Serial Number, USDA Vet, and Printouts

I am really sorry to be spamming these boards, but I am so confused.

1. My mother (the cat lives with my parents right now, so they are taking care of the process for me) printed out the form and asked me how she would find out what the serial number would be for the certificate. I read this thread http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=35863.0 and it would appear that the serial number is actually issued by a USDA vet AFTER the the whole process is complete?

2. Everyone on these boards is talking about contacting your USDA vet, but I have no idea how to find out who that is. Is my "USDA vet" the same as the vet who is APHIS approved, or is this another person entirely? I'm so very confused by this terminology. Is our APHIS vet the one who will issue the serial number? If this is not the case, how do I find out who my "USDA vet" is? I've called both the office in Harrisburg and our county USDA office and they don't seem to understand what I'm asking--probably because I don't know how to ask it.

3. My mother started filling out the form yesterday after she printed it out on the computer. But in that thread above, it says that this can cause problems? Should we just print out a new form, leave it blank, and leave our vet to do the rest?

Thank you again for your help.

1. My mother (the cat lives with my parents right now, so they are taking care of the process for me) printed out the form and asked me how she would find out what the serial number would be for the certificate. I read this thread http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=35863.0 and it would appear that the serial number is actually issued by a USDA vet AFTER the the whole process is complete?

In my case, the serial number was entered by the USDA vet after the completion of most of the process (excluding the tick and tapeworm treatments).  It was simply the serial number from the APHIS 7001 form that was also completed for my cats (this is done within 10 days of travel).  I think that in some other folks' experiences, some USDA vets left it blank or just filled in a bogus number or something.  You'd have to read more threads to see exactly what happened.

2. Everyone on these boards is talking about contacting your USDA vet, but I have no idea how to find out who that is. Is my "USDA vet" the same as the vet who is APHIS approved, or is this another person entirely? I'm so very confused by this terminology. Is our APHIS vet the one who will issue the serial number? If this is not the case, how do I find out who my "USDA vet" is? I've called both the office in Harrisburg and our county USDA office and they don't seem to understand what I'm asking--probably because I don't know how to ask it.

People can find out who the official USDA vet for their region is here:  http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/

Since you are in PA (I think), the link to your state's official vet is here:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/states/pennsylvania_info.html

Area Veterinarian-in-Charge
USDA, APHIS, VS
2301 N. Cameron St. Rm. 412
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: (717) 237-7440
Fax (717) 782-4098

Since it looks like the position is vacant, that may be the factor complicating things.  Perhaps ask them who is responsible for signing domestic animal export documents like the APHIS 7001 and international documents.

3. My mother started filling out the form yesterday after she printed it out on the computer. But in that thread above, it says that this can cause problems? Should we just print out a new form, leave it blank, and leave our vet to do the rest?

Honestly, I filled out like 15 forms, making sure that the right info was on them, writing them in blue ink (recommended), rewriting the information so it was neat and clear, etc... but truth be told you don't need to fill out anything on the form until right before you take it to the USDA vet for their official signature.   Your vet completes the section "OFFICIAL VETERINARIAN OR VETERINARIAN AUTHORISED BY THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY*" as well as the tick and tapeworm treatment sections. The USDA vet completes the section "Endorsement by the Competent Authority".  You can fill out the other bits.  The "Official Veterinarian..." section has to be signed on a date prior to the USDA signature date, even just the day before.

When I went to my USDA appointment, I didn't realize that my vet, who was performing the shots and whatnot, was the "Veterinarian authorized by the competent authority" and hadn't filled that section out.  Luckily, my USDA vet was really nice, and just instructed me to have my vet complete it, ensuring that it was dated before his signature.  He talked directly to the practice manager too, so that was good.

Make sure it's all in Euro time / date format (dd/mm/yyyy and 24 hour clock time)

Yes, I am in PA. When I called the state office in Harrisburg, the woman did say something about "lots of things changing" and so records may not be up to date. I will call them and ask them that directly, and hope they have an answer. Thanks.

So if I am understanding correctly, once it's closer to the departure date, we'll just need to make a trip to the Harrisburg office and have whoever is responsible (or whoever has filled the position) fill in that number?

Also, where does one get the 7001 form? Does the vet just have it?

So if I am understanding correctly, once it's closer to the departure date, we'll just need to make a trip to the Harrisburg office and have whoever is responsible (or whoever has filled the position) fill in that number?

Generally you have to make an appointment for the USDA vet to review your paperwork, hand over your check, and have him sign and stamp your forms.  But yes, depending on whether your airline and/or USDA vet require the APHIS 7001 to be completed as part of the process, you'll go in within 10 days of traveling to have them stamp and sign your EU998.

Also, where does one get the 7001 form? Does the vet just have it?

It is my understanding that USDA-authorized vets should have copies.  I recommend checking with your vet ASAP to ensure that they do have them at the practice (they're non-technically called international health certification forms)

Great, thank you.

ETA: I thought the 7001 and the 998 were the same. Oops. . . will ask about that form too.

Sooo... Some USDA vets will require the 7001 form before they sign off on the 998/2003? I think we'll need to send ours to Sacramento. I guess I'll need to call them, but I need to know what to ask....

Sooo... Some USDA vets will require the 7001 form before they sign off on the 998/2003? I think we'll need to send ours to Sacramento. I guess I'll need to call them, but I need to know what to ask....

Good luck with that, I can't even get them to answer me. You can cue some inner rage on that topic from me right now.

Sooo... Some USDA vets will require the 7001 form before they sign off on the 998/2003?

Not only USDA vets, but some airlines as well. My Continental flight out of Newark, NJ, to Manchester required it.  There is health information on the 7001 about your pets that is not included on the 998;it is more about their general health and ability to travel.  Please make sure to check with your airline what forms they may require before transporting your pet.

Thank you Exjerseygirl!!!! 

Your explanation of how to fill out the 998, whether or not you need the Aphis 7001 and how these 2 documents might relate is the most easily understood explanation I've come across anywhere!!!  ~Including a call I had directly to DEFRA.  The DEFRA chap was nice enough, he just suggested I call my USDA office for information on how to fill it out.

You've just cleared up so many questions I had.  Thank you so much for taking the time to explain what you had gone through!

Laura