entry at the border. North Delta Animal Hospital provides pet travel services for dogs and cats in Delta and Surrey, including international health certificates, microchipping, and titre testing, so you can travel with your pet knowing the documentation is in order.
An international health certificate is an official document certifying that your dog or cat has been examined by a licensed veterinarian and meets the health requirements of your destination country. These certificates are generally required for air travel with pets and for entry into most countries. Requirements vary by destination, so confirming what your specific country requires well in advance is important. Our team can review your destination's requirements, perform the health examination, and complete the certificate in the required format. Health certificates are typically issued within a specific window before travel, so timing matters. Please contact us at least four to six weeks before your planned departure date to begin the process.
An ISO-standard microchip is required for pet travel to most countries, including all European Union member countries, the United Kingdom, and many others. The microchip must typically be implanted before certain other steps in the travel process, such as rabies vaccination, to be counted toward the required timeline. If your dog or cat is not yet microchipped, or if their microchip uses a format not recognised internationally, our team can advise you on the appropriate next steps. Microchipping is a quick procedure with lasting benefit well beyond travel, providing permanent identification throughout your pet's life.
Some countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and others with strict biosecurity requirements, require a rabies titre test in addition to vaccination as proof of adequate immune protection. The titre test measures your pet's antibody response to the rabies vaccine and must be performed at an approved laboratory. Results must meet a minimum threshold and must be obtained within the required timeframe relative to your travel date. Our team can advise whether titre testing is required for your destination, collect the blood sample at our clinic, and arrange submission to an approved testing facility. Because titre testing adds time to the preparation process, contact us as early as possible if your destination requires it.
We recommend contacting us at least four to six weeks before your planned departure date, and earlier if your destination requires titre testing. Some countries have required waiting periods after vaccination or titre testing that must be met before travel, and these timelines cannot be rushed. Starting the process early gives your pet the best chance of having all documentation in order by departure.
Most countries require some form of official health documentation for incoming pets, though the specific requirements vary considerably by destination. Some require an accredited veterinarian-issued certificate that has been endorsed by a government authority such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Our team will review your destination's current requirements with you and ensure the certificate is completed correctly for your specific travel plan.
An ISO 11784/11785 microchip is the internationally recognised standard required for pet entry into the majority of countries. It is a small implant placed beneath the skin between the shoulder blades and can be scanned at border checkpoints to confirm your pet's identity and link them to their travel documentation. If your pet already has a microchip, we can scan it at your appointment to confirm it reads correctly and meets the ISO standard for your destination.
Planning to travel internationally with your dog or cat? North Delta Animal Hospital provides pet travel services in Delta and Surrey, including health certificates, microchipping, and titre testing. Contact us early and call (604) 596-8252 to get started.
