Traveling With Pet(s) – Prairie Animal Hospital

"I might be traveling with my pet. What do I need?"

There are many things to consider when traveling with your pets. Here are the 5 things to review BEFORE you finalize your travel plans with your pets:

1. Is your pet current on vaccines?

2. Does your pet have a microchip?

3. Have you reviewed the requirements of your travel destination?

Please review travel requirements for both Interstate and International Travel at the APHIS Pet Travel website for most up-to-date information.

4. Health Certificates & Certification of Veterinary Inspection (CVI):

For Interstate Travel: Please call ahead to check for availability and schedule an appointment.
For International Travel: Please refer to WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital to schedule an International Health Certificate Appointment.

5. Requirements of Return: *

There are now additional requirements from the CDC for pets coming into or returning to the US.

Please follow the link below for the most current information: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/dog-import-form-instructions.html

Prior to traveling anywhere with your pet, it is advised to look up the travel requirements for your destination months in advance to traveling. This gives you plenty of time to prepare and schedule health certificates for your pet(s) accordingly. Veterinary hospitals have no control over regulations or deadlines that must be met for travel. It is ultimately the responsibility of the pet owner to have all appropriate paperwork and documents prepared in order to complete a health certificate.

*Important Pet Travel Update: New World Screwworm

Idaho Entry Requirements (updated JUNE 2026)

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has issued updated import requirements in response to confirmed cases of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico. Confirmed cases of New World Screwworm (NWS) have now been identified in Texas and New Mexico, and the number of affected animals is increasing. Because animals travel, there is concern that affected areas may continue to expand.

Before traveling with your pet remember these 5 Key Takeaways!

1) Check the map before you travel
NWS “infested zones” are expected to change quickly.

Review the latest updates HERE before any trip.

2) Texas & New Mexico currently affected

These are the primary states with confirmed cases right now—but additional states are expected to be added as new cases are identified.

3) A health certificate (CVI) is required to return to Idaho

If your pet travels from an affected state:

CVI required from veterinarian within 5 days of movement into Idaho.

Additional permits may be required for animals coming directly from infested zones

4) This applies to ALL pets

Not just livestock—this includes: cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and more.

5) Consider postponing travel

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture recommends avoiding travel to affected areas if possible to reduce risk.

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What this means for you:

You may need to schedule a veterinary visit before traveling (scheduled within the 5 day period of return to Idaho) to ensure your pet meets these requirements. Planning ahead is important, as these documents are time-sensitive. We understand that most pet owners are not accustomed to obtaining a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection on such a short timeline, so please be sure to plan accordingly and have all required documentation completed before departure and return.

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Parasite prevention is highly recommended for all pets, especially those that travel. Your pet’s veterinarian can help you choose the best option to protect against parasites such as fleas, ticks, heartworm, and even NWS.

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For the most current updates on active infested zones and confirmed cases, please refer to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.