International Travel Tips for Pets: 7 Tips to Remember

(Last Updated On: September 24, 2023)

We found it challenging when we had to think about traveling with our pets. International travel for pets has been a much-discussed issue nowadays. International travel for pets becomes inevitable when we are not in a situation to skip. As family members, the pet will have to travel with us. Therefore, international travel for pets requires some attention. This article intends to share seven steps to ensure international travel for pets.

According to the CDC, effective December 1, 2021, all dogs, all dogs that have traveled to a high-risk country in the previous six months must enter the United States through an approved port of entry, which includes all 18 airports with a CDC quarantine station: Anchorage (ANC), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Honolulu (HNL), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia ( (IAD).

All canines brought into the United States must be in good health when they arrive.

Dogs that have not traveled to a high-risk country in the previous six months are not required by the CDC to present a rabies vaccination certificate or a CDC Dog Import Permit and can enter the US at any port of entry. However, they must be healthy upon arrival, and rabies vaccination is recommended. Traveloka: Southeast Asia’s Leading Travel Platform. Best prices for hotels, flights, buses, trains, & attractions.

International Pet Travel on American Carriers

The following information applies to both cats and dogs. Other pets may be subject to different airline restrictions. For further information, contact the airlines directly. The regulations of United States airlines regarding the transportation of animals are subject to change at any time.

If your pet needs to be sent as cargo, contact a commercial shipper as soon as possible via IPATA. The following information simply serves as a guideline. Check with the airline and, if required, the pet shipper you want to utilize about all of your concerns. OBC advises that you get formal confirmation of any bookings you make for your pet’s shipment.

You may transport your pet by aircraft in one of three ways, according to the State dot Gov:

Your pet is welcome to fly with you (either in-cabin, as accompanied baggage or as cargo). Your pet will be charged the appropriate amount. Some airlines no longer provide this service, and some nations do not let pets travel in cabins.
You can book a separate flight for your pet. The freight rate will be applied, which is significantly higher than the extra baggage rate. Most airlines, however, no longer allow pet owners to schedule their dogs as cargo directly with the airline.
A qualified professional shipper may transport your pet for you. The pet shipper’s fee will be added to the cargo rate. Unless your pet is tiny enough to fly in the cabin, many airlines now mandate this option.
Even if they fly on the same airline as you, animals weighing 100 pounds or more (including the weight of the cage) will be taxed as cargo. Whether your pet is near that weight, check with the airline to see if their policy differs from the usual 100-pound guideline.

Checked pets

Only active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service members traveling on formal instructions are allowed to check their dogs with American Airlines. Up to two dogs may be checked, and they must fulfill the destination’s minimum age and health standards. Because space is limited, we only accept checked dogs on a first-come, first-served basis.

When inspecting a pet, you must:

Contact Reservations at least 48 hours before your trip and check in with your formal orders at the ticket desk.
Allow additional time for check-in (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)
With the help of an agent, complete a checklist.
Please provide a medical certificate.

To protect your pet’s health and safety, the health certificate you give must be provided by a veterinarian within the following time frames:

Your journey will last ten days. Track All of Your Travel Requirements from One Place
60 days after you’ve returned (travel on the same ticket)
within ten days of your return (travel on a separate ticket)

International travel for pets: Tips to remember

International travel with pets involves careful research, adherence to vaccination and documentation requirements, and thorough preparation to make the journey as smooth and safe as possible for your beloved companion.

1. Determine the Rabies Status of Your Destination

First and foremost, it’s vital to ascertain whether you are traveling to a rabies-free country or a rabies-controlled country. The regulations governing pet entry into a country are stringent, especially in rabies-free nations, which are committed to maintaining their rabies-free status. In contrast, rabies-controlled countries aim to prevent the spread of the disease. Traveling from a rabies-controlled country to a rabies-free country can be challenging due to stringent requirements. However, if you originate from a rabies-free country, the process of entering other countries with your dog is generally more straightforward. You can consult a list of rabies-free and rabies-controlled countries for reference.

2. Microchip and Vaccinate Your Pet

Irrespective of the destination country, most countries have specific regulations regarding pet microchipping and vaccination. Typically, pets must be implanted with a 15-digit, non-encrypted microchip. If you are traveling from a rabies-controlled country, your pet must also be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entering the destination country. It’s essential to note that if your dog was previously vaccinated but not microchipped, they may need to be revaccinated after the microchip is implanted. Some countries may require additional vaccinations beyond rabies. For example, countries like the UK, France, Spain, Germany, and Italy may have specific vaccination requirements, such as vaccinations for decompression. It is crucial to thoroughly research the vaccination requirements of your destination country before your trip, and you can typically find this information on the US Department of Agriculture’s website. Qatar Airways: Book a ticket and fly with confidence all over the world

3. Obtain a Veterinarian’s Health Certificate and/or Pet Passport

Before departing for your international journey, you must obtain a Veterinary Health Certificate, which varies from country to country. If you are uncertain about the specific documents required, it is advisable to contact the Embassy of your destination country to obtain a copy of the necessary veterinary paperwork, often in the form of a bilingual health certificate. Once you have the required documents, ensure that they are completed within 10 days of your pet’s planned entry. If you are traveling from the US or Canada, the certificate must be approved by a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) or CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)-approved veterinarian. It’s noteworthy that traveling with pets within Europe can be significantly easier, as European dog owners have the option of obtaining pet passports, which allow them to travel freely within the European Union with their dogs.

4. Investigate Quarantine Requirements

One of the most concerning aspects of international pet travel is the possibility of quarantine. Fortunately, most countries do not impose quarantine if you have followed the initial steps diligently. Find Destinations, Hotel, Flight, Accommodation, Pickup. However, some nations, like Japan, have stringent quarantine requirements that can range from seven days to several months. To determine whether quarantine is mandatory in your destination country, consult the USDA website or reach out to the country’s embassy. Being aware of these requirements in advance will help you plan accordingly and ensure a stress-free journey for both you and your pet.

5. Ensuring Your Dog’s Eligibility for Travel

Before embarking on international travel with your dog, it’s crucial to understand that certain countries have restrictions on dog breeds due to safety concerns or regulations. These restrictions are often in place because specific dog breeds have been deemed “hysterical” or potentially dangerous. When planning to travel to such countries, it’s essential to follow a set of steps, outlined below in steps 1-4, to ensure your dog’s eligibility for entry.

In many cases, countries that prohibit certain dog breeds will have strict regulations in place. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in the dog being sent back to your home country at your expense. In some extreme cases, if compliance is not possible, the dog may be euthanized. While the specific banned breeds can vary from one country to another, some of the commonly banned breeds include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentinos, Japanese Tosa Inus, Phila Brasileiros, and Neapolitan Mastiffs. Tiqets: Directly bookable and instantly available mobile tickets for attractions around the world

6. Additional Requirements for Destination Countries

Beyond breed restrictions, many countries have other miscellaneous requirements for importing dogs. These additional steps can include obtaining import permits and undergoing blood titer tests. For example, countries like France, Australia, and the Bahamas often require import permits. If you are traveling from a country with rabies control or a high risk of rabies, your dog may also need to undergo a blood test to confirm their rabies antibody levels. Import permits and blood titer tests may not be mandatory for every destination, so thorough research is crucial to understand and fulfill these specific requirements.

7. Coordinating Logistics with Your Airline

When traveling internationally with your dog, it’s essential to coordinate the logistics with your chosen airline. Airlines have their own set of rules and regulations regarding pet travel, depending on factors such as the size of your dog and the destination. Some airlines may allow small dogs to ride in the cabin with you, while larger dogs may need to travel in the cargo hold.

Additionally, different countries may have varying requirements for pet adoption during layovers or stopovers, especially if you are passing through a country with stricter rules than your final destination. It’s worth noting that not all international airports accept pets, so you must plan your route to arrive at an airport that is pet-friendly for importing animals.

Given the complexity and variation in rules between airlines and countries, the most straightforward way to navigate these requirements is to contact your airline directly and inquire about the specific steps and regulations you need to follow when traveling with your dog. Airlines can provide you with the most up-to-date information and guidance to ensure a smooth journey for you and your furry companion. AirHelp: Helps passengers receive up to €600 in compensation for delayed or canceled flights

Take into account your pet’s comfort

The most stressful component of travel for animals is loading and unloading. Consider the following suggestions:

Before the flight, get your pet acquainted with its carrier.
Select flights that have fewer connections or layovers.
To prevent excessive heat or cold, choose your departure and arrival times carefully. For example, arriving at a hot place late at night may be beneficial for your pet.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian. Sedatives or tranquilizers are not recommended by the International Air Transport Association because they may injure animals while in flight.
Before leaving home and again before checking in, take your pet for a walk.
Check in as late as possible if your pet is allowed in the cabin to prevent stress.
If your pet is being carried as cargo, arrive early so it may be taken to the plane’s quiet and dimly lighted cargo hold.

Take away

It’s possible that your destination country has certain health standards that must be completed before your pet may enter. Dog accessories on Amazon. Because each country’s export rules are different and can change at any moment, you’ll need to double-check them every time you plan a trip with your pet. Please keep in mind that airlines may have their own set of criteria. Check with your airline to see if they have any special requirements.