International Health Certificates for Pets on Long Beach

Planning to travel abroad with your pet? Many countries require an International Health Certificate (IHC) to ensure your pet meets their entry requirements. At The ARK at JFK, we make the process simple and stress-free for pet owners on Long Beach Island.

What is an International Health Certificate?

An International Health Certificate (IHC) is an official document signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian confirming that your pet is healthy, up to date on vaccinations, and meets the specific entry requirements of your destination country.

Each country has different regulations, including required vaccinations, treatments, and waiting periods before travel. Our team at The ARK is here to guide you through the process and ensure your pet’s paperwork is in order.

Common Requirements for Pet Travel:
✔ USDA-endorsed health certificate
✔ Rabies vaccination and other required vaccines
✔ Microchip identification
✔ Additional tests or treatments (varies by country)

Every destination has unique pet travel rules, so it’s important to start the process early.

Why Choose The ARK at JFK?

✅ Convenient Location: We’re based right at JFK Airport for easy access.
✅ Expert Team: Our USDA-accredited veterinarians specialize in pet travel documentation.
✅ Stress-Free Process: We guide you through each step, ensuring all paperwork is properly completed.
✅ Quick and Simple Reservations: Just fill out our short reservation form, and our team will reach out to confirm your appointment.

How to Get an International Health Certificate for Your Pet

1️⃣ Reserve your spot by filling out our quick and user-friendly form.
2️⃣ Our team will contact you to schedule an appointment and review requirements for your destination.
3️⃣ Visit The ARK at JFK for your pet’s health exam and paperwork completion.
4️⃣ Receive your pet’s endorsed certificate for international travel.

📌 Important: Some countries require health certificates to be endorsed by the USDA, which may add processing time. We recommend starting early to avoid last-minute stress.

How Long is an International Health Certificate Valid?

The validity of an International Health Certificate (IHC) depends on your destination country. In most cases, the certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel, but some countries have different timeframes.

General Guidelines:

European Union (EU): Valid for 10 days for entry, then up to 4 months for travel within the EU.
United Kingdom (UK): Must be issued within 10 days of arrival.
Japan, Australia, New Zealand: Requires issuance within 5–10 days with additional entry requirements.
Hawaii (USA): Typically valid for 14 days, with strict pre-arrival regulations.

Each country has specific rules, so it’s important to check requirements well in advance. Our team at The ARK at JFK will confirm the exact timing for your pet’s travel.

Find out more information about the Pet Health Certificate on USDA's website.

Request Pet Health Certificate Appointment here