
You need a pet passport! Traveling with pets is possible, but it does require extra planning research to pull off an international trip with Fido or Fluffy in tow. Just like humans, pets need their own passports to become world travelers. They may need additional documents, too. Here’s what you need to know to get your pet travel-ready.
Do I need a pet passport to travel abroad with a dog?
If you are planning to travel abroad with a dog or other animal, then you may need to obtain a pet passport before they can board transportation and avoid strict quarantine requirements on arrival at your destination. Below you can find out about the necessary documents to obtain a pet passport.
Can I bring my dog on a plane?
Yes, dogs are allowed to fly in cargo. Due to pandemic-related flight changes, checked pet service is currently unavailable but the airline will accept checked pets at the ticket counter only for active-duty U.S. Military traveling on assignments. Is there a fee to travel with your pet?
Do you need a health certificate to travel with a dog?
Health and vaccine requirements: Dogs traveling in cargo must have a health certificate dated within 10 days of the outward journey and 30 days of the return journey. No health certificate needed for pets traveling in the cabin—but all pets must be in good health, and the airline reserves the right to refuse travel to pets in obvious distress.
How do I travel with my Pet?
As soon as you know your travel details, contact your local veterinarian to assist with the pet travel process. Factors to consider may include meeting time frames for obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing, or administration of medications/ treatments. Travel with your pet state to state (Interstate)

Do dogs also need visa?
All dogs and cats must arrive within 30 days of their owner's first immigration stamp as displayed on their passport after issued a proper work or spouse/dependent visa. If traveling unaccompanied, they must enter between 7 and 14 days after their owner.
Can you travel with a dog internationally?
Your pet can travel on the plane with you (either in-cabin, as accompanied baggage, or as cargo). Your pet will be charged accordingly. Some airlines no longer offer this option and some countries do not allow pets to enter the country in-cabin. You can book your pet on a separate flight.
Do animals need a visa?
You probably have a plan for your own passport, but your animal companion needs one too. All pets traveling to and from the United States need a passport. Keep in mind, a “pet passport” in the U.S. refers to the extra documents you need to travel to other countries with your pet.
What documents do I need to travel internationally with my dog?
A pet passport is a collection of documents (health, rabies, microchip certificates, import permits, FAVN test results, etc.) that are required for your pet to enter your destination country when traveling internationally.
How do dogs pee on long flights?
Where do dogs pee on planes? Dogs will typically have to pee on a pad or towel in their crate when flying on a plane. Most airlines don't allow dogs out of their crate or out from under the seat and walking into the cabin during flight.
Can dogs survive long flights?
Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.
Do dogs need plane tickets?
What Does It Cost to Fly With a Dog? A dog doesn't need an airline ticket, per se; the dog won't be assigned its own seat. But for passengers who want to travel with their pets, airlines do charge pet fees. The fee is separate from your own ticket.
How can I fly with my dog?
A pet traveling in cabin must be carried in an approved hard-sided or soft-sided kennel. The kennel must fit completely under the seat in front of you and remain there at all times. The maximum dimensions for hard-sided kennels are 17.5 inches long x 12 inches wide x 7.5 inches high (44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm).
Do dogs require passport?
If your pet is traveling unaccompanied, they must enter between 7 and 14 days after you. Your original passport will be required and held until your pet clears customs. You are permitted to bring up to two dogs or cats with you – if you are planning on bringing more you will need to apply for a DGTF license.
Which airline is most pet friendly?
Alaska Airlines leads the pack to edge out Hawaiian and American Airlines, which tied for second place. Frontier and Southwest are solid options for your pets, with more pet-friendly policies than Spirit, JetBlue and Delta. United is the least pet-friendly airline according to our analysis.
Which countries can I take my dog to?
The 20 Most Dog-Friendly Countries In The WorldFrance. All around the world, France is known for its relaxed dog policies. ... Switzerland. ... Italy. ... Canada. ... Great Britain. ... Germany. ... The Netherlands. ... Austria.More items...•
How can I take my pet on an international flight?
The pet must be properly carried in soft ventilated bags/kennel in the prescribed size (kennel size not to exceed 18” x 18” x 12”). The weight of the pet including the container should not exceed 5 kgs. for carriage in the cabin. Pets of larger size / weight will be carried in the cargo hold.
How much does it cost to fly a dog overseas?
"Depending on where you're going and the size of your dog, it can cost you a pretty penny," Huntington says. "On the cheap side, it will run you around $800–$900, but it can go all the way to numbers like $7,000. It is very expensive to fly pets internationally."
Which airline is most pet friendly?
Alaska Airlines leads the pack to edge out Hawaiian and American Airlines, which tied for second place. Frontier and Southwest are solid options for your pets, with more pet-friendly policies than Spirit, JetBlue and Delta. United is the least pet-friendly airline according to our analysis.
How can I take my pet on an international flight?
The pet must be properly carried in soft ventilated bags/kennel in the prescribed size (kennel size not to exceed 18” x 18” x 12”). The weight of the pet including the container should not exceed 5 kgs. for carriage in the cabin. Pets of larger size / weight will be carried in the cargo hold.
How stressful is flying for dogs?
Think about it: Flying can be a stressful experience for your dog. It removes them from comfortable and familiar surroundings, then forces them into a situation with loud noises, bright lights, thousands of people, changes in air pressure and cabin temperature, and a limited ability to use the bathroom.
What Is An Unimmunized Dog?
It takes 30 days for the first rabies vaccination to take effect and give full protection to your dog. Dogs must also be at least 3 months old befo...
What Is An Unimmunized Dog Permit?
Under limited circumstances, CDC may issue an unimmunized dog permit (formerly referred to as a dog confinement agreement). This permit allows unim...
How to Apply For An Unimmunized Dog Permit
Apply online(https://www.cdc.gov/importation/forms.html) for an unimmunized dog permit—one permit per dog. Apply as soon as your travel is arranged...
How to Submit Permit Applications
Read instructions(https://www.cdc.gov/importation/how-to-submit-permit-applications.html) on how to submit permit applications.
Conditions For Getting A Permit
When deciding whether to grant a permit, CDC will consider specific criteria(https://www.cdc.gov/importation/laws-and-regulations/dog-confinement-a...
Approved Permit Applications
If your application is approved, CDC will email the permit to you. Only one permit per dog, per trip. The permit is good until the expiration date....
Upon Arrival at The Us Port of Entry
1. You must provide a printed copy of your permit to a US Customs and Border Protection officer. 2. Your dogs will be inspected to verify– they are...
What is the CDC requirement for dogs?
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)has certain requirements that must be met before a dog can be admitted entry into the United States. All dogs must appear healthy and depending upon what country the dogs are coming from, a valid rabies vaccination certificatemay be required.
When will the CDC stop importing dogs?
Beginning July 14, 2021, the CDC is temporarily suspending (stopping) dog imports from countries classified as high-risk for rabies. The suspension includes U.S.-origin pet dogs returning to the U.S. from any high-risk rabies country. Learn more about the CDC's dog import suspension.
How long should a dog be separated from livestock?
The dog should be bathed as soon as it reaches its destination and kept separate from all livestock for 5 days after entering the United States.
Can a dog travel from a country with screwworm?
Dogs traveling from countries or region s where screwworm is known to existmay enter the Unit ed States if they are accompanied by a certificate signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official of the region of origin stating:
Is the CDC suspending dog imports?
Effective July 14, 2021, the CDC is temporarily suspending (stopping) dog imports from countries classified as high-risk for rabies. The suspension includes U.S.-origin pet dogs returning to the U.S. from any high-risk rabies country. Learn more about the CDC's dog import suspension.
What Is a Pet Passport?
A pet passport is a document, or several documents, that certifies that your pet is healthy and fully vaccinated. It proves that the animal has had all the vaccines required to bring it into a foreign country.
How to Get a Pet Passport?
Depending on your home country, destination, and airline, you will need to follow one or more steps.
Do I Need Any Other Travel Documents for my Pet?
Aside from a pet passport, some countries do require additional documentation.
Can dogs enter the US?
If you do not follow CDC’s rules, your dog may not be allowed to enter the United States. In addition to CDC regulations, you must comply with US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and your destination state’s regulations. external icon. , which may be more strict than federal regulations.
Do dogs need rabies shots?
Dogs that have not been in a high-risk country in the previous 6 months are not required by CDC to present a rabies vaccination certificate or other paperwork, but vaccination against rabies is recommended.
How long do you have to have a pet passport to travel?
This rule doesn’t apply if your pet was born and raised in a country the U.S. considers to be rabies-free for six months prior to your departure date.
What does a vet provide for a pet passport?
The vet will provide the owner with the pet passport, composed primarily of all the necessary forms and devices needed for travel.
Can you fly with a dog on United Airlines?
Also, if your pet has health problems, he or she shouldn’t be stored as cargo.
Can you book your pet on a separate flight?
The second method involves booking your pet on a separate flight. This situation will cost you a cargo rate, which is much higher than excess baggage.
Can you take your dog on a trip?
But, many travelers opt for a different plan. They like to take their cat or dog along with them on the trip. After all, bringing your pet as travel partner not only helps cut costs, it also gives you the chance to spend some quality time with of your furry friends.
Can you bring your pet on a plane?
There are three different ways you can bring your pet with you on the airlines: First, your pet can travel on the plane with you (in your cabin or in the cargo). Either way, the airline considers your pet as excess/accompanied cargo, and you’ll be charged accordingly . The second method involves booking your pet on a separate flight.
When can I travel to the USA with a dog?
April 28, 2020. The requirements to travel to the USA with a dog, as long as you’re not heading to Hawaii or Guam (where quarantine applies), are relatively short and simple. While the regulations are controlled by multiple departments and the state that you’re travelling to, meaning you need to check multiple sources of information, ...
What countries can dogs enter the USA?
Extra Requirements for Some Countries. For dogs entering the USA from many countries including Canada, Mexico, Australia, and Western and Central European countries, these are the only requirements, unless the state you are travelling to has additional requirements. But for many other countries, two additional requirements may apply.
How old do dogs have to be to get rabies shots?
If your dog still requires a rabies vaccination certificate, check out the CDC requirements. It needs to be in English or have an English translation, with an EU Pet Passport being sufficient. Also note that your dog should be at least 3 months old before being vaccinated and at least 30 days should have elapsed since the shot, except in the case of booster shots for dogs older than 15 months.
Do dogs need rabies shots?
Up until recently, all dogs entering the USA required a rabies vaccination certificate. However, this is no longer the case. As of December 2018, the CDC only requires a rabies certificate for dogs travelling from high-risk countries, as listed here.
Did we fly into JFK with a dog?
We flew into JFK Airport in New York from Paris with our small dog in the cabin in October 2018. This was prior to the relaxation of the blanket requirement for a rabies vaccination certificate, but our arrival was still very simple. After picking up our baggage, we walked through the customs area with our dog in his carrier, not seeing any signs about “something to declare”. We actually nearly walked out the exit with no check of our dog – it would have been easy to do!
Do dogs need a rabies certificate?
However, there is no blanket requirement for a health certificate for dogs entering the USA, unlike for many countries. Naturally, though, your dog should be healthy, as required for entry, and often a combined health and rabies certificate is issued by vets.
Can dogs be imported from rabies countries?
Note: As of July 2021, there is a temporary suspension of the import of dogs into the USA from high-risk rabies countries. Dogs may only be imported from these countries by US citizens and residents with an import permit, which will only be granted on a limited basis. For more information, see the CDC website.
How old can a dog travel?
Restrictions. Regardless of vaccinations, pets cannot travel if younger than 4 months old. Although the rules vary among countries, some nations do not permit dogs to enter if vaccinated for rabies fewer than 21 days before.
What is a pet passport?
Originally developed in the United Kingdom, Pet Travel Schemes (PETS) is a pet passport program used by a group of participating countries, including the United States and nations in the European Union.
How long do you have to quarantine a pet in the EU?
Some EU countries, such as the United Kingdom and Ireland, may require that your pets be quarantined for up to six months. This type of policy is unlike other EU foreign pet entry regulations, as it is an independent decision of the destination country.
How many animals are considered commercial transport?
According to EU regulations, travel with five or fewer pets qualifies as noncommercial transport, while more than five animals is considered commercial transport and must follow those EU regulations, which differ from noncommercial.
Can dogs skip quarantine?
Some countries also request proof of treatment for ticks and tapeworm. If owners follow the requirements of PETS, dogs can skip the quarantine period implemented at the airport during entry or re-entry to a country.
Can you travel with a dog in Europe?
The following EU regulations apply only to the travel with a dog, cat or ferret. For other types of pets, call your nearest U.S. Embassy or the embassy of your destination country. They'll help you determine what, if any, protocol you need to follow for your unconventional pet. Getting an exotic animal or bird authorized for travel to Europe is done on a case-by-case basis, and the embassy is the best source of information on up-to-date requirements and prohibitions for these types of pets.
Can you bring a pet from a foreign country to an EU country?
So before you go, contact your veterinarian for proof that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies and that your pet does not have rabies. Make sure you let your vet know that this documentation is for travel to the EU.
When can pets be checked in cargo?
Additionally, pets may not be checked in cargo on many flights between April 15 and October 15 every year, and pets are not allowed to travel as checked baggage or cargo if the temperature is below 20F or above 85F at the origin, destination, or connection airport.
How old can a dog be in a cabin?
Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Yes, as long as they’re at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel, 15 weeks old if traveling to or from the European Union, and 16 weeks old if traveling to the US from other countries.
How much does it cost to bring a pet in Hawaii?
Yes: for travel between Hawaii and North America, there’s a fee of $125 each way for pets in the cabin and $225 each way for pets traveling in cargo or checked baggage. Hawaiian’s full pet policy.
How long do you have to get rabies shots before you can travel to the US?
Health and vaccination requirements: All animals entering the US must have a valid certificate of rabies vaccination, with vaccinations completed at least 30 days before arriving in the US.
How long before a trip to the US do you need a vet appointment?
Aside from complying with these requirements, make sure to: Schedule a vet appointment 7–10 days before departure, to have an examination and make sure they’re healthy enough to travel, as well as getting any necessary vaccinations and boosters, plus a rabies certificate. Dr.
Can you take a dog on a plane?
Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? Yes. The main cabin can accommodate up to five pet carriers per flight; first class can accommodate one. A customer can have a maximum of two pet carriers in the main cabin, provided that the adjacent seat is also part of their own booking. Up to two dogs can travel in the same carrier, provided that they’re not in distress and they fit properly with no body parts protruding.
Does Frontier Airlines require a dog certificate?
Frontier Airlines Pet Travel Guidelines. Health and vaccine requirements: Frontier does not require a health certificate for dogs traveling in the cabin on domestic flights (but your destination state might). Health certificates are required for international flights.
What to consider when traveling with a pet?
Factors to consider may include meeting time frames for obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing, or administration of medications/ treatments.
When will the CDC stop importing dogs?
Beginning July 14, 2021, the CDC is temporarily suspending (stopping) dog imports from countries classified as high-risk for rabies. The suspension includes U.S.-origin pet dogs returning to the U.S. from any high-risk rabies country. Learn more about the CDC's dog import suspension.
What are the rules for the movement of pets in the EU?
The first thing that you have to know about the EU rules on the movement of pets is that the country of owner’s residence matters a lot. In fact, the whole requirements that need to be met depend on where you come from. To set up these rules, these are three categories of countries, known as: Part 1 listed countries.
Why do people not want to leave their pets behind?
Many countries have established regulations and facilities for people entering and leaving their territories with pets, in order to make traveling safer and more enjoyable. The European Union as well, has established ...
How old do you have to be to get rabies shots in Europe?
Before traveling to Europe, you must vaccinate your pet against rabies by an authorized veterinarian. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the date of vaccination. The period of validity of the vaccination starts 21 days from the completion of the vaccination protocol for the primary vaccination.
How long does it take for a dog to get tapeworms?
This requirement is only for dogs. You need to make sure your dog is treated for tapeworm 24 to 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before arriving in one of the following countries:
Can you bring a pet first aid kit to Europe?
Bring a pet first aid kit. As we said, you can never see what may happen, so bring a pet first aid kit in any case.
Who needs to complete a written declaration for a pet?
A written declaration is also required, completed by the owner or an authorized person traveling with the pet stating the non-commercial nature of the trip.
Can you bring a pet in a hotel in Europe?
Many hotels in Europe have strict no-pet policies, so do not just assume you will be permitted to bring your pet inside. Others may charge you extra for bringing a pet with you, it is always better to check beforehand. Check nearby pet-friendly places to eat.
