Pet Travel Services in Mission, BC
Travelling internationally with a pet involves more planning and documentation than many owners anticipate. Requirements vary significantly by destination country and can include health certificates, specific vaccinations, titer testing, microchipping, and timing requirements that must be met weeks or months before departure. Mission Veterinary Hospital in Mission, BC, provides the veterinary services required for international pet travel and helps you navigate the documentation process so your pet's journey goes smoothly. We recommend beginning your travel preparation as early as possible, as some destinations require steps completed well in advance of your travel date.
International Health Certificates in Mission
An international health certificate is a document completed and signed by a licensed veterinarian confirming that your pet has been examined and meets the health requirements for entry into the destination country. The certificate typically needs to be issued within a specific window before travel, often ten days or less. Our veterinarians complete health certificates for dogs, cats, and small animals travelling internationally. We review the specific requirements for your destination and ensure the certificate addresses those requirements accurately. Families in Hatzic Prairie, Mission, and across the Fraser Valley are welcome to contact us well before their travel date to discuss timing, as some destination countries also require the certificate to be endorsed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency before departure.
Microchipping for International Travel
An ISO-standard microchip is a mandatory requirement for entry into most countries, and in many cases the chip must be implanted before certain other steps in the process are completed. Mission Veterinary Hospital offers microchipping for all species we treat, and we confirm that the implanted chip meets ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 standards required for international travel. If your pet already has a microchip, we verify its function and registration at the travel appointment. We also ensure your contact information is current in the national registry, which is essential both for travel compliance and for the chip's primary purpose of reuniting lost pets with their families.
Titer Testing for Pet Travel
Some destination countries, particularly in Europe and certain parts of Asia and Oceania, require proof that a pet's rabies vaccination has produced an adequate immune response before entry is permitted. This is assessed through a blood titer test, which measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet's blood. The test must be performed by an approved laboratory, and results must meet the minimum threshold required by the destination country. Timing is critical, as many countries require the titer test to be completed a specific number of weeks or months before travel. Our team will discuss the titer testing process with you during your travel planning appointment and provide guidance on timing and sample submission.
FAQs
Planning to travel internationally with your pet? Start the process early. Call Mission Veterinary Hospital at (604) 826-8456 to book a pet travel planning appointment in Mission, BC. We are open seven days a week.