Traveling internationally with your dog can be an exciting adventure, but it requires careful planning and preparation. This guide provides essential information to help you navigate the complexities of international pet travel, ensuring a smooth and safe journey for both you and your furry friend. The primary goal is to answer the question: “Can I Travel Internationally With My Dog?” and provide all necessary information to make an informed decision.
Planning Your International Trip with Your Dog
Before you even think about packing your bags, thorough research is crucial. Start by checking the entry requirements for your destination country. Some countries have strict quarantine regulations or may even prohibit the entry of certain breeds. Contact the embassy of the country you plan to visit to get the most up-to-date information. You can find a directory of embassies at embassy.org.
Alt text: Dog contemplating international travel, peering out car window with a thoughtful expression, illustrating pet travel planning.
Airline Pet Policies: What You Need to Know
Airlines have varying policies regarding pet travel. Some allow small dogs to travel in the cabin with you, while others require pets to travel as checked baggage or cargo. Contact the airline directly to understand their specific requirements, including kennel size restrictions, health certificate requirements, and any associated fees. Remember that airline policies can change, so always confirm the details before booking your flight.
There are generally three ways your dog can travel via airlines:
- In-cabin: Your dog travels with you in the passenger cabin (size restrictions apply).
- Accompanied baggage: Your dog travels in the cargo hold of the same plane as you.
- Cargo: Your dog travels on a separate flight, often requiring a commercial pet shipper.
Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals
It’s crucial to understand the difference between service animals and emotional support animals, especially when traveling by air. As of December 2, 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a final rule on traveling by air with service animals. Only trained service animals that assist individuals with physical or psychiatric disabilities are allowed to travel in the cabin free of charge. Emotional support animals no longer receive the same entitlement. Check out the DOT form for more details.
Helpful resources for service animal travel include: Service Dog Registration of America (SDRA) and VetDogs.org
Health Certificates and Vaccinations
Most countries require a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. The certificate typically needs to be issued within a specific timeframe before departure, often no more than 10 days. Check with the destination country’s embassy and the airline for specific requirements. Ensure your dog is up-to-date on all required vaccinations, including rabies.
Alt text: Veterinarian examining a dog for international travel, highlighting the importance of pet health checks and vaccinations.
The ISO Microchip
Many countries, especially those in the European Union (EU), require dogs to have an ISO-compliant microchip. These microchips adhere to ISO standards 11784 and 11785. If your dog’s current microchip is not ISO-compliant, you may need to have a new one implanted before traveling. You can purchase ISO microchips from the Pet Travel Store or other online retailers.
USDA Endorsement and Authentication
For many countries, your dog’s health certificate needs to be endorsed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This process involves submitting the certificate to the USDA for official approval. As of April 29, 2020, the endorsement of pet health forms is 100% electronic through the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS).
In some cases, the destination country may also require authentication of the USDA certificate by the Department of State’s Office of Authentications. Check with the embassy of the country you are traveling to for specific requirements.
Preparing Your Dog for the Trip
Acclimate your dog to their travel kennel well in advance of the trip. Make the kennel a comfortable and safe space by placing familiar blankets and toys inside. Consider using calming aids, such as pheromone sprays or calming chews, to help reduce anxiety during travel.
Alt text: Dog comfortably resting inside a travel kennel, showcasing kennel acclimation for stress-free international pet travel.
Emergency Planning
It’s essential to consider potential emergency situations that could require rapid departure or shipping of your dog. Think about resources your dog might need and options for sheltering them in-country.
Returning to the United States
When returning to the United States with your dog, consult the Returning to the United States with Pets webpage and the USDA-APHIS Bring your pet into the United States from a foreign country (Import) webpage.
Conclusion
Traveling internationally with your dog requires diligent planning and adherence to specific regulations. By researching the requirements of your destination country, understanding airline policies, and ensuring your dog’s health and safety, you can make your international trip a positive experience for both you and your furry companion. Always confirm information with official sources like embassies and the USDA-APHIS to ensure accuracy. Consider contacting a commercial pet shipper like IPATA if your pet is shipping as cargo. Traveling with a pet can be complicated and requires that you start planning early.
