Pet Travel Services for Dogs and Cats in San Francisco
Flying internationally with a dog or cat takes planning, and the paperwork is often more complicated than the flight itself. Different countries have different entry requirements around vaccinations, microchipping, and titer testing, and getting the timing right makes the difference between a smooth trip and a delayed one. SF Vet Hospital provides pet travel services for dogs and cats in San Francisco's Mission District, including international health certificates, microchipping, and titer testing, open seven days a week.
International Health Certificates
Most international destinations require a health certificate completed and endorsed within a specific window before travel. Our team prepares the certificate based on the destination country's current requirements, completes the exam to confirm your pet is fit to fly, and walks you through the USDA endorsement step where required. Plan your visit well in advance, since some destinations require steps months ahead of departure.
Microchipping for Travel
Most international destinations require an ISO-compatible microchip placed before any rabies vaccination used for travel purposes. The chip number, placement date, and rabies record must all align. Our team handles the microchip placement and walks through the timing required for the destination country.
Titer Testing for Pet Travel
Some destinations, including parts of the European Union, require a rabies titer test showing your pet has adequate antibody levels before they can enter. Titer testing is time-sensitive and typically needs to be done at least three months before departure, sometimes longer. Our team handles the blood draw, sends the sample to an approved lab, and coordinates the timing with your travel date.
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How far in advance should I start travel prep?
For most international destinations, plan at least three to four months ahead. Some destinations require six months or more because of rabies titer requirements. Domestic US travel typically needs less lead time.
Do you handle USDA endorsement?
We prepare the health certificate, and the USDA endorsement is then completed by the appropriate APHIS office. Our team explains what to bring and when, so the endorsement step goes smoothly.
What if my pet's destination is not on a common list?
Requirements vary widely between countries. Our team checks the most current rules for your specific destination at the time of your visit and builds the plan around what that country requires.
Planning international travel with your dog or cat? Call SF Vet Hospital in San Francisco at (415) 907-7576 to start the timeline, or stop in to walk through requirements. Open seven days a week.