Is a signature made with a rubber stamp and typed name valid for the endorsement on an International Health Certificate?

The endorsement on an International Health Certificate must be signed by a licensed veterinarian who has actually examined the animal to ensure that it meets the health requirements of the destination country. A signature made with a rubber stamp, even if accompanied by a typed name, does not satisfy the legal requirement for a personal endorsement.

The use of a rubber stamp may imply a lack of personal verification of the animal's health status, as it does not reflect the individual's actual signature or direct involvement in the certification process. Authentic signatures are essential for accountability and legitimacy in veterinary health endorsements, ensuring that the veterinarian takes full responsibility for the assessed health of the animal.

In specific circumstances, such as emergency situations where a veterinarian may be unavailable, proper protocols should be followed to ensure an appropriate signature is still provided, which is why alternatives like confirmation by a secondary party would still not fulfill the requirement of a personal endorsement. Thus, simply using a rubber stamp does not meet the rigorous standards set for health certifications.