Introduction
If you’re planning to travel with your dog or cat to the United States, one of the first things to consider is meeting the required documentation and health regulations set by the authorities. Traveling with pets to countries outside the European Union can be a complex process if not managed correctly.
At TomVets, we specialize in handling all the necessary documentation and procedures to ensure that you and your pet have a hassle-free experience. Our goal is to help you enjoy a smooth journey, knowing that everything is in order thanks to our comprehensive service.
1. Certificate Required to Travel with Your Dog or Cat to the United States
If you’re planning to travel to the U.S. with your dog or cat, you’ll need the CEXGAN export certificate. This document ensures that your pet meets the health requirements set by the U.S. and confirms that they are fit to travel. While the U.S. defines the necessary health conditions, CEXGAN is responsible for certifying compliance.
At TomVets, we take care of the entire process, including reviewing and preparing all necessary documentation to ensure it meets the official regulations of your destination country.
2. Obtaining the CEXGAN Certificate: The Importance of a Preliminary Assessment
- Microchip implantation, usually registered in Spain.
- In the case of dogs, a valid rabies vaccination.
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Legally accepted document by the authorities that certifies this and other basic and health information of the animal (usually a European passport or an entry certificate to the EU).
🚨 Important: Each pet has specific needs. Vaccination requirements differ for dogs and cats, and in addition to the CEXGAN certificate, the owner must also process the import certificate for dogs. Request information about this certificate from us, and we will send it to you as well.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that a certified veterinarian review all existing documentation and conduct a preliminary assessment of the necessary requirements.
Our service includes:
✅ A personalized analysis of your case and the health requirements for your destination.
✅ A review of your pet’s current documentation to ensure compliance.
✅ The identification of any potential issues that could delay or complicate the travel process.
Cost of the Preliminary Assessment: €30 (which will later be deducted from the total service fee).
This step is crucial to avoid last-minute surprises and ensure that all documents are in order.
Important Note:
Travel regulations for pets are set by government authorities and are mandatory. Airlines, transport companies, and shipping lines cannot guarantee your pet’s travel without these requirements. While they may not always check every detail, any official authority in the exporting or importing country has the right to inspect the documentation and deny boarding if requirements are not met.
To prevent any issues during boarding or upon arrival, TomVets always recommends following the necessary steps to comply with international health regulations. Be cautious of misleading information on the internet or even on airline websites—what they require for boarding is often different from the sanitary requirements enforced by the countries themselves.
3. What Is the CEXGAN Process Like?
Once we have completed the preliminary assessment, gathered all the necessary documentation, and ensured all requirements are in order, we will schedule the necessary appointments to process the required documents within the designated timeframes. Typically, the final certificates are issued 10 days before the trip.
The competent government authority (CEXGAN) will validate the documents, and for travel to the USA, the original certificates will be sent to you via email. We will notify you once they are ready. We always recommend carrying both digital and printed copies to facilitate inspection by airport staff.
When boarding, with the issued certificate in hand, you only need to follow the airline’s instructions and go to the check-in counter, where you will be asked to present the certificates.
4. What Happens Upon Arrival at a USA Airport?
Cuando llegues a Estados Unidos, con el certificado ya emitido, solo tendrás que seguir las instrucciones de la aerolínea y acudir al mostrador de las autoridades sanitarias del país para mostrar el certificado. El certificado del animal ya habrá sido validado para hacer ese viaje a nivel sanitario por lo que el día del viaje no tiene que haber ninguna sorpresa.
5. Returning with Your Pet from the USA to Spain?
It’s important to understand that veterinarians in each country are only responsible for the export requirements from their country of origin to another destination. We do not specialize in the import regulations of other countries, as this is beyond our jurisdiction.
To return to Spain or the European Union from the U.S., your pet must have:
✅ A European pet passport with up-to-date vaccinations.
However, you must always check, process, and follow the guidance of an experienced, authorized veterinarian registered in the U.S. to ensure a smooth return.
Conclusion
Traveling with your dog or cat from Spain to the United States requires strict compliance with health regulations and obtaining the CEXGAN export certificate. With TomVets’ mandatory preliminary assessment, we make sure you have all the necessary documentation ready and compliant, so you can travel with peace of mind.
At TomVets, we handle everything so you can travel stress-free with your best friend. If you have any questions or need assistance with the paperwork, or if you’d like us to start your preliminary assessment, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp!
