Skip to content
Pawhopper
Plan a tripCountriesGuidesHow we verifyReport a mistake

Exit guide

Taking a dog or cat out of the United States

Exit rules verifiedChecked 2026-10-08Authority: USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

The steps the authorities in the United States require before your pet leaves, mostly the health certificate and who has to sign or endorse it. The destination adds its own requirements on top: pick it below, or make a dated plan.

The steps

  1. Vet exam

    Use a USDA-accredited veterinarian

    Applies when: you do not travel to Hawaii (US)

    Only a USDA-accredited veterinarian can issue your pet's international health certificate. Tell them the destination, any transit countries, your departure date and whether the pet travels in the cabin or as cargo.

    Details and the official words

    “contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as you decide to travel”

  2. Official stamp

    USDA APHIS endorsement

    Applies when: you do not travel to Hawaii (US)

    Your accredited vet submits the certificate to USDA APHIS (usually electronically through VEHCS) for endorsement; the endorsement date counts as the issue date for the destination.

    Details and the official words

    “assist you through the process of obtaining a USDA-endorsed pet health certificate”

  3. Paperwork

    Accredited vet completes the UK health certificate

    Applies when: you travel to United Kingdom

    Your USDA-accredited vet completes and signs the non-commercial UK health certificate. It is valid for 30 days after the vet signs it, but APHIS must endorse it within 10 days of arriving in the UK — and the UK requires an original ink endorsement.

    Details and the official words

    “Valid for 30 days after the USDA Accredited Veterinarian completes and signs it.”

Good to know

  • USDA: destination requirements can change at any time — check them every time you travel.When: You do not travel to Hawaii (US)
  • Coming back to the U.S. with your dog? Your destination is high-risk for dog rabies, so get the 'Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination' from a USDA-accredited vet BEFORE you leave — it can't be issued afterwards.When: You do not travel to Hawaii (US) and your pet is a dog and the destination is in the group: High-risk for dog rabies

Government fees we know of

  • USDA APHIS health certificate endorsement101 USD

Where are you taking your pet?

Routes from the United States where we cover both sides.