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Pet Travel for Owners - American Veterinary Medical Assoc.
There are many things to consider when traveling with your pet.
What should I think about when deciding to travel with my pet?
There are numerous considerations you should take into account:
Make sure your pet is comfortable with travel
- Some pets cannot handle travel because of illness, injury, age or temperament.
- If your pet is not good with travel, you should consider a reliable pet-sitter or talk to your veterinarian about boarding facilities in your area.
Make sure your pet has identification tags with up-to-date information.
Having your pet implanted with a microchip can improve your chances of getting your pet back if it becomes lost.
- The microchip must be registered with your current contact information, including a cell phone number.
- A tag is included when you have a microchip that has the microchip number and a mobile contact of the owner, so if the pet is found, they can use the tag to determine ownership without having to contact a veterinarian.
- Contact the microchip company for a replacement tag if you've lost yours, and for information on how to update your personal information when traveling.
If you are taking your pet across state or international borders, a health certificate as well as other documentation may be required.
- The health certificate must be signed by an accredited veterinarian after examining your pet and determining that it is free of infectious diseases and satisfies all import requirements of the receiving state, territory, or country.
- International travel often requires USDA endorsement of the certificate. For more information, see AVMA's resources on Animal Travel and Transport and Basic Timeline for Interstate and International Travel with Animals.
Make sure that your pet is allowed where you are staying.
- Some accommodations will allow pets and some will not, so check in advance.
- Also, when traveling, you should bring a portable kennel with you if you have to leave your pet unattended.
- Staying with Friends or Family: Inform your host that your pet will be coming along and make sure that your pet is a welcomed guest as well.
- Staying in a Hotel or Motel: Stay at a pet friendly place. Some hotels and motels only accept small pets or pets under a certain weight; when making a reservation, make sure you inquire about the terms of their pet policy. Try to minimize the amount of time your pet will be alone in the room. When leaving your pet alone in the room, inform the front desk that your pet is being left alone in the room and place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. Make sure the hotel/motel knows how they can contact you if there are any problems.
- Staying at a Park, Campground or Marina: Make sure these places are pet friendly, clean up after your pet and always keep your pet on a leash.
Whom should I contact as I am considering travel arrangements?
All of the following are important:
- Your veterinarian
- The airline or travel company
- The accommodations: hotel, motel, park, camping ground or marina
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal & Plant Inspection Service, Veterinary Services: www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs or 800-545-USDA (8732) and press #2 for State Regulations
- Foreign Consulate or Regulatory Agency (if traveling to another country)
- If you are traveling to another country (or even Hawaii), there may be quarantine or other health requirements.
- If traveling out of the continental United States, you should contact these agencies at least 4 weeks in advance
What should I bring with me on my trip?
- You should bring the following items with you:
- 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 (ASPCA Web site) 888-426-4435
- Identification
- Current color photo of your pet
- ID tag should include:
- Owner's name, current home address and home phone number
- Travel ID tag should include:
- Owner's local contact phone number and address
- Contact information for your accommodations (hotel, campground etc)
- The microchip registration should be updated with your current contact information including a cell phone number.
- Medical Records
- Current copies of your pet's medical records including pre-existing conditions and medications (especially when re-locating or traveling out of the country). For travel within the United States, a brief summary of medical conditions would be sufficient.
- Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate)
- Proof of vaccinations (Proof of rabies vaccination required) and other illnesses. Requires an examination by a licensed and accredited veterinarian to make sure the animal is not showing signs of disease.
- Acclimation certificate for air travel. This is only required by some airlines, so check to see if your airline requires this.
- Items for your pet
* Prescribed medications (with surplus supply, just in case)
* Collar, leash, harness
* Crate
* Bed/blankets
* Toys
* Food and cool, fresh water
* Food and water dishes
* First Aid Kit for your pet
* For more information on Pet First Aid and First Aid Kits, please go to the AVMA Pet First Aid Site Where do I get a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and acclimation certificate, if needed?
Many states require an up-to-date Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from a licensed, accredited veterinarian when traveling. Your pet must be examined by a veterinarian in order for a health certificate to be issued. This certificate basically indicates your pet is healthy to travel and is not showing signs of a disease that could be passed to other animals or to people. Certain vaccinations must be up to date for a health certificate to be issued. As part of the exam, your veterinarian may check for heartworm disease and prescribe heartworm preventative medication. When you return home, your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination to make sure that your pet did not pick up any diseases or parasites while traveling. You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require an acclimation certificate. Both of these certificates can only be completed and signed by a federally accredited veterinarian. If your veterinarian is not federally accredited, you will need to find an accredited veterinarian in your area, by contacting your USDA Area Office. View our video about travel certificates for pets and livestock.
Can I bring my pet out of the country with me?
Yes, but keep in mind that you have to follow both the United States regulations as well as the regulations in the other country to which you are traveling. You should contact the Consulate or Embassy in that country to find out their regulations. Talk to your veterinarian about the risks of disease to your pet and have your pet vaccinated appropriately based on the risks. Some countries (and Hawaii) require quarantine of your pet upon arrival, Knowing the requirements before you travel helps you decide if you are going to take your pet or leave it at home, and prepares you for what to expect if you do take your pet with you.