2239 S. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78704
Certified Travel Care — So You Can Focus on the Trip
Planning a trip with your pet from Austin, TX? Parker Animal Care is here to help you navigate the paperwork and protocols with confidence. Our USDA-accredited veterinarians provide the necessary health certificates for both interstate and international travel — ensuring your pet meets all entry requirements, wherever you're headed.
The key is preparation. Regulations vary by destination, so we recommend starting the process early and double-checking requirements for every location you’ll visit or pass through.
We Got You, Austin — with expert guidance for safe, stress-free travel.
What is a Pet Travel Certificate?
A pet travel certificate is a document from a vet saying your pet is healthy and meets travel requirements. Certificates are important for traveling with your pet, whether by car or plane. They help make the journey easier for both of you. Hence, prior to finalizing your pet's health certificate, we need to confirm the following about your pet:
- Fit enough for journey
- Not infested with parasites
- Older than 8 weeks
- Free from any diseases
- Properly immunized
If you are planning on scheduling an appointment with us for a health certificate, please fill out this form.
When Should You Start Preparing for Pet Travel?
Getting ready for pet travel from Austin, TX, both nationally and internationally, requires careful planning. Consider factors like rabies titers, which may need extra time for planning and testing. Here's a general guideline for when you should start preparing for both national and international pet travel.
National Pet Travel
Domestic Travel Requirements
- Start getting ready for your trip within 1-2 months before you leave. Check the USDA Pet-Travel website to find out how much time you need to prepare.
- Research and understand any specific requirements or regulations imposed by airlines, hotels, or your destination.
Health Check and Vaccinations
- Schedule a travel consultation with us no less than 4-6 weeks before travel for a thorough health check.
- Ensure your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date, and discuss any additional preventive measures recommended for your specific destination. You can schedule by booking online or calling 512-448-2676.
Travel Arrangements
- Make necessary travel arrangements, including selecting a pet-friendly mode of transportation and accommodations.
- Ensure that your pet is comfortable with carriers or crates well in advance.
Documentation
- While national travel may not require elaborate documentation, having your pet's medical records, identification tags, and a recent photograph can be helpful in case of emergencies.
International Pet Travel
Research Destination Requirements:
- Start by visiting the USDA Pet Travel website to review the requirements for your destination. Begin this process at least 3–6 months before your trip.
- Some countries — like Hawaii, England, Australia, and New Zealand — require additional steps such as rabies blood testing, which can significantly extend the timeline. Be prepared for longer processing times in these cases.
- Keep in mind that regulations vary by country, and may include specific vaccinations, microchipping, blood tests, and even quarantine periods.
Visit the Veterinarian Early:
Book an appointment with Dr. Lisa Pocernich 2-3 months before your trip abroad by calling 512-448-2676 or booking online.
Some countries need certain tests or treatments for pets before travel. Visit the USDA Pet-Travel website to see when you need to do these tasks.
Pet Travel Checklist
Step 1
- Visit the USDA's Pet Travel Website to select how your pet is traveling
- If you’re taking a pet from the U.S. to another country (Export): Select your destination via the dropdown menu. From here, you will receive details about the country's animal travel requirements.
- If you’re taking a pet from one U.S. State/Territory to another (Interstate): Select the "State Agriculture Departments" website link to select your destination state
Helpful tip: Print the page(s) and/or make a detailed record of all the vaccines, tests, and medications your pet will need to travel.
Step 2
Check if your destination needs a special health certificate or if they accept the USDA's APHIS Form 7001.
Step 3
Confirm if your pet has a microchip implanted (recommended for pets traveling or not). Some places need a microchip for your pet. Our team can put in the chip and help with registering it.
Step 4
Fill out our disclaimer regarding the process of getting an International Health Certificate here.
Step 5
Once you have completed your list, schedule a consultation for your pet's health while traveling across states or countries. You can do this by calling or booking online.
- For international pet travel consultations, please select Dr. Lisa Pocernich
- Be sure to bring your checklist and any country-specific paperwork at the time of your consultation
Step 6
In your meeting, we'll make a plan that covers all health and paperwork needs.
Ensuring your pet's journey is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible is our goal. Contact us now to book an appointment and get ready for your next adventures with your furry friend. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to call us at 512-448-2676.
