USDA APHIS Endorsement: How to Get Your Pet's Health Certificate Authenticated for Export
Every dog, cat, or other pet leaving the USA for an international destination needs a health certificate signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and then endorsed (countersigned) by USDA APHIS. Without the APHIS endorsement stamp, the health certificate is not accepted as an official government document in most countries.
The Two-Step Process
Step 1: USDA-Accredited Veterinarian
The health certificate must be signed by a vet who is USDA-accredited. This is separate from general veterinary licensing – it requires completion of USDA training and registration with APHIS.
Find an accredited vet at: aphis.usda.gov (USDA APHIS Vet Search Tool)
The vet must:
- Complete the health certificate in the format required by the destination country
- Sign and date the form
- Include their accreditation number
Some destination countries have specific form requirements – Australia, the EU, Japan, and the UK each have their own required certificate format. The USDA provides these on the APHIS website.
Step 2: USDA APHIS Endorsement
Once the vet signs the certificate, it must be submitted to USDA APHIS Veterinary Services for endorsement (countersignature).
Options:
- In-person at an APHIS VS office: Same-day or next-day. Find your nearest office at aphis.usda.gov/VS.
- Mail-in submission: 2-5 business days processing. You must include a prepaid return envelope.
APHIS charges an endorsement fee (currently USD 38 per certificate as of 2026 – check current fee schedule).
Important: Health certificates have a validity window – typically 10 days from the date of the vet examination. APHIS endorsement must happen within this window. Plan your vet appointment timing carefully around APHIS processing time.
Country-Specific Requirements
Different destination countries have different form requirements:
| Destination | Form/Process |
|---|---|
| EU | APHIS 7001 (for commercial); country-specific form for private pets |
| Australia | DAFF-specific form; APHIS endorses after vet sign-off |
| UK | UK-specific form (APHA-required format) |
| Japan | MAFF-specific format; APHIS endorses |
| Canada | Health certificate to CFIA format |
Download the required destination country form from the APHIS website before your vet appointment.
Timeline Summary
| Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Book USDA-accredited vet | 1-2 weeks lead time for appointment |
| Vet examination and certificate | Same day |
| APHIS endorsement (in-person) | Same or next day |
| APHIS endorsement (mail) | 2-5 business days |
| Total minimum | 4-8 business days before departure |
Allow more time. Last-minute health certificate problems are one of the most common causes of missed flights for pets from the USA.
Sources: USDA APHIS Veterinary Services official guidance; APHIS VS endorsement fee schedule 2026. Data current as of June 2026.