Travel & Health Certificates

Helping you understand pet travel requirements and prepare as early as possible

Planning to travel or move with your furry companion? Wildwood Veterinary Clinic is here to help make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Every destination has its own pet-travel rules and strict timelines. Missing a requirement can delay or prevent travel, so we recommend starting early and doing your research before booking flights.

✈️ We’re Here to Help

Our team is experienced in coordinating both domestic and international travel for dogs and cats.

While pet owners are responsible for meeting destination requirements, we assist with:

• Health certificates (domestic & international)
• Rabies vaccination verification and microchip documentation
• Rabies antibody (FAVN) testing
• Coordination with USDA-accredited veterinarians for endorsement

Our Health Certificate Coordinator, Ashley, will guide you through the process once we’ve received your Travel Inquiry Form.

Submitting a form or emailing our team does not mean your travel paperwork has started. Travel certificate preparation begins only after our team has reviewed your request, confirmed that Wildwood can assist, and scheduled any required appointments or next steps.

Health certificates require a veterinarian to verify your pet’s health, identity, vaccine status, and travel eligibility. If your pet has not been examined by Wildwood recently, we may need to schedule an exam before we can complete any certificate.

If your pet has never been seen at Wildwood, please call before submitting a form. We may not be able to complete travel documents for new patients depending on the destination, deadline, and appointment availability.

When We May Not Be Able to Help
We may be unable to assist if:

• The travel date is too soon
• Required vaccines, testing, microchip documentation, or records are missing
• Destination requirements cannot be completed within the required timeline
• Your pet has not been examined by Wildwood and we do not have appointment availability
• The destination requires steps that must be completed by another clinic, specialist, relocation service, or USDA office

📋 Domestic Travel

Most airlines require a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of departure, valid for 30 days after issue.

Even if an airline representative says it isn’t needed, we recommend obtaining one to avoid issues at check-in.

🌍 International Travel

International travel often requires weeks to months of preparation.

We can help with:

• International health certificates
• Microchip verification and rabies documentation
• Coordination with USDA for endorsement
• Rabies antibody (FAVN) testing through approved university labs

👉 USDA Pet Travel Website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel

🧪 Rabies Antibody (FAVN) Testing

Some destinations—such as Hawaii, Guam, and many international countries—require a FAVN test to confirm rabies protection. 

Sample Collection Guidelines

• Draws are scheduled Monday or Tuesday mornings to avoid weekend shipping delays.
• Fasting (8–12 hours) before the appointment helps prevent lipemia (fat in the blood) and ensures a clean sample.
• Mild pre-visit sedation may be recommended for anxious pets to prevent hemolysis.
• Full payment is required at time of draw.
• Sample results typically take 4-6 weeks.

🐕 What You’ll Need

• Your pet’s microchip number (implanted before rabies vaccine and FAVN draw)
• Current rabies certificate with manufacturer, lot #, and date
• Destination country and intended travel date
• Contact information for your relocation agent or USDA vet

🕐 Timing & Next Steps

• Because travel requirements vary by destination, we recommend starting the process as early as possible — ideally at least 2–3 months before travel. Some destinations, such as Hawaii or certain international countries, may require additional time for testing and paperwork.  
• Complete the Travel Inquiry Form before coordination begins.
• After receiving your form, Ashley will review your case and help you schedule the next steps.

Travel paperwork can be stressful, and we understand that timelines matter. Our team is happy to help explain next steps, but respectful communication is required. If communication becomes threatening, abusive, or repeatedly escalated, communication may be limited to email with management.

📞 Contact Us

Wildwood Veterinary Clinic
3734 S Moody Ave, Portland OR 97239
📞 (503) 477-4757
✉️ hello@wildwoodvetclinic.com