Many countries have similar requirements regarding general vaccinations and what needs to be on the vaccination certificate.
General Vaccinations:
When your pet will be spending time at a boarding facility, they are required to be vaccinated for certain things to protect them from other diseases. Additionally, many countries, including Singapore, New Zealand, the UAE, and Australia, require cats and dogs to have other vaccinations besides rabies in order to enter the country.
Dog Vaccinations:
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- Leptospirosis
- CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)
Cat Vaccinations:
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) - required for some boarding facilities
The vet must follow the vaccine manufacturer's guidelines regarding revaccination. In general, a booster vaccine is required 2-4 weeks after the first to be considered fully vaccinated. Following the first booster, the vaccinations are then valid for 1-3 years (depending on the vaccine).
Most countries, including New Zealand, Australia, and the UAE, require the general vaccines to be less than 1 year old at the time of travel.
Many countries have a waiting period after the vaccinations before pets are allowed to enter the country.
It's important to make sure your pet's vaccinations do not lapse or expire. In some cases, if the vaccination expires before getting a new one then the previous vaccine will not be considered valid and you might have to restart the vaccination or pet import process.
What needs to be on the actual vaccination certificate?
The following details must be noted on your pet's vaccination certificate:
- Pet owner name (matching their passport)
- Pet owner address
- Microchip number(s) [if your pet has more than one microchip, all must be listed]
- Name
- Breed
- Color
- Age / Date of birth
- Weight
- Sex (male neutered/intact or female spayed/intact)
- Date vaccine given
- Date vaccine expires
- Serial or lot # of the vaccine
- Lot expiration of the vaccine
- Full Vaccine Manufacturer Name (abbreviations are not accepted)
- Full Vaccine Product Name (abbreviations are not accepted)
- Veterinarian's Name
- Original ink signature of the veterinarian
- Vet's license number
The ORIGINAL signed vaccination certificates must travel with your pet on their day of departure.
Example of an acceptable general vaccination certificate:
