USDA Office APHIS

Unlike other government offices, this location is so efficient and friendly. They are able to process my document the same day they receive it. Five star well deserved.

Having this document made travel to Mexico much easier. We take our dog every year so this is a must for us. Everyone is very nice.

Make an appointment. Do not just show up– you will have to sign in and go through security.
Get your paperwork all in order with your regular vet and you have this office sign and stamp it. The people were incredibly friendly in what was a very stressful situation for me. They clarified a few of my questions over the phone so I was sure I was showing up with the right papers and even accommodated me with an earlier appointment time the day of my flight out.

Unlike other some government offices, the USDA office is quick and friendly! Appointments are generally available too, which is great, if you have decided to fly out with your pet in short notice.

Easy to find, quick process. Just bring your pet’s international health certificate completed by your local vet, and it will be promptly authenticated by the USDA vet. Make an appointment, not crowded but because it is a govt agency they want to know you’re coming.

Are you planning on flying your dog, cat or other accepted animal to another country?
My first bit of advice: DO ALL YOUR RESEARCH AND PREP well in advance. WELL IN ADVANCE my friends. I’ve literally been working on this for a few months and it feels like a full-​time job. But I love her, so there you go. Depending on where you are going the laws differ, but I am going to the UK… so it’s monumentally crazy and insane. But not impossible. You can do it on a short time line… but its stressful even with a long one, so to each their own.
But I am bringing her with us. Tillie is going to be British! She loves the Queen.
And thus, I visited the USDA office for Illinois. Make an appointment in advance. They are nice on the phone.
Luckily for us Chicagoland people this is quite conveniently located in Des Plaines, just off I-​90 and near O’Hare airport. It’s very near the Rivers Casino just west of the highway in a complex with white buildings. You’ll drive back into the lot where a few more buildings are… then park your car (free) and walk around to the second (back) entrance. You’ll go through security, and be checked in.
What you’ll need to get their good old stamp of approval for your pet to fly:
*health certificate (from your veterinarian) with the below items:
*current Rabies vaccination cerificate.
*dogs: treated for tape worm no more than 5 days before flight and not more than 1 day before — vet signature.
*current Rabies vaccination certificate.
*proof of microchip inserted BEFORE most recent rabies vaccination.
*sticker from microchip.
You bring them all of these things (and as you can see, this is all a huge feat in itself!) and pay them $ 38 and you’ll get all of your documents stamped so your furry friend can fly the friendly skies.
*cashier’s check or credit (all forms) accepted. (no cash).
This completes your documentation for the US side (for the most part) but you surely need to visit this office if you are going out of the country with your pet… so there you have it, hope this helped a bit!