Puerto Rico Health Certificate Dog Services and Process

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To bring your furry friend to Puerto Rico, you'll need to obtain a health certificate for your dog. The process involves a physical examination by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel.

A licensed veterinarian must perform the examination to ensure your dog's health meets Puerto Rico's standards. This is a crucial step in the process.

The examination will cover your dog's overall health, vaccination status, and any medical conditions. You'll also need to provide proof of rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days prior to travel.

Your veterinarian will then issue a health certificate for your dog, which is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.

Requesting Services

Requesting services for a Puerto Rico health certificate for your dog requires some planning ahead. You should request the service at least 21 days before departure to allow for processing and scheduling your veterinary visit.

Pet parents should use the online request format provided to initiate the process. After paying for the service, you'll receive secure passwords for the Air Animal portal.

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If you're traveling from the Tampa Bay area, you're in luck - our experienced veterinarian can complete all the complicated forms in our Tampa office and submit them electronically to the USDA if required.

For international travel, you'll need to choose between two services: USA Origin Outside Tampa Bay or Tampa Bay and Central Florida Origin Service. Here's a quick rundown of the options:

Time is of the essence - you must supply any additional information or documentation required by the destination within 72 hours of service payment.

What Happens Next

To get your dog a Puerto Rico health certificate, schedule an appointment with a U.S. accredited veterinarian in your area. They'll verify the microchip in your dog and cross-check the number on the paperwork.

The veterinarian will also confirm your dog's basic health and sign the documents. These documents will then be sent electronically or via prepaid FedEx to the USDA for export endorsement.

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Please note that pets must have a microchip implanted before rabies vaccination when destinations require rabies vaccination documents. This may delay your move if your dog isn't already microchipped.

Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

  • Schedule a veterinary appointment
  • Bring your dog to the appointment for examination
  • Get the microchip verified and health certificate signed
  • Send the documents to the USDA for export endorsement

Keep in mind that pet health certificates are generally valid for 10 days, but this can vary depending on the destination country. Some countries may require a second veterinary visit shortly before flight.

Health Certificates

To travel to Puerto Rico with your furry friend, you'll need a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian. This certificate must be countersigned and embossed/stamped by the USDA Endorsement Office.

The accredited veterinarian should submit the certificate to the USDA Endorsement Office through the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) on your behalf.

Expand your knowledge: Usda Dog Health Certificate

Moving Your Pet

Moving to Puerto Rico with your pet requires some planning ahead. You'll need to microchip your pet for identification.

Before you leave, make sure your pet's rabies vaccination is up to date, administered no more than 6 months before entry. This vaccination certificate must accompany your pet.

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To obtain an interstate health certificate, book an appointment with an accredited United States veterinarian, no more than 72 hours before arrival in Puerto Rico. The veterinarian must endorse the treatment on the health certificate.

Don't forget to get an external parasite treatment for your pet, no more than 72 hours before entry. The veterinarian must record the treatment on the health certificate.

Dogs need to be vaccinated against DA2PPL/DAPPL (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis), while cats need FVRCP (feline rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, and panleukopenia) vaccinations.

Registering with a local veterinarian in your new locale is a good idea to keep your pet's rabies vaccinations up to date. They'll send reminder notices when vaccinations are due.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vaccines does my dog need to travel to Puerto Rico?

To travel to Puerto Rico, your dog must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry, unless they're under 3 months or from a rabies-free area. Check if your dog meets the rabies-free area exemption or schedule a vaccination if necessary.

Geneva Cremin

Writer

Geneva Cremin is a seasoned writer with a passion for creating informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for research, she has developed a unique voice that resonates with readers across various topics. Geneva's writing portfolio showcases her versatility, from in-depth articles on pet licensing and certification to other engaging subjects.

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