What is a Pet Passport?
A pet passport is a collection of documents (health, rabies, microchip certificates, import permits, rabies titer test results, etc.) reflecting import regulations that are required for your pet to enter your destination country when traveling internationally. All documents are issued in your origin country by a licensed veterinarian and may need endorsement by a government veterinarian.
Related: What is a pet passport and why does my pet need one?
Country Rabies Classifications – Why is This Important?
Rabies, although controlled or even absent in many countries, is still a known killer and is present in 1/3 of world. Because dogs, cats and other small mammals can carry the disease, all countries require proof of current rabies vaccination.
The World Organization of Animal Health monitors rabies outbreaks in every reporting country of the world and classify countries according to their findings. Many countries base pet import requirements based on rabies classifications. Click on the icons below to find the rabies classification for your origination country.
Related: More information on why rabies classifications are important
Veterinary Health Certificate: Don’t Leave Home Without One
Every country in the world will require that your pet enter with an original, current veterinary health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in your origination country shortly prior to import. Without this certificate, your pet will be returned to the origination country, quarantined or euthanized.
Some countries, such as the European Union and Great Britain, have their own specific bilingual health certificates, while others will accept an export health certificate issued by the origination country.
Related: More information on health certificates
Endorsement
Many, but not all, countries require that the health certificate, rabies certificate, and any testing required for entry be endorsed by the agency in your country that is responsible for the import and export of live animals. Rabies certificates should be submitted as evidence of vaccination as well. Generally, the veterinary services department is a division of the Department of Agriculture. Oftentimes, health certificate endorsement is done as a part of export procedures from your origination country.
USDA Health Certificate Endorsement
CFIA Health Certificate Endorsement
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