What Is a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian?
A USDA-accredited veterinarian has been authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to issue official health certificates for animal movement. This accreditation is required to sign documents that airlines, states, and foreign governments accept for pet travel.
Not every veterinarian holds this accreditation. At PetSmart Veterinary Services Huntington Beach, our vet is fully USDA-accredited, so you can get everything done in one place — wellness exam, required vaccinations, and the signed health certificate.
Domestic Travel (Within the U.S.)
Most domestic airlines require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) — commonly called a health certificate — when traveling with a pet in the cabin or as checked baggage. Some states also require health certificates for pets crossing state lines.
- Must be issued within 10 days of travel (many airlines require within 7–10 days — check with your airline)
- Confirms your pet is healthy and free of signs of infectious disease
- Verifies up-to-date vaccinations (rabies required for most destinations)
- Includes microchip number if applicable
Tip: Check your airline's specific requirements before booking your appointment — timing windows and vaccine requirements vary by carrier. We recommend scheduling your exam as close to your departure date as possible.
International Travel
International pet travel requires an official USDA-endorsed health certificate. This is a multi-step process that must be completed in a specific order:
- Step 1 — Vet exam & health certificate: Our accredited vet performs a physical exam and issues the official health certificate using USDA-approved forms
- Step 2 — USDA APHIS endorsement: The certificate must then be submitted to the USDA APHIS State Veterinarian's office for endorsement (we can advise on this process)
- Step 3 — Destination country requirements: Each country has its own rules — microchipping, specific vaccines (e.g., rabies titer tests), import permits, or quarantine periods
We strongly recommend researching your destination country's requirements well in advance — some countries (including the EU, UK, Australia, and Japan) have strict timelines that may require planning months ahead of travel.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Your pet's current vaccination records (especially rabies)
- Microchip documentation (if applicable)
- Your travel itinerary and destination details
- Any destination-specific forms or requirements provided by the airline or destination country
Book Your Health Certificate Exam
Ready to travel with your pet? Call us at (657) 331-9481 or use the button below to schedule your health certificate appointment. We recommend booking at least 2 weeks before your travel date to ensure everything is in order.