The Process

You let me know that you are interested in my services by sending me an email at StLtravelvet@outlook.com

I will attempt to reply to all inquiries within one business day. I will respond by sending you a pre-consult questionnaire about your anticipated travel. Please be as thorough as possible when filling out the form.

Please note that I try to reply to all emails by the end of the business day. However, many emails (especially from non-US email addresses) may get sorted into my junk folder, so if you don't hear back from me, please call or text. 

Based on the information in this form, I will determine if my services will work for your needs. It is possible that I cannot work within your needed timeframe or your geographic location. If this happens, I will let you know as soon as possible so that you can make other arrangements.

I will also determine what additional requirements your pet may need for travel so I can put together an appropriate timeline. 

I will email you an estimate of the fees for your specific case.

If we determine that working together will be mutually beneficial, you will need to sign the estimate and provide a deposit equal to 50% of the health certificate fee. 

We will schedule a phone call/video chat to discuss the specific requirements for your pet to travel to your destination country. We will discuss any additional services that must be performed by your regular veterinarian. I will provide you with a written timeline after the call. I will also notify your regular veterinarian of this timeline as well as any visits you will need to make with them so that we are all on the same page.

Note: This consultation may happen before or after your travel has been booked.

Based on your travel timeline, we will set up a specific date for an in-person exam of your pet. This can happen at your residence, your primary veterinarian's office, or sometimes an outdoor public space (dogs only). This visit is generally no more than 15 minutes long. I inspect your pet for signs of transmissible disease, check their microchip and administer parasite treatment if required.

(For Hawaii health certificates, you will likely leave our meeting with certificate in hand).  

After my exam, I will fill out and sign a health certificate and submit it electronically to the USDA office. I will submit this by the end of the day to avoid any delays.

I will also submit any supporting documentation they require as well as the endorsement fee and a FedEx label (if needed). 

It can take 1-3 business days for the USDA office to endorse a certificate. Depending on your destination country, I may be able to download the certificate and email it to you, or you may have to wait for it to be shipped to you via FedEx. 

You will take this document to the airport.  You must keep it in your carry-on luggage along with any other supporting documents required by your destination country. 

Some countries require the veterinarian completing the certificate to administer a dose of parasite treatment within 3-5 days prior to arrival. This must be done AFTER the health certificate is endorsed and is added on as an addendum.  This will require another in-person meeting and signature.