What to do if…
you are travelling with a pet and cannot access the required vaccination or microchip paperwork

What to do now

1. Ask the carrier to name the exact missing item.
   Ask whether they need a rabies vaccination certificate, a microchip record, a health certificate, a government-endorsed certificate, a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, or another route-specific document. Ask what format they will accept, such as an emailed PDF, a portal record, a printed copy, or an original document.

2. Confirm which route and rule are blocking travel.
   Ask whether the trip is within the U.S., from the U.S. to another country, or entry or re-entry into the U.S. Ask whether the requirement comes from the carrier, the destination, a connection point, or an entry rule. Requirements differ by species and route. Dogs entering or returning to the U.S. have specific CDC requirements. Cats and other animals may have different federal, state, territory, destination, and carrier requirements.

3. Call your veterinarian and request the specific record urgently.
   Ask for the missing document by email. Depending on the requirement, this may be:

   • a rabies vaccination certificate
   • a record showing the microchip number
   • a health certificate
   • a copy of paperwork already issued for this trip
     Tell the clinic that you are at check-in and ask whether the document can be sent promptly.

4. Try the fastest document-recovery routes.

   • Search your email for your veterinarian’s name and terms such as rabies, microchip, vaccination certificate, and health certificate.
   • Check your veterinarian’s portal or app.
   • Ask a trusted person who can access your records to send a clear copy.
   • Ask the carrier whether a readable PDF or portal record is acceptable for the document they requested.

5. If a dog is entering or returning to the U.S., check the CDC Dog Import Form receipt.
   A CDC Dog Import Form receipt is required for each dog entering or returning to the U.S. For air travel, the receipt must be shown to the airline before boarding and kept available for U.S. Customs and Border Protection on arrival. Other dog-entry requirements may also apply, especially if the dog has been in a high-risk country during the previous six months. If the receipt is missing, ask whether there is enough time to complete the official online form, confirm the email address, receive the receipt, and show it on your phone or in print before boarding.

6. If the microchip number is missing, ask about a scan.
   Ask the carrier or airport information desk whether an on-site service can scan the pet. If not, ask the nearest veterinary clinic whether it can scan the pet and provide a record. Confirm with the carrier whether that record will meet the requirement.

7. If the carrier mentions a health certificate or USDA endorsement, ask whether the required document had to be completed before travel.
   For an outbound international route, the destination may require a USDA-endorsed pet health certificate. Where that is required, work with a USDA-accredited veterinarian and ask whether the certificate can still be completed and endorsed before departure.

8. If the required document cannot be produced in time, protect the next attempt.
   Ask the carrier whether rebooking is needed. Request the refusal reason and the exact document, format, and timing requirement in writing. If you are already abroad, contact a local veterinarian and the carrier before attempting onward travel.