Many pet owners now take their pets along with them when traveling. The convenience of bringing pets along may outweigh the costs associated with traveling with pets. And pet owners may rest easy knowing their pets are safe.
People who plan to travel overseas with their pets may have to take some pre-travel steps in order to take their furry friends along. Pet owners should review the requirements for taking pets overseas as they plan their travel. Certification to travel with certain animals varies from country to country. Some countries may need particular documentation, while others may require a quarantine period or inspection by the visiting country’s veterinary staff. Animals coming into the United States from elsewhere are subject to specific health requirements before being allowed entry into the country.
To facilitate the process, some pet owners have inquired as to a “pet passport.” A pet passport was popularized in the European Union so that certain pets could travel freely through EU member countries. The passport is valid for the life of the pet as long as its rabies vaccine is kept up-to-date. The United States does not issue pet passports.
Many countries require proof that an animal is healthy, which is known as a veterinary or sanitary certificate and is issued by a veterinarian, before allowing pets entry. Additional information, such as proof of tapeworm testing and treatment as well as a “Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport,” which is proof that the animal is traveling and not being sold or given away, may be needed. Other APHIS-required certifications also may be mandated, and particular breeds or species of animals may not be permissible for transport.
When compiling a pet passport for travel, travelers are strongly urged to visit www.aphis.usda.gov. Visit travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents/animals-certificate to learn more about leaving Canada with a companion animal.
It is always wise to confirm with the embassy of a destination country as to its requirements for allowing animals to enter into the country, as doing so can make traveling with pets go as smoothly as possible.
