Traveling can be stressful. The preparation can be time-consuming and the travel itself wrought with delays and stress. Traveling with your pet can add another layer of complexity. Yet, with forethought and preparation, your travels with your little buddy do not have to be stressful. This brief overview of things to consider prior to traveling with your companion will hopefully help it go as smoothly as possible.

How to Prepare for Traveling with Your Pet

Prior to traveling with your companion, you should discuss it with your veterinarian, an agent from your airlines or travel agency, and individuals at your destination. Your veterinarian should be licensed and APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) accredited. He/she will need to examine and verify that your pet is healthy enough for travel, issue a health certificate and if necessary make suggestions for further requirements, such as contacting APHIS directly, especially if you are traveling internationally. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with medical records, needed vaccinations, and possible testing required by some countries and states. Health certificates are generally required to be issued no more than 10 days prior to travel and require complete contact information for your destination, such as address and phone number. Domestic travel is much more straightforward and only requires the standard APHIS 7001 health certificate and supporting documents for your pet such as vaccination and medical records. This is the only documentation that you will need for interstate travel by car. Yet, if you are traveling by means other than a car, such as by airplane or train, you will need to discuss specific requirements that they may have for transport of pets.

How to Meet Requirements for Pet Travel

International travel has many more requirements than domestic travel and may require months of preparation. Consult APHIS Pet Travel for the requirements for your specific country of destination. Your veterinarian will need to issue a health certificate just as in domestic travel but some countries require country-specific health certificates. International travelers will need to work closely with their local USDA APHIS Veterinary Services office because most countries require that international health certificates be submitted to this office for endorsement. Some destinations require microchips, specific vaccination timing, rabies testing and specific deworming protocols. International travelers should consult with their destination’s foreign consulate and all travelers should consult with lodging at their destination (hotel, residence) to see if there are specific requirements for companion animals. If your pet will be returning to the U.S., be sure to consult with all agencies about specific re-entry requirements.

Tips on Flying with Pets

There are various modes of travel that you can share with your pet; from automobiles to trains to boats, but more and more people are traveling via airplane. If your companion is small enough, it is ideal to fly with them as carry-on luggage so that they can stay close to you throughout your trip. If this is not possible, be sure that your airline has pressurized compartments for your pet. They may have specific requirements for your travel crate and minimal/maximal ambient temperatures requirements for your pet to travel. Most airlines will not allow sedation of your companions due to the health risks associated with sedation during travel. Also, it is ideal to use the shortest flight with the fewest connections/layovers. Check with your airline to determine if they have any specific requirements for traveling with your companion.

Checklist for Traveling with Your Pet

(adapted from AVMA’s Traveling with Your Pet FAQ)

- Your veterinarian's contact information
- List of Veterinarians and 24-hour Emergency Hospitals along the way and close to your destination
- National Animal Poison Control number: 888-426-4435
- Identification: current color photo of your pet, ID tag, and verify your pet's microchip information is updated with your current contact information
- Medical Records- including vaccination verification
- Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate)
- Acclimation certificate for air travel- required by some airlines

Items for Your Pet

- Prescribed medications
- Collar, leash, harness
- Crate
- Bed/blankets
- Toys
- Food and water, including dishes
- Possibly a Pet First Aid Kit

The most important part of traveling with your pet is preparation. It is important to thoroughly discuss your travel plans with your veterinarian, airline/travel agency, USDA APHIS Veterinary Services office, and your destinations lodging/foreign consulate. Also, be sure to bring your companions supplies, medications, and records. With the appropriate planning, traveling with your pet can be safe and enjoyable and a good beginning to your travels.

Christopher Patterson, DVM is a Veterinarian at Three Chopt Animal Clinic in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology in 1993 and received his DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. When he is not using his talents at Three Chopt Animal Clinic, he helps out at the Richmond Wildlife Center of Virginia.

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