Traveling internationally with your pet requires more preparation than a standard vet visit. Every country has specific health and documentation requirements, and missing a step can result in delays, quarantine, or entry refusal at the border. Bowness Animal Hospital provides pet travel services in Calgary to help you navigate the international documentation process confidently. We work with you to ensure your dog or cat meets all the health requirements for your destination country, with enough time to complete each step before your travel date. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, in Bowness, NW Calgary.
An International Health Certificate confirms that your pet is healthy, has current vaccinations, and meets the specific entry requirements of the destination country. Requirements vary significantly: some countries require specific vaccinations or parasite management within a set window before travel, while others require government endorsement of the certificate through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Certificates must be signed by an accredited veterinarian within the timeframe specified by the destination country, often 7 to 10 days before departure. Contact us well in advance of your travel date to discuss your destination's requirements and build a preparation timeline. Leaving this too late is the most common and most avoidable travel mistake.
Many countries require ISO-standard microchipping as a condition of entry. If your pet is not yet microchipped, this is typically one of the first steps in travel preparation. ISO-compliant microchips are standard at Bowness Animal Hospital and are recognized by reader devices used globally. If your pet is already microchipped, we will confirm the chip is scannable and that the registration information is current. Microchipping must often be completed before any other travel requirements, so starting this step early is important. See our Pet Care Services page for full details on our microchipping service.
Some countries accept titer tests as an alternative to repeat rabies vaccination, or require titer testing as an additional entry condition alongside current vaccination. A rabies titer test measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet's blood, confirming sufficient immunity. This test must be processed through an accredited laboratory, and results must fall within specific timeframes relative to your travel date. Countries that commonly require titer testing include Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and others within the European Union. We will advise on whether titer testing is required for your destination and help coordinate the process. Full details on titer testing are available on our Pet Diagnostics page.
Planning to travel internationally with your dog or cat? Start your preparation early. Call Bowness Animal Hospital at (587) 391-3911 or book online at bownessvet.ca/make-an-appointment/. Our Calgary team will help you complete every step in the right order and on time.
