USDA Pet Travel: What You Need to Know

Traveling with pets—whether it’s for a move, a new home, or a temporary relocation—can come with more red tape than expected. While not all travel requires USDA involvement, understanding when it does is key to avoiding delays, denials, or costly surprises.

What Is USDA Pet Travel?

USDA pet travel refers to the set of requirements established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for animals crossing state lines or entering/exiting the country. Their goal is to protect against the spread of diseases like rabies or foot-and-mouth disease, especially when animals are transported over long distances or internationally.

Depending on your destination, your pet may need:

A USDA-endorsed health certificate
Proof of vaccinations and parasite treatment
Microchipping or blood tests
In some cases, quarantine upon arrival

When Does It Apply?

The USDA’s involvement is most common for international pet travel, but it can also apply to interstate movement of animals under certain conditions, such as:

Commercial transport (e.g., breeders or sellers)
Certain species or breeds considered higher risk
Travel to states with specific health entry requirements (like Hawaii)

For most personal pet relocations within the continental U.S., USDA endorsement isn’t required, though you’ll still need basic proof of vaccinations and a travel-safe setup.

Domestic Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

If you're relocating your pet within the West Coast—say, from San Diego to Portland or Sacramento to Seattle—you may not need USDA paperwork at all. But long-distance ground travel still comes with its own challenges: managing safe transport, ensuring your pet’s comfort, and coordinating timing.

That’s where Skoot Premium Pet Transport comes in.

At Skoot, we specialize in domestic, long-distance pet relocation throughout the West Coast. Our service is USDA-compliant, but because we stay within U.S. borders, most clients don’t need to worry about complex endorsements or international paperwork. That means less stress, no airports, and a smoother experience for both you and your pet.

How to Prepare If You Do Need USDA Paperwork

For those traveling internationally or shipping pets as part of a commercial sale, here’s what the process usually looks like:

Visit a USDA-accredited veterinarian
Your vet will issue the correct health certificate tailored to your travel destination.
Complete and submit required documents
This includes vaccination history, microchip info, and species-specific forms.
Get USDA Endorsement
Mail or deliver the paperwork to your local APHIS Veterinary Services office. Fees apply depending on the number and type of animals.
Double-check timing
Most certificates are only valid for a short window before travel. Always check your destination’s requirements well in advance.

The Bottom Line

Not every pet trip requires USDA oversight, but knowing the rules helps you avoid last-minute issues. For simpler relocations—especially within the West Coast—ground transport through a trusted provider like Skoot Premium Pet Transport may be the easiest (and safest) option.

We handle the driving, crate setup, rest breaks, and updates—so your pet stays cozy and cared for from start to finish. No airports. No paperwork headaches. Just door-to-door peace of mind.