Health Certificates

USDA-accredited veterinarian on staff.

Health Certificate Appointment Types

Please note that the Health Certificate Appointment prices listed below do not include diagnostic tests, medications, vaccines, treatments, or additional USDA endorsement fees.

Appointment Fees:

Domestic Health Certificate Appointment (Within the Continental United States) $170
Health Certificate (Mexico and Canada) $170
International Health Certificate Appointment - $750
Hawaiian Health Certificate Appointment - $750
Australian Identity Declaration Appointment (60 minutes) $220
Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Appointment (60 minutes) $162

Additional USDA Endorsement Fees:

USDA Endorsement Fee for Australian Identity Declaration - $45
USDA Endorsement Fee (No Labs) - $106
USDA Endorsement Fee (1-2 Labs) - $168
USDA Endorsement Fee (3-6 Labs) - $216

Why are International Health Certificate appointments so expensive?

The cost of veterinary international health certificate appointments can be attributed to the comprehensive nature of the services provided. These appointments are not just routine check-ups; they involve a thorough examination of your pet to ensure they meet the specific entry requirements of the destination country, which may include a variety of vaccinations, tests for contagious diseases, and sometimes even parasite treatments. Additionally, the veterinarian's expertise in navigating the complex requirements for international pet travel is a specialized service and requires a special USDA accreditation and complete continuing education to maintain their accreditation.

The process also requires the veterinarian to complete detailed paperwork compliant with international standards that often requires the endorsement of the USDA or other regulatory bodies, which adds to the cost. Considering the time, resources, and knowledge required to prepare a pet for safe and compliant international travel, the fees reflect the extensive care and attention to detail necessary to ensure a smooth journey for your companion.

Booking a Domestic Health Certificate Appointment

If you require a CVI (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) for interstate travel, you can schedule a Domestic Health Certificate appointment online or by calling our office.

PLEASE NOTE: The USDA APHIS (United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) provides state-specific requirements for starting your Domestic Health Certificate Process

Booking an International Health Certificate Appointment

Create an ‘Alita’ account to get started

Alita is our compliance partner & will review your pet's records against destination requirements and ensure your health certificate appointment is booked within the correct time-frame. Alita will guide you through every step - including timeline, any required tests or vaccines, and the paperwork your destination needs ahead of your Veterinary Health Certificate Exam

IMPORTANT: Alita Clearance is required to confirm any international health certificate appointment

PLEASE NOTE: International health certificate appointments are only available to existing clients. To schedule an ‘Establish Care’ appointment please contact our office directly via phone or email or you can book online.

For additional information on international travel with pets, please visit the USDA International Travel website

Know What is Required

The Castro Animal Hospital is not responsible for ensuring that veterinary services, flights, and/or any other transportation arrangements are booked in accordance with the travel requirements.
Health Certificates can only be issued on the day of an appointment and cannot be issued retroactively.
The USDA may require a separate endorsement fee. See the "Additional USDA Endorsement Fees" section above.
Some destinations do not accept digitally endorsed health certificates & therefore, a prepaid overnight envelope is required for the USDA to mail you your Health Certificate (Varies by destination; please check ahead with the USDA prior to your appointment)

Airline Requirements

We strongly recommend going to your airline's website and ensuring that you meet all of your airline’s requirements, as they may differ from the destination requirements. Some airlines require health certificates, while others do not, so calling and checking in with them to understand their requirements before your appointment can help us get you and your pet ready for travel

Re-entry into the United States

As of August 1, 2024, the CDC has changed its import requirements for dogs coming into the United States pertaining to rabies vaccinations and travel to countries deemed ‘High Risk’ for rabies. This includes dogs RETURNING to the United States. Failure to meet these requirements is not the responsibility of the USDA or USDA-certified veterinarian, and dog owners are responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate documentation for re-entry prior to travel.

Full details & resources can be found on the CDC website here and the answers to FAQ’s on the AVMA website here.

Additional Information:

Rabies Titer (FAVN) Testing

A Rabies Titer Test is a test for the production of antibodies in your pet in response to a Rabies vaccine & is a requirement for some countries for entry with a pet. This test can only be run through the Kansas State Rabies Laboratory and can take 6 to 8 weeks for turnaround from the time of your pet's blood draw. This test can therefore impede your traveling plans, so please keep this in mind when booking your appointment and travel plans.

Emotional Support Animals vs Service Animals

Most Emotional Support Animals are no longer recognized for airline travel unless they are registered service animals. If you are traveling with a registered service animal, we recommend that you research what forms your airline may require you to complete prior to travel.

Call us at (415) 658-7745 or request an appointment online for your pet's health certificate.