USDA vet same as regular vet?

This is probably one of those questions that is so simple but I just want to clarify before I start the process with my cat next week.

I know the health certificate has to be signed by a USDA vet and that kick starts the 4 month period in which it's okay for the pet to travel. Is there a USDA vet that you must specifically use or does the pets' normal vet do if that vet is USDA certified? If that makes any sense.

USDA has an official 'state vet'; they deal with a lot of paperwork regarding movement of animals and other matters.

My USDA certified vet signed the 3rd country certificate required by DEFRA last June, and filled out the USDA certificate. The USDA vet in Richmond signed that certificate after checking the dates on the rabies vaccine.

If you call the USDA office in your home state (usually in the capital), they will tell you exactly what is required. Just remember that airlines may have requirements over and above what DEFRA require, so make sure your paperwork conforms.

I'll give them a call today to find out. I was reading on DEFRA's website that the new 3rd country certificate won't be able to go into effect until 10 days before you fly (much like most airlines want their health certificate 10 days before including flight time). If that's the case, I'm going to be doing a lot of driving between here and Atlanta those last few days!

I just saw that new dera stuff as well while looking for the new form for our dog.  The old rules made it a bit of a crunch with the 24-48 hour treatment then just when you think they've made it easier they get that 10 day thing.  A little better but still stressful.

Lol, I agree. I was like yay! I don't have to tapeworm or tick treat the kitty and then I saw that and I was like well F.... I called Atlanta's USDA office and the woman kept transferring me to places I didn't need to go. She apparently finally sent me to the right person but they were out of office so I left a voice mail.

I just saw that new dera stuff as well while looking for the new form for our dog.  The old rules made it a bit of a crunch with the 24-48 hour treatment then just when you think they've made it easier they get that 10 day thing.  A little better but still stressful.

Just FYI, it's 5 days. 10 days is the health certificate validity for the airlines. DEFRA wants tapeworm treatment done 1-5 days (technically 24-120 hours) prior to checkin.

The new DEFRA rules have it that the new third country certificate they are coming out with cant be issued until ten days before departure (bug is still viable for 4 months) as well as the usual 10 day health certificate the airlines require is what I think tmfigy wa talking about.

Yeah that is what i meant-- it sounds like the cert is good for 4 months if you wanted to travel around more but the inital entry is 10 days.  10 days for airline health cert and 1-5 for tapeworm.

Hubby is returning to the UK tomorrow so he is going to call animal reception in MAN for me to get everything clarified (again!!)  and I can report back

How do you find the USDA number for your state's office? I googled USDA office in Atlanta, GA and called and apparently I can only find the number to the meat and poultry divison - I don't know. It's bloody annoying.

From here:

USDA, APHIS, VS
1498 Klondike Rd. SW
Suite 200
Conyers, GA 30094-5169
Phone: (770) 922-7860
Fax: (770) 483-9000

Thank you for the number! I called and I have to have them finally sign the certificate. She did tell me they don't even know 100% if cats will or will not need to be tapeworm treated - DEFRA's website says only dogs but she said they are awaiting confirmation from te EU so I'll call back in a few months once they know.

Also forgot to add - since the dogs can't be treated for tapeworm for 1-5 days before the trip that means the new certificate can't be issued until after that treatment.