Pet travel services at South Fraser Animal Hospital help dog and cat owners in Abbotsford, BC navigate the health and documentation requirements for domestic and international travel with their pets. Entry requirements vary significantly by destination country and can change without extensive notice. Our team is familiar with common international requirements and helps you work through the process clearly and on time.
An international health certificate is a government-endorsed document confirming that your pet is healthy to travel and meets the specific entry requirements of your destination country. Requirements vary by country and are often time-sensitive, with examinations needing to occur within a defined window before departure. We recommend beginning the process at least four to six weeks before your travel date to allow time for examination, any required waiting periods, and document endorsement through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Call us early to discuss your destination and what will be required.
Exporting a pet permanently, whether for immigration, long-term relocation, or adoption program transfers, involves specific health and regulatory documentation that varies by destination. Our team prepares the required health certificates and supporting records, reviews them against current destination country requirements, and advises you on timing and any additional steps needed before your departure date.
Many countries require pets to be microchipped before travel, and the chip must typically be implanted before other required vaccines or tests to be valid for entry purposes. We confirm your pet's current microchip status and implant a chip if one is not already in place. For routine microchipping outside the travel context, see our Pet Care Services page.
Some countries accept titer test results as evidence of protective immunity against rabies and other diseases, either instead of or in addition to vaccination records. Requirements vary by destination, and tests must often be conducted at a laboratory with specific accreditation. We advise you on whether titer testing is required for your destination, coordinate testing in accordance with the relevant timeline, and ensure results are documented correctly. For titer testing outside the travel context, see our Pet Diagnostics page.
For dogs and cats managing diabetes, regular glucose monitoring is essential for tracking stability and adjusting the care plan appropriately. We offer in-house glucose testing during clinic visits and can discuss home monitoring options for pets who require more frequent checks between appointments. Consistent monitoring helps maintain your pet's quality of life and reduces the risk of complications associated with uncontrolled glucose levels.
When your pet needs to remain at our clinic for monitoring, recovery, or ongoing supportive care, our team provides attentive in-clinic hospitalization. We monitor closely, administer fluids and supportive care as indicated, and provide regular updates on your pet's condition. We communicate clearly about expected duration and what to anticipate when your pet is ready to come home.
We recommend booking at least four to six weeks before your departure date. Some destinations have strict timing requirements for health certificate examinations, required vaccines, and titer tests. Contacting us early gives us the best chance of meeting all requirements before your travel date.
Most airlines require a health certificate for pets traveling in-cabin or as cargo within Canada, but a government-endorsed export certificate is generally not required for domestic travel. Requirements vary by airline. We recommend confirming with your airline directly and calling us at (604) 855-0770 to discuss what we can provide.
Countries with strict biosecurity regulations, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the UK, require significantly longer timelines and more documentation than most destinations. If you are traveling to any of these countries, please contact us as early as possible in your planning process.
Planning to travel with your pet from Abbotsford? Book a pet travel consultation at South Fraser Animal Hospital by calling (604) 855-0770 or booking online at southfraseranimalhospital.com/make-an-appointment/.
