Depending your pet's final destination, they will have to meet a variety of health requirements in order to enter that country. These can vary by country and some destinations are far more complicated than others. You'll need to check your destination country's local government website for pet import requirements and can also utilize other resources. It's important that you don't miss anything and don't try to take any shortcuts so that you don't run into issues. You can also use the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website to view the requirements for moving pets from the USA to other countries. Below are the most common requirements for most destinations.
Most destinations require pets to be implanted with a 15-digit ISO compatible microchip. In many cases, the microchip has to be implanted and scanned BEFORE the rabies vaccination to be considered valid for travel. You should have your vet scan it at every visit to make sure it is still readable and is correctly recorded on all of your pet's paperwork.
Nearly every destination requires a current Rabies vaccination. Some countries also require additional vaccinations for dogs (DHPP, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, CIV) and cats (FVRCP, Feline Leukemia)
Certain destinations may require a rabies titer blood test and a waiting period before allowing pets into the country. Additionally, some countries may have other specific blood test requirements, often applicable only to dogs.
Some destinations will also require additional treatments such as a tapeworm treatment, internal & external parasite treatments, and heartworm prevention.
Depending on where you're headed, the paperwork for your pet can be extensive. The full list of required documents will depend on your destination country. However, below are the most common documents that are needed.
Most destinations will require some sort of document showing proof of microchip, current vaccinations, required blood test results, and other required treatments. You can obtain these documents from your vet but do make sure they have all the required information on them.
Most destinations require their own international health certificate which must be completed by a government-approved veterinarian and then endorsed by the official government vet in your country of export. In the USA, these are called USDA-Accredited Veterinarians and the official USDA office will endorse the paperwork.
Some countries require an import permit for pets who will be traveling. You can work with a local pet transport company or your destination's department of agriculture to obtain this document
Some destinations require additional forms that the pet owner needs to complete in order for the animal to clear customs. If you are working with a pet transport company then they may also have additional forms so they can clear customs on your behalf. You can ask your local government office or pet transport company for the required documents.
If your pet's final destination requires certain blood tests, then either a copy of the results or the original result form must travel with your pet.
Depending on your origin country, some destinations (like Australia, New Zealand and Singapore) require pets to spend time in quarantine. Quarantine periods typically range from 7-30 days if your pet is fully compliant with the import regulations.
Here are some questions to think about if your pet will need to go into quarantine.
Not all post-entry quarantine facilities will allow visiting so you'll need to check. If visiting is allowed, it's usually limited to certain people and during certain times.
Some quarantine facilities might have a grooming option either with an onsite room or the ability to hire a groomer to take care of your pet. This is not always possible so you will need to check.
Some quarantine facilities will provide a bland diet as part of their fees unless you have documentation that your pet requires a special diet. Others may require you to provide your own food for your pet. If your pet requires a special diet or medication, you'll need to communicate that to the quarantine staff and arrange to have it shipped to their facility.
Naturally, quarantine will not be free, and the fees for each destination will vary. Some facilities also require additional paperwork that you will need to complete for your pet.
Some quarantine facilities like in Hawaii and Singapore, have shorter quarantine term options if you follow certain steps. Not all quarantine facilities will allow this, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
Some quarantine facilities will provide the owner with regular updates, while others will only alert them if there is a problem or concern with the pet's health. Don't assume you will receive regular communication. You might have to be proactive in asking the best method of communication to see how your pet is doing.
Even when everything is planned out perfectly and all of your pet's health and paperwork requirements are in order, sometimes you might come across some hiccups. It's important to be aware and be flexible since we can't always control everything around us. It's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case things don't go as smoothly as you'd hoped.
As you know, no one can control the weather. Sometimes inclement weather such as snow storms or extremely hot temperatures can impact flights and would be risky for pet travel. Keep an eye on the weather when your pet will be traveling and be prepared for potential flight cancellations or airlines not accepting pets.
Just like flights can be canceled or delayed for people, this can also happen for pets. Some airlines may also impose embargoes where they will not accept any pets for a period of time for a variety of reasons such as staff shortages, temperature, or staff strikes.
It's always a good idea to make sure you have printed and electronic copies of all of your pet's paperwork. In rare instances, the airline might misplace your pet's paperwork, which can cause customs delays when they arrive at your destination.
Pets who are flying will require a travel kennel that is compliant with the International Air Transport Association (IATA)'s requirements. You can purchase IATA-compliant pet carriers from a local pet store, Amazon or Petmate. Below are the basic requirements to ensure you have the appropriate travel kennel for your pet. They are also outlined in our blog post here.
Your pet must be able to stand up, sit down, spin around, and lie down in a natural position. Brachycephalic breeds (such as pugs or bulldogs) must have the next size larger kennel so there is more room for proper ventilation.
Travel carriers for cats and dogs should be made of rigid plastic, metal, solid wood, or plywood. They should be non-collapsible and may not have wheels on them. Wire crates are not acceptable. Soft-sided carriers are only allowed when pets can fly in the cabin of the plane.
The kennel must have ventilation holes on both sides, the back, and the door (front). The ventilation holes on the sides and back should only be on the top half of the kennel.
The door locking mechanism must be operable and made of metal. Plastic kennels must have metal nuts and bolts securing the top and bottom together. Twist locks or snap clips are not permitted.
The kennel floor should be lined with absorbent bedding no more than 3 inches thick. You can use a pee pad, crate pad, thin blanket, t-shirt, or towel that smells like home.
The kennel must have two bowls that attach to the inside of the kennel door which can be filled from the outside. These will be for food/water while your pet is in transit.
Pet travel can be expensive and depending on your destination, the associated fees can really add up. The total cost for moving a pet will vary depending on your destination, pet's breed, pet's size & travel kennel. Here are some costs to keep in mind as you plan for your pet's big adventure.
If your pet is not flying in-cabin with you and are traveling as accompanied baggage or cargo, then they will be underneath the plane in a space that is temperature controlled, pressurized and oxygenated. Live animals travel beneath the pilot and the pilot must sign off on a manifest so they are aware of any pets onboard. Your pet’s travel kennel will be held into place by a thin netting that acts like a seatbelt to keep them safe and secure during takeoff and landing.
Pets should be provided plenty of water for their trip. However, it is NOT recommended for pets to eat right before takeoff or during the flight. This can cause an upset stomach, which we of course want to avoid. If your pet has a layover, they will be provided more water and some food (depending on the length of the layover). Water will also be provided once they have landed as they are clearing through customs. If your pet will be boarding or spending time in quarantine throughout their trip, they will be provided food and water regularly.
Dogs are typically provided a walk prior to check-in and during layovers. Once your pet is checked in, they will need to stay inside their travel kennel. Cats are not usually let out unless there is a safe and secure room. Please note that litter boxes cannot be in the kennel. In some cases, your pet may relieve themselves inside the kennel (if you gotta go, you gotta go).
No, there is no one traveling underneath the plane with pets. However, pets are typically booked on passenger flights that do have humans up above in the main cabin.
The airlines have strict rules on what items are permitted to travel with pets. You can only send them with:
In some cases, it is possible to be on the same plane as your pet but this is not required or necessary. Due to the differences in how pet cargo reservations work compared to human flight reservations, it can actually be quite difficult to make sure your flights line up. You do not need to travel on the same plane as your pet.
NO. You should never sedate or tranquilize your pet for air travel. This can negatively impact their breathing and respiration when they are up in the air at high altitudes. This can be even more dangerous for snub-nosed (brachycephalic) pets or pets with pre-existing conditions. If the airline believes that your pet has been sedated, then they can refuse your pet for travel.
You can review other frequently asked questions here.
If your pet requires medication, then it can be a little tricky when they are flying on a plane. You will need to make special arrangements if your pet's medication is compulsory. Here are some things you'll need to keep in mind:
Airline staff and Starwood staff will NOT be able to administer medication prior to departure or upon arrival. It is also not possible for medication to be administered while pets are on the plane.
If you are flying with dogs or cats you may want to take advantage of a full door-to-door pet transport service rather than trying to do it all yourself. After all, getting dogs and/or cats organized and off to the airport, along with the rest of your family, is not a walk in the park. Most often, cargo terminals are located away from the regular terminals, and check-in timing differs from airport rules for humans. Bottom line: you can’t be in two places at once.