Working With an APHIS Endorsement Office
This page explains how to work with APHIS to obtain endorsement of live animal export and pet health certificates.
For information about the export process, country requirements, and required paperwork, visit Live Animal Exports and Take a Pet From the United States to Another Country.
Tips for Exporters, Pet Owners, and Accredited Veterinarians
Endorsement Services
- No in-person or drop-off services.
- For fastest processing, have your accredited veterinarian submit certificates through the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS).
- Routine APHIS VEHCS processing services are staffed Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time (CT), excluding Federal holidays. The time listed in VEHCS reflects GMT.
- Paper certificates are discouraged but may be mailed to our paper endorsement office.
Status Updates
Endorsement offices cannot confirm delivery or provide status updates. For updates:
- Contact your accredited veterinarian (they can check VEHCS status).
- Use your mail tracking number.
Important Tips
- Ensure accuracy and submit documents as early as possible within the allowed timeline of the destination country to avoid delays.
- Use overnight or Saturday delivery when mailing.
Need Help?
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians
Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian for questions about your destination country's entry requirements for animals (including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments); issuance of health certificates; and status updates on certificate endorsement.
Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian
APHIS Endorsement Offices
APHIS Veterinary Export Trade Services (VETS) offers commodity-specific expertise for exporting animals. Use the dropdown to contact us with questions about endorsing health certificates.
Mailing Address
USDA-APHIS
Attn: VETS
920 Main Campus Dr., Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27606
Pet Owners: Include this checklist (198.45 KB) with your paperwork to ensure that all required documents are in your shipping package. Submitting an incomplete package will cause delays.