International Travel with Your Pet
Start Early: Sometimes 9 Months in Advance
All countries have different requirements. Some involve a lot of time. Don’t wait until the last minute to find out your
pet’s health certificate should have been translated. Some countries even require you to have it signed by a
government official! So get started early.
More Than an ID Tag
For many countries, a collar and a tag are not enough. Some require a microchip or tattoo. Check with the embassy
or consulate of the country you are visiting to determine the proper ID (see link below).
Resources: Everything You Need
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The embassy or consulate of the country you’re visiting can provide you with the country’s specific requirements.
Click here to find a list of consulates.
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The United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) Website – lists documentation needed for different
animals/countries.
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Your local USDA Veterinary Service Office can answer your questions. Click here to find an office in your area.
Airline Travel Resources
Check these AAHA Web pages for more information on airplane travel with specific pets:

Traveling with Your Turtle

Traveling with Your Snake

Traveling with Your Guinea Pig
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Traveling with Your Bird

Traveling with Your Fish

Traveling with Your Cat/Kitten

Traveling with Your Dog/Puppy

Natural Relaxants for your Pet
Pet Shipping Services
You can also use a professional pet shipping service to transport your pet. For more information, contact:

The Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International, Inc.

The American Animal Transport Association, 713/532-2177
Travel with Young Animals
Puppies or kittens younger than 3 months old cannot be vaccinated against rabies. If you’re traveling with a young
animal, you must agree to isolate them from other animals in the country until 30 days after your pet has been
vaccinated. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to find out the specific requirements.
A listing of consulates can be found at: http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/springsummer/.
Arriving Back Home
Pets coming into the United States are subject to regulation by the USDA. Reptiles and fish are subject to regulation
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. Once you’re home, have your pet checked by your veterinarian to make sure it
hasn’t been exposed to any parasites or diseases.
Sources
Based on information from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and the USDA Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service . Review and additional information provided by Erin Newport, DVM, AAHA Veterinary Advisor.
Note: All content provided on HealthyPet.com, is meant for educational purposes only on health care and medical issues that may affect pets
and should never be used to replace professional veterinary care from a licensed veterinarian. This site and its services do not constitute the
practice of any veterinary medical health care advice, diagnosis or treatment.