How to Check if Your Vet Is Accredited for International Pet Travel
It seems like a simple step: take your pet to the vet, get a health certificate, travel. But international health certificates are legal government documents. They must be signed by a vet with the specific authority to issue them, and they must follow the correct format for the destination country.
Using the wrong vet for this step can result in invalid documents - discovered when you arrive at the border.
In the UK: You Need an Official Veterinarian (OV)
The UK’s official government body for animal health is APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency). For most international journeys from the UK, the health certificate must be signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) - a vet who has completed APHA-approved training (typically a Level 3 Award in Official Controls and an Animal Health Official Controls course).
OVs have a certificate number issued by APHA. The certificate number appears on official documents.
How to find one:
- Ask your regular vet if they have an OV on staff
- Search the APHA Vet Gateway portal (gov.uk)
- Call your regional APHA Animal Health and Welfare office
- Ask the pet transport agent you’re working with (most have OV relationships)
In the USA: USDA-Accredited Veterinarian
In the USA, health certificates for international travel must be signed by a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian and in many cases then endorsed by USDA APHIS. An accredited vet has completed USDA training and is listed in the APHIS registry.
After the vet signs, USDA APHIS must endorse the certificate - this is a separate step that takes 3-5 business days.
Find an accredited vet through the USDA APHIS Vet Search tool at aphis.usda.gov.
In the EU: Official Veterinarian
EU member states use Official Veterinarians (OVs) equivalent to the UK system. The OV must sign the EU health certificate form. Your national competent authority can direct you to registered OVs in your area.
What to Bring to the OV Appointment
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Microchip scan record | OV must confirm microchip number matches documents |
| Vaccination records (original) | Dates, batch numbers, manufacturer, validity period |
| Titre test certificate (if required) | Original lab certificate |
| Import permit from destination country (if required) | OV may need to reference permit number |
| Destination country health certificate format | Some OVs ask you to supply the destination-specific form |
Timing: Book Early
OV appointment availability varies. In busy periods (Christmas, summer holidays), slots book up weeks in advance. Government endorsement adds further time. Book the OV appointment before you book your flight.
Sources: APHA Official Veterinarian training and certification requirements; USDA APHIS Accredited Veterinarian programme. Data current as of May 2026.