What it certifies
A health certificate is a vet’s statement that your pet is healthy and meets the destination’s requirements. For many countries it must be issued within a short window — often 10 days — before arrival.
The endorsement chain
Many destinations require the certificate to be endorsed by your country’s government animal-health authority after your vet signs it. That extra step takes time and cannot be done at the airport.
Copies and timing
Travel with the original plus copies, keep the timing tight to the flight, and confirm whether an accredited (not just any) vet is required. These details are where trips quietly go wrong.