USDA APHIS VS Introduce
For pet owners in Illinois, the thought of traveling with an animal, especially internationally, can be a source of immense stress. The process involves a maze of regulations, intricate paperwork, and strict deadlines. This is where USDA APHIS VS (United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services) steps in. The office located in Des Plaines, Illinois, serves as a critical resource, not just for individual pet owners but for veterinarians and commercial animal handlers throughout the state. It is a place where complex regulatory requirements are met with professional and efficient service, providing a much-needed sense of relief. Unlike a traditional veterinary clinic that focuses on pet health from a clinical perspective, this office is a government entity dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of animals and American agriculture on a broader, global scale. Their primary role is to endorse health certificates for animals traveling both internationally and across state lines, ensuring compliance with the destination's specific rules. This is a crucial step in a process that can be daunting, and the professionalism of the team here is what makes all the difference for a successful trip.
The Des Plaines office is a hub of regulatory expertise, and its staff are the unsung heroes of pet travel. They understand the time-sensitive nature of these documents and the anxiety it can cause for pet owners. The efficiency and speed with which they process paperwork are consistently praised by clients who are often up against tight travel schedules. While their primary function is regulatory, their work directly impacts the lives of countless animals and their human companions, making their role incredibly important. They are the final checkpoint to ensure that all the hard work done by a private veterinarian is correct and in line with international standards. The professionalism of the USDA APHIS VS team is a testament to their dedication to their mission of protecting the health of the nation's animal population and facilitating safe trade. They are a necessary part of the ecosystem of animal care, working behind the scenes to make sure that a beloved pet's journey is as safe and smooth as possible. Their work is a blend of public service and veterinary knowledge, ensuring that both animal and human health standards are upheld at all times.
The USDA APHIS VS office is conveniently situated at 2300 E Devon Ave Ste 220, Des Plaines, IL 60018, USA. Its location is easily accessible for those in the greater Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs. For those driving, the facility provides a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, which simplifies the arrival process and ensures convenience for all visitors. The building itself is also designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. This attention to accessibility is a crucial detail that demonstrates their commitment to serving everyone in the community. As a government office, the facilities are straightforward and functional, focused on providing service efficiently. The office's location makes it a central point for residents from various parts of Illinois who need to complete the necessary paperwork for their pets. Being on time for your appointment is essential, as noted by many clients, which speaks to the professionalism and strict scheduling of a government agency dedicated to high-volume, time-sensitive tasks. While the environment may be different from a private veterinary clinic, the clear and direct process is a welcomed change for those dealing with complex travel requirements.
Given the regulatory nature of their work, the services offered by USDA APHIS VS are highly specialized. They are not a place for a routine check-up or for emergency medical care for your pet. Instead, they provide critical governmental and regulatory services that are vital for animal health, welfare, and international trade. The Des Plaines office is a key part of a national network that upholds animal health standards. Here is a list of some of the key services they provide:
- Health Certification: Endorsing health certificates for pets and other animals traveling abroad or between states.
- International Travel: Providing the final official endorsement for paperwork required for international pet travel.
- Disease Management: Working to prevent and manage animal diseases on a national and international level.
- Emergency Management: Responding to animal health emergencies and outbreaks.
- Regulatory Services: Enforcing regulations related to animal welfare and health.
- Welfare Services: Overseeing animal welfare standards, particularly for those in commercial operations.
- Laboratory Services: Utilizing laboratory testing to support diagnostic efforts and disease control.
- Environmental Assessments: Conducting assessments to ensure animal health and safety in various environments.
- Wildlife Services: Managing and responding to animal-related issues involving wildlife.
While the services of USDA APHIS VS are primarily regulatory, the office is known for several key features and highlights that make the process less stressful for clients. The reviews provided by customers often focus on the efficiency and professionalism of the staff, which are critical factors when dealing with travel documents. Here are some of the standout highlights of this office:
- Swift Turnaround Time: Customers consistently praise the office for how quickly they process and return endorsed documents, sometimes in just a couple of days. This speed provides a great deal of relief for pet owners with upcoming travel dates.
- Professional and Knowledgeable Staff: The professionals working at the office are highly knowledgeable and able to quickly verify paperwork to ensure everything is correct for your specific destination.
- Efficient Appointment Process: The office arranges appointments quickly, and once your paperwork is in hand, the process is fast. They handle clients in groups, which streamlines the entire process.
- Clear Communication: The staff makes it a point to clearly state what paperwork you need to bring and the importance of being on time, which helps clients prepare effectively.
- Accessibility: The office offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom, demonstrating a commitment to serving all members of the public.
For more information or to begin the process of getting your pet's travel documents endorsed, you can contact the USDA APHIS VS office directly. Appointments are recommended to ensure a smooth and efficient visit. Given the strict nature of the documentation, it is highly advisable to follow all instructions provided by the office and your private veterinarian to the letter to avoid any delays.
- Address: 2300 E Devon Ave Ste 220, Des Plaines, IL 60018, USA
- Phone: (847) 699-2450
What is worth choosing about USDA APHIS VS is their essential role and the unparalleled efficiency they bring to a highly stressful process. For Illinois residents needing to take their pet abroad, this office is not a choice, but a requirement. However, the experience of a quick, professional, and well-managed process is what truly makes it stand out. The fact that customers, in the midst of a "hard and incredibly stressful" process, take the time to write a positive review is a powerful testament to the relief and gratitude they feel. The staff's ability to turn around complex documents "FAST" provides a level of service that is worth its weight in gold. They take the confusion and anxiety out of a critical step in pet travel. While the office may not be a traditional animal hospital, its function is vital to the health and well-being of the animal population, ensuring compliance with regulations and preventing the spread of disease. They are a professional and necessary resource that, while sometimes strict, ultimately saves you time and stress, ensuring that you and your pet are cleared for your journey with confidence. Their service is a professional thumbs up from countless grateful pet owners who have successfully navigated the complexities of international pet travel thanks to their swift and accurate work.
USDA APHIS VS Services
Veterinarian
- Animal Care
- Disease Management
- Emergency Management
- Environmental Assessments
- Health Certification
- Health Diagnostic Testing
- International Travel
- Laboratory Services
- Pet Travel
- Regulatory Services
- Veterinary Services
- Welfare Services
- Wildlife Services
USDA APHIS VS Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Amenities
- Restroom
Planning
- Appointments recommended
USDA APHIS VS Photos

USDA APHIS VS Location
USDA APHIS VS
2300 E Devon Ave Ste 220, Des Plaines, IL 60018, USA
USDA APHIS VS Reviews
The process of getting the correct paperwork for traveling abroad with an animal is hard and incredibly stressful. Remember to do the checklist and include the checklist with your paperwork!My mail got to this office on Monday and by Wednesday morning I had the documents in my hand. I'm so grateful for the workers here doing an amazing job, turning it around so fast. It was such a relief to get it so fast. Thank you and God bless.
June 19 · Michael WrzesniakI appretiate how fast they arranged my appointment and once your paperwork is received by the agent, things are done FAST! Have in mind that you, most likely, won't be the only one at the time of your appointment. They take you in as a group. They have professionals working there. MAKE SURE you bring the paperwork they tell you to bring and BE ON TIME! They are strict on the time of your appointment. Thumbs up!
September 12 · Alan 7Crow7Ok. First - this office did was it was supposed to do. It checked our paperwork to travel abroad with our dog (we moved to Denmark). Gave it the seal stamp. Charged us too much for it and sent us on its way. Second- this office seemed completely unprofessional. It was difficult to get accurate information online about this office. When we got through security (easy and brief) a young man in sneakers and a gym sweat suit came and picked us up from the lobby. I thought he was maybe an intern or something but it turns out, he was the one to sign our paperwork. We were left by the front door of the dimly lit office. There were magazines from about 6 years ago and too very dusty chairs. There was also a large fridge freezer with signs stating “NO FOOD or DRINK ALLOWED”. It left us wondering.... what the heck was in that fridge?!? Gross. When the young man needed additional information from us, he just yelled to us from whatever cubicle he was in. It was extremely unprofessional and we were confused how informal it was. As we sat, we saw a dirty pair of shoes by the front door. Soon after a dark haired woman walked toward where we sat, and she had no shoes on and was just walking about the office also dressed very casually, as if she was working from home, and continued around the office in no shoes! Later, she put on shoes and left the office but t was NOT the shoes already by the front door so that must mean there was someone else who didn’t have to wear shoes in their government office. We got what we needed and left but in the short time we were there, we were unimpressed.
January 29 · Aly DyrczNot super easy to find this place & the parking lot was even harder to find. Once found though, the staff was nice & straightforward. Very swift & was in & out within 10 minutes.
October 30 · Heather SmithI used this office a several times in the past.Always nice and helpful.Never any problems.
February 15 · Eva Tupa
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