APHIS Form 7001 for Pet Travel

The APHIS Form 7001, officially the United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals, is one of the most common forms linked to pet travel. Issued by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), it certifies that a licensed veterinarian has examined your pet and found them healthy and fit for travel.

While it’s widely recognized, the APHIS Form 7001 isn’t the only option, or in some cases, even the right option, for your destination. Rules differ from state to state and country to country, and some places require additional or unique certificates. That’s why it’s important to understand when and how this certificate is used well before your trip.

Why You Need the 7001 Form

The APHIS Form 7001 serves as official proof that your animal is healthy and up to date on vaccinations. It’s traditionally been the standard health certificate for international travel, but some countries may request that pets travel with forms unique to that destination. 

Airlines often request the form as part of their pet travel policies, particularly for international flights. Some states within the U.S. may also ask for it when pets cross state lines, although it’s more likely that airline policies will cover that requirement first. 

The form itself covers all the essential details to certify your pet’s health. It includes basic information, like your pet’s name, species, breed, age, and identifying features, as well as microchip details to confirm your pet’s identification. Microchip details should match across all completed forms. 

The form also includes your pet’s vaccination history, especially rabies, along with any additional vaccines that may be required by the destination. Some countries may require evidence of parasite treatments or rabies titer test results, for example. Space at the bottom is set aside for your vet’s signature, contact information, and USDA endorsement, if necessary. 

It’s important to note again that the APHIS Form 7001 isn’t universally accepted. Requirements vary widely depending on your destination. Some states or countries may demand additional endorsements or completely different health certificates. Always check the specific rules for your pet’s destination before assuming any single form is enough. A professional pet shipper can help you navigate rules around international health certificates so that you meet destination country requirements accurately and within the right timeframes.

How to Obtain and Get It Endorsed

APHIS Form 7001 is available online for download, but getting one isn’t as simple as filling out the form. You’ll need a USDA-accredited veterinarian and, in many cases, official USDA endorsement. Here’s a step-by-step look at how the process usually works:

• Step 1: Find a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Only vets accredited by the USDA can issue and sign the APHIS 7001 form. Get started using the USDA’s self-search tool to find accredited vets in your area.
• Step 2: Schedule a health exam. Once you’ve found a USDA-accredited veterinarian, book a full health check for your pet. Your pet will be examined to confirm they’re healthy, free of any visible parasites, and up to date on required vaccines.
• Step 3: Have your vet complete the form. After the exam, your vet fills out the form with all the relevant details, including your pet’s microchip information and vaccination history. They’ll sign and date the form once they’re done. If you don’t need the form endorsed, it’s available the same day of your vet appointment.
• Step 4: Submit the form for USDA endorsement (if needed). Depending on your destination, you may need to send the form to your state’s USDA office of veterinary services for endorsement. This is generally handled by your vet, and can happen digitally via the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) or by mail, with payment.
• Step 6: Receive the endorsed form. Once endorsed by the USDA, the document is ready as a digital version or paper copy. If you need it mailed back to your vet’s office as a printed copy, your vet will typically ask for a prepaid, self-addressed return shipping label. Assume this process takes anywhere from 2-7 business days.

The cost of your health certificate from the vet depends on what you need done at your visit. Expect to pay several hundred dollars to cover the cost of your vet visit and a USDA endorsement. Fees can go up from there if your pet needs any extra tests or vaccines.

Most international destinations and airlines want you to travel with a physical copy of the APHIS Form 7001. Keep your endorsed form and any supporting documentation in a safe place so it’s ready for airline staff, border agents, or animal health officials during your pet’s journey.

USDA endorsement requirements vary by country. Some don’t require one, but the airline may. It’s safe to assume that USDA endorsement is required if you’re traveling outside of the U.S. 

Other Certificates May Be Required

The APHIS Form 7001 is widely recognized, especially for international travel, but it often isn’t the only document your pet will need. Many destinations have their own certificates, permits, or additional paperwork that must accompany or even replace the 7001. 

Common examples include:

• European Union (EU) Pet Health Certificate: These are typically required for entry into EU member states, and are either non-commercial or commercial, depending on the reason your pet is traveling. They must be USDA-endorsed, and some destinations ask that they’re provided in the destination country’s language.
• Dog & Cat Import Form (AQS-297): This is a form required by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for travel to Hawaii. It may not need USDA endorsement if you’re traveling to the islands from within the U.S.
• Import Permits: Some countries require notice of traveling cats and dogs before you acquire your health certificates. This can be a paper permit or digital notice. In Australia, for example, applications for permits are completed online on the Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON) portal.
• Quarantine Documents: Some countries mandate quarantines for pet arrivals, no matter their vaccination status. Once you have your import permit for Australia, for example, you need to reserve a spot at their quarantine facility in Mickleham near Melbourne. The country’s ID Verification Process shortens a pet’s quarantine stay from 30 to 10 days.

These are just a few examples, and they don’t just differ by destination. A country may require breed verification paperwork for traveling dogs who resemble breeds banned by that destination, with no additional paperwork required for pet cats and ferrets. 

Airlines may require acclimation certificates from your vet during travel outside of recommended temperature ranges, or fit-to-fly documentation for snub-nosed pets. (This is if the airline flies those breeds at all, which many don’t.)

Always confirm the exact requirements for your specific destination and airline well in advance to avoid issues at check-in and upon arrival.

A Few Additional Expert Tips

From health certificates like the APHIS Form 7001 to import permits, missing even one detail can derail your trip. Here are a few more bonus tips to help you navigate it all:

• Start early. Begin researching requirements as soon as you know when your pet is traveling. Ideally, this is a few months in advance. Some countries mandate rabies titers or long waiting periods, so you’ll want enough time to schedule vet visits and lab work. 
• Double-check everything. Government import rules and airline policies don’t always align. Even if your pet meets the official entry requirements, airlines may enforce stricter standards on kennel size, breed restrictions, or vaccine documentation.
• Confirm timing. Most health certificates have a short validity window, often 10 days before arrival at your destination. That can mean some strategizing to make sure your paperwork is valid for the entire length of your pet’s flight.
• Make copies. Carry extra paper copies of every document, and store digital scans on your phone. If an official misplaces a form, having a backup can prevent hours of delay or denied boarding.
• Keep documents together. Store all certificates, vaccination records, and permits with you in one place. Carrying a folder can make check-in smoother and alleviate some of the stress at each leg of your pet’s trip.
• Stay updated. Pet regulations change often, especially when it comes to regional outbreaks of animal diseases or public health concerns. Revisit official websites and confirm with the airline the week before your trip to make sure nothing has changed.

Let Us Take the Stress Out of Paperwork

For some destinations, APHIS Form 7001 is an essential part of a smooth entry into that country. Other pet imports are much more complex, with pet owners expected to navigate rabies titers, airline-specific restrictions, and quarantine stays.

Pet travel paperwork doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let our experts at Tailwind Global Pet handle the details so you can focus on the big stuff: planning for your pet’s trip.

Ready to get started? Each pet relocation situation is different, so to get an idea of the costs involved, fill out a quote request.