Are you planning to travel soon with your pet? Read on to learn more about recommended precautions and regulations to be aware of in preparation for domestic and international travel with animals.

Considerations and Preparations for Domestic and International Travel

Make sure your pet is comfortable with travel. Illness, age, injury or temperament may deem your pet unsuitable for travel.

Make sure your pet has valid identification. Identification can be by microchip or tags with up-to-date information. ID tags should include owner’s name, current home address and home phone number.

Consider the preferences and policies of where you will be staying. Hotels and motels must be pet friendly. If staying with friends or family, make sure they are okay with pets ahead of time. If you’re staying at a parks, campground, or marina – make sure they allow pets.

Pet Health Certificates

Health certificates are required when crossing state borders. These must be administered and signed by an accredited vet after examining your pet for infectious diseases and state requirements. If you are flying international, you must receive a USDA endorsement certificate.

Health Certificate Requirements

• Proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination and other illnesses

• The vet may check for heartworm disease and may need to prescribe preventative medication

• Examination by a licensed and accredited veterinarian

International Travel with your Pet

When flying internationally, you must follow both US regulations as well as foreign regulations to the country which you are travelling. Each country has a specific certificate that needs to downloaded from the APHIS website. You must download and print this document to bring with you before the veterinary health check. Microchips that can be scanned internationally are required for international travel. Some countries require rabies titers, which check for antibodies to rabies, at specific intervals before travel. A vet may also be required to administer internal and external parasite control treatments just before departure.

Acclimation Certificates

Federal law prohibits an animal to be in tempratures less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit fore more than 45 minutes between terminal and plane, or for more than 4 hours at a holding facility. An acclimation certificate administered by a veterinarian waives this policy. Certain airlines require an acclimation certificate, so educate yourself ahead of time.

Approved Crates for Pet Travel

The USDA Requirements for pet travel crates are as follows:

• Must be large enough for pet to stand (without touching the top), turn around and lie down

• Must have a leak proof bottom covered with adequate absorbent material

• Must be ventilated on opposite sides with exterior knobs that do not block airflow

• Must be clearly labelled with owners’ name, home address and phone number, destination contact info

• Sign saying “live animals” with arrow pointing toward top

For more info on boats and car travel with your pets, visit https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/traveling-your-pet-faq#think.

Traveling with Your Pet? You may Need a Health Certificate!