Traveling Outside The U.S. With Your Pet

Don’t forget health certificates for your pet’s trip. Photo courtesy of Flickr user yarhargoatCreative Commons BY 2.0

Thinking about taking your pet with you on an exotic vacation? There are many things to consider before you and your pet jet off to some posh locale.

First, find out what entry requirements, if any, are necessary for your pet to accompany you. You can do so by contacting the embassy of the country you plan to visit. Requirements differ by country—some countries do not allow importation, while others have long quarantine requirements.

You should also contact your regional U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services office for further certification requirements. The airline you travel with might also have its own pet travel requirements, so please check with them, as well.

Remember: the timetable and requirements for health certificates are different for every country. Planning for your trip well in advance is a good idea—that way, all your paperwork is completed and your trip will be a little easier.

Once you’ve identified the requirements, your pet must receive the appropriate vaccinations and health certificates from us. Dr. Lawrence Zola of University Animal Hospital is a USDA accredited veterinarian in the Upper East Side (UES) of New York City who can provide international travel certificates for your pet. No matter where you’re going, University Animal Hospital can help guide you through the process of getting prepared for your big journey.

Some general pet travel tips:

• If this is your pet’s first time traveling in a crate, get your pet accustomed spending time inside the crate before the trip. Make the crate as comfortable as possible – include a soft pad and familiar toys.
• Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and identification tags, even if he or she is microchipped. Also, make sure your pet’s crate also contains identifying information. You can never be too careful when it comes to pet identification. Include any special instructions about your pet on the crate so that flight attendants and airport staff can better care for your pet.
• Exercise your pet before traveling. This will help encourage your pet to relax.
• Feed your pet a small meal before traveling, and provide water up until two hours before departing. Include a water dish attached to the crate your pet is traveling in so that attendants can provide water.

Dr. Lawrence Zola and the veterinarians at University Animal Hospital can help you make traveling with your pet safe and stress-free. From international health certificates to important and required vaccinations, University Animal Hospital is ready to help you and your best friend have a great vacation.