APHIS 7001 is optional... at least in Texas

Though I already posted this in another thread, thought it deserved it's own.

Not sure if this applies to all states, as I read on the USDA website every state can have different rules. I just got an email from the USDA vet in Austin who said that the APHIS 7001 form is optional and only possibly required by your airline. You might not need this form or might not need it endorsed by the USDA.

Defra recommends:

Private veterinary health statements

While veterinary health statements are not required by Defra for the movement of pet animals, you may find that approved transport companies require veterinary evidence that your pet is healthy and fit to travel before they will allow it to board their aircraft or ship.

You are advised to verify if the transport company requires a private veterinary statement and the form which it should take. This veterinary statement may be provided in one of the following two ways:

1) completion of section IX of the EU Pet Passport by a practising veterinarian confirming that 'the animal is in good health and able to withstand carriage to its destination.' or

(2) a private statement from a practising veterinarian stating that:
'On [date], I examined the animal described in EU Pet Passport/third country official veterinary certificate numbered [enter serial number] and found it to be free from clinical signs of infectious or contagious disease, including external parasites, and in my opinion, is fit to travel.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/procedures/support-info/documents.htm

Kaleyko,

I'm in Austin too..What airline are you using? or did you already move your pet?
I was thinking of using continental. Their rates were very reasonable.
What step are you in on the process...I've had my dog microchipped, vacinated,
and the blood test is done..the vet just called today to say the paperwork came in..
I'm overwhelmed on what step is next because I'm trying to do so much at once...
Any guidance is welcome!