traveling abroad with your pet: helpful tips before you go

Traveling internationally with your pet requires careful planning, paperwork, and veterinary preparation. From health certificates to vaccinations and travel carrier requirements, taking the right steps early can help make the trip smoother and less stressful for both you and your pet.

Can I take my dog or cat overseas?

The answer is yes (in most cases). But it’s not as easy as just booking a flight and putting your dog or cat on your lap. Pet travel requirements all depend on the airline, as well as each country's arrival and reentry regulations. And you’ll need to arm yourself with an assortment of records, documents, and pet supplies that we’ll get into more below.

What items do I typically need for traveling with my dog or cat overseas?

Find out what requirements your destination country and mode(s) of transportation have for traveling with a dog or cat. Some airlines have specific paperwork to fill out, some restrict certain breeds or time periods of travel, etc.

Common items needed for international travel include specific vaccinations, parasiticides, microchipping, testing, an international health certificate, and a rabies certificate. Make sure to print out all paperwork and make a couple of copies too.

You’ll also want to pack:

• Toys
• Treats
• Cozy blanket
• Leash or harness
• Crates or carriers
• Your pet’s specific food, since it may not be easy to obtain elsewhere
• Medication — whether it’s their parasite prevention or anti-anxiety medications, you’ll want to bring this along and in the original prescription bottle

Learn more at the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website.

Shop for necessary travel crates, dog and cat carriers, and accessories

Airplanes (and trains, buses, etc.) have requirements for the sizes of crates and pet carriers you can bring your pet in. It’s also a good idea to familiarize your dog or cat with these items well in advance of the trip. Let them sniff them, lie in them, get comfortable with them. This can help squash anxiety when it’s time to travel with your pet.

Find a vet abroad and double-check accommodations

While we always hope our trips will be nothing but carefree and fun, stuff happens. It’s smart to see what vets and emergency vets are in the area — just in case!

Are you staying at a hotel? Or a vacation rental? Take another look at the pet policy to ensure your pet is allowed and that you understand all expectations.

Which documents do I need to fly internationally with my pet?

Talk to your vet to see if they can provide the items and certificates needed for your specific destinations. Please visit the USDA/APHIS website prior to your appointment so you can familiarize yourself with what is required by your destination country.

You will most likely need a rabies certificate that proves your pet is vaccinated for rabies and an International Health Certificate (IHC) that confirms your pet is healthy to travel.

Does my pet need a health certificate to fly internationally?

The answer is yes in most cases. Most airline carriers and destination countries require an International Health Certificate for a pet to travel overseas. Learn about requirements for your trip at the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website.

Make a vet appointment before your trip

Bring your research, trip details, and any concerns you have about your pet traveling. Does your furry friend get anxious when traveling? Is there anything your vet recommends to help with that?

Depending on the details of your trip, you may need to visit the vet multiple times. In rare cases, you may even need to get your pet examined by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. So it’s good to kick off the process well in advance — and maybe factor in one appointment solely for discussing travel needs. Book your Banfield appointment today.

Traveling in America with your pet?

Your trip planning may be less complicated, but there are still some important things to keep in mind. We’ve got road trip to-dos, travel kit recommendations, and driving and hotel tips. Check them out on our blog about hitting the road with your pet.