A pet travel health certificate is an official form a veterinarian signs after examining your pet, and most airlines and many destinations want it dated within about 10 days of travel. Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Huntersville is a vet clinic in Huntersville, North Carolina; call (704) 800-4149 to confirm whether our team can complete the paperwork your trip needs before you book the exam.
Rules are set by airlines, destination states and countries, not by the vet, so check them first.
What is a pet health certificate?
A pet health certificate, also called a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI or ICVI), states that your pet showed no signs of contagious disease on the exam date. It lists your pet's identification and vaccine details. Within the US it is often called an interstate health certificate, and only a USDA-accredited veterinarian can sign one.
Do I need a health certificate to fly with my dog or cat?
Usually, yes. Many airlines ask for a health certificate dated within a set number of days before the flight, often 10. Some ask only for pets flying as cargo, others for pets in the cabin too. Check your airline's pet policy before you book the vet visit, and bring a copy to the appointment.
Do I need one to drive out of North Carolina?
It depends on where you are going. North Carolina requires a health certificate for a pet leaving the state only when the destination state requires one (NC Department of Agriculture, companion animal exports). Campgrounds, boarding kennels and rental homes may also ask for proof of health and a current rabies vaccine.
Coming home is simpler. North Carolina no longer requires a health certificate for dogs, cats and ferrets entering the state; they must be current on rabies or be vaccinated within one week of arrival (NC Division of Public Health).
When do Petfolk pets travel?
Across Petfolk clinics, about a quarter of travel health certificates (27%) are issued in November and December alone, so holiday trips need the earliest planning (October 2025 to September 2026).
Mostly dogs. About 7 in 10 certificates across Petfolk (73%) are for dogs.
Mostly domestic. About 1 in 9 (11%) are for international travel; the rest are for trips within the US.
Why does the rabies certificate matter so much?
Almost every destination asks for proof of a current rabies vaccine. In North Carolina, G.S. 130A-190 requires the person who gives the vaccine to issue a tag, and dogs must wear it at all times. The tag is not proof by itself. Travel forms need the signed rabies certificate, which shows the vaccine, the date given and the date the next dose is due. Our rabies vaccine page covers the state rules.
How do I get a health certificate for international travel?
Start months ahead and follow the USDA steps. The USDA APHIS pet travel site lists each country's rules, and its export guide lays out the order.
Look up the country on the APHIS site. Many require a microchip placed before the rabies vaccine, specific forms, and sometimes blood tests.
Find a USDA-accredited veterinarian early. Call Petfolk Huntersville at (704) 800-4149 to confirm whether our team can do this for your trip.
Have the exam and paperwork done inside the country's time window.
Get USDA APHIS endorsement. The accredited vet submits the certificate to APHIS for an official endorsement before you travel.
What should I bring to a travel exam?
Travel dates, destination address and airline name
The airline's or destination's requirements, printed or on your phone
Your pet's rabies certificate and other vaccine records
Microchip number, if your pet has one
A list of any medicines your pet takes
Which pets shouldn't fly, and when is it an emergency?
Flat-faced breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats breathe less easily and can struggle with heat and stress in air travel, and several airlines restrict them. Very old pets and pets with heart or breathing problems may be better off with a trusted sitter. If your pet has trouble breathing, collapses or vomits again and again on the road, go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital rather than waiting to get home.
Start with a vet in Huntersville well before your trip, so there is time to confirm the paperwork. Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Huntersville is at 14227 Boren St, Suite 100, Huntersville, NC 28078. Call (704) 800-4149 or book online.
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Traveling with your pet: paperwork questions
Travel paperwork on Boren St