What You Need for an Animal Health Certificate and How Quickly Can You Get It?

To obtain an animal health certificate, you'll generally need your personal identification and your pet's vaccination record. It's essential to bring your pet with you to the appointment. The process is typically quite quick, often allowing you to get the certificate on the same day. Keep in mind that animal health certificates have an expiration date, usually not exceeding 7 days.

Why is an Animal Health Certificate Necessary?

Legal regulations require all animals and animal products crossing county borders to undergo inspection and quarantine. In 2010, the Ministry of Agriculture standardized the certificate format and filling specifications nationwide, leading to relatively consistent procedures across cities. When preparing for air travel with your pet, an animal health certificate is a must-have; it's similar to a boarding pass for your pet, ensuring they meet the required health standards.

How to Obtain an Animal Health Certificate

1. Take your pet to your local district or county-level animal disease control center, animal and plant quarantine station, or a qualified, authorized veterinary clinic. There, your pet can receive the necessary rabies vaccination.

2. Once your pet is vaccinated, you can directly apply for an immunization certificate on-site. This certificate will show the vaccination provider, location, and date. If your pet has already been vaccinated against rabies but doesn't have an immunization certificate, you may need to obtain one first according to your city's regulations.

3. After your pet receives the vaccination at the clinic, provide any required information. You can often obtain the immunization certificate at no extra cost (in some cases they may charge a nominal fee). You may also need to return to the clinic later to collect an immunity tag. Then, armed with the immunization certificate, your pet, and their carrier, go to the animal quarantine center to apply for the health certificate. There might be a small processing fee.Related resource:Pet Training