International

International Travel Considerations

You should always check with your veterinarian prior to making reservations for your pet to make sure he is “air worthy”, some of the smaller breeds are susceptible to breathing difficulties and should not fly. In addition, you should get updated health and vaccination certificates. Most countries require rabies shots. Contact the Consulate of the country you are planning to visit. For information on how to reach embassies and consulates, please visit the US Department of State at http://www.usembassy.gov. If you do not follow proper procedures some extensive quarantine periods may be required, or they may not allow your pet entry at all! If traveling in the US, you may want to check with the State(s) you will be visiting for their requirements for shots or quarantines. For example Hawaii is pretty much treated as a separate country from the mainland when it comes to animal entry.

Guide for International Pet Travel

The following rules typically only apply to dogs, cats, ferrets and domesticated rodents.

The most stringent policies related to pet immigration is found in the United Kingdom and the European Union so it is best to start with their policies and then point out exceptions for whatever destination you are going to. As of July 2011 the European Union is making microchipping mandatory for all pets coming into their countries.

1. Contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country to determine pet travel regulations.
   • Make sure you can bring your pet before you do any more research.
   • Find out whether or not your pet’s documentation needs to be translated into the language of the country that you’re visiting.
2. Obtain all necessary paperwork (such as health certificates and documentation) regarding your pet’s travel. Examples:
   • Veterinary Health Certificate form APHIS 7001 from the USDA
   • Canadian Food Inspection Agency CFIA health certificate.
3. Contact your local veterinarian to ensure your pet in is compliance with foreign health regulations.
   • Ask your Vet if your pet is “Air worthy” temperature wise as well as temperament, age and overall health.
   • Have your Vet fill out and sign all needed forms.
4. Check with the CDC about the importation of pets into the United States.
   • Check for temporary restrictions.
5. Check with APHIS about international animal export regulations.
   • Check for temporary restrictions.

Country of Entry Rabies and Quarantine Policies

The most stringent policies related to rabies is found in the UK and other island nations so it is best to adhere to their policies in order to assure hassle free entry for your pet to whatever destination you are going to.

A summary of what you need to know is there are three classifications the countries of the world fall into.

1. Rabies Free – These are typically your island nations including the UK.
2. Low Incidence – These are typically your larger industrial nations that share boarders with others.
3. High Incidence – These are typically emerging market countries with poor wildlife management.

Traveling between similarly classified countries is the least complicated but when you go from a country that has rabies to one that does not a blood titre test will be required. You need to calculate on a waiting period of about 120 days before you able to enter the Rabies Free country. This should help you avoid any quarantine period.