Considering a vacation or move abroad with your furry friend? You’ll need a passport for your trip, and your pet might, too. While required travel documentation for dogs, cats and other animals varies from destination to destination, following these steps will help ensure your pet has all the right papers to breeze through customs and avoid quarantines.
Pynchon, the Davis cat, prepares for take off.
1. Talk to your vet. As soon as you begin planning your trip, talk with your vet about what your pet will need to travel abroad. One of the first steps required by most countries is to make sure your pet has an international microchip and proof of an updated rabies vaccine. Typically these can be done up to a year before travel, but not sooner than 21 days, be sure to plan ahead. Some countries require that your pet be tested for rabies antibodies in addition to receiving the vaccine, to demonstrate that the vaccine has worked. Confirm with your vet and leave yourself plenty of time for the vaccination process.
2. Contact your local USDA branch. For countries that require it, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will approve your traveling health certificate for your pet. Give them a call to confirm what documents you’ll need to complete before traveling to your destination. You can also check the USDA website for a list of traveling requirements. These documents will need to be completed by your vet, typically within a week to 10 days of your departure date, and then certified by the USDA before you leave. Additionally some countries require you to submit an animal importation notice before you travel to let them know you’ll be traveling with your pet.
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3. Make your vet appointment. Within 7 to 10 days of travel, make an appointment for your pet’s care provider to confirm your pet is fit for travel, and then complete the appropriate paperwork. For dogs this visit may be required to include treatment against ticks and tapeworms as well. Confirm your vet has the forms you will need (as indicated by the USDA) and schedule this visit in advance to allow the office plenty of time to review the forms before your visit.
4. File at the USDA. Play it safe by scheduling your visit to the USDA’s office at least a day ahead of your travel in case any questions come up. The USDA veterinarian will sign and stamp the paperwork to certify your pet’s health certificate. Make a copy of all your documents so you can carry a set with you. The originals will need to travel with your pet.
5. Congrats! Your pet is now set for travel. Bon voyage!
Pynchon’s papers
