Usually fine digitally
| Who is asking | Photo or PDF? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding kennels and daycares | Usually yes | Some ask the clinic to email it directly. |
| Groomers | Yes | Often checked at booking by email. |
| Landlords | Yes | Attached to the application. |
| Dog parks and training classes | Yes | |
| Airlines | Often originals | Health certificates may need to be the signed paper form. |
| International borders | Originals or endorsed copies | Follow the destination’s import rules exactly. |
| County licensing | Varies | Many accept a copy; some want the vet to submit it. |
What makes a digital copy acceptable
Legibility. The person checking needs to read the animal, dates, product and signature. Photograph it flat, in daylight, with all four corners in frame; see how to photograph a vaccine certificate. A PDF from the clinic is better still.
A shared record vs a photo
A PawPass share link shows every vaccination and date on one read-only page, which is what most businesses are checking. Where a business needs the signed certificate itself, send the photo or PDF alongside.
Sources
Rules and guidelines change, and businesses set their own policies. Confirm with your vet and with whoever is asking.