Health Certificate

A health certificate is a document that provides information about the health status of an animal being transported by air and is delivered by your veterinarian, stipulating that the animal is healthy and fit to fly. Most airlines require a health certificate for any animal they are transporting, whether in the cabin or as an unaccompanied shipment. The health certificate must include the issuing facility name or state/country, the veterinarian's address and contact information, as well as the licensed veterinarian's name and signature, and must be dated within 10 days of the animal's arrival at its destination. For international animal shipping of live animals, the minimum documents required by shippers are the Import Permit, Health Certification, and the Shipper's Certificate.

American Airlines Cargo AWB 001-12345678 transports a shipment of laboratory mice from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to London Heathrow (LHR), with the health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian confirming the animals are free from infectious diseases and fit for the 8-hour flight. A Lufthansa Cargo shipment with AWB 020-87654321 carries two racehorses from Frankfurt (FRA) to Dubai (DXB), accompanied by health certificates from German veterinary authorities verifying vaccination records and examination within the required 10-day validity period.

• veterinary health certificate
• vet certificate

How long is a health certificate valid for air cargo animal shipments?

The health certificate must be dated within 10 days from the animal's arrival at the destination. The IATA Veterinary Certificate is valid for 10 days from the date it is signed by a veterinarian, ensuring your pet's health information is current at the time of travel.

What specific information must be included on a health certificate for live animal transport?

The Health Certificate must include the issuing facility name or state/country, the veterinarian's address and contact information (phone number or email address), as well as the licensed veterinarian's name and signature. The form includes information about the animal's health, vaccinations, and any other relevant medical information, including essential details such as the animal's species, breed, age, sex, microchip/tattoo information, vaccination records, and any other specific requirements mandated by the destination country.