Ihc

At Epic Veterinary Urgent Care, we proudly serve families and their cats and dogs, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. We understand international travel with your pets requires precise documentation—and our certified veterinarians are here to streamline the process with professional, reliable service—even during urgent care or emergency visits.

Why You Need an International Health Certificate

Traveling overseas with pets requires an International Health Certificate (IHC), also known as a pet passport. This official document confirms your dog or cat is healthy, vaccinated, and meets the destination country’s entry requirements. Some nations also require a USDA endorsement after the certificate is issued. Obtaining an IHC can prevent travel disruptions—avoiding stressful delays or even quarantine scenarios upon arrival.

Certificate Process & Typical Timeline

1. Initial Appointment: Schedule a visit at our South Jersey location. We conduct a detailed physical exam, review vaccination records, and administer any necessary immunizations.
2. Bloodwork & Testing (if required): Certain destinations require specific blood tests. We ensure these are completed with enough lead-time to meet international deadlines.
3. Certificate Issuance: Once your pet passes the health evaluation, we prepare the IHC tailored to your destination. Typically completed the same day or within 24 hours.
4. USDA Endorsement (if needed): We walk you through the USDA process—some countries require this additional step. Plan ahead for processing time.
5. Final Review: You receive the original certificate with stamped sign-off. Our veterinarian remains available to answer any questions before departure.

Please plan ahead! Most international destinations require the IHC issued within 10 days of travel, though some are more restrictive. Certain regions demand an appointment at least 30–60 days in advance, depending on required tests.