With a little research and planning, you can ensure that your pet joins you in your overseas move.
It’s difficult for many people to imagine moving overseas without their beloved pet in tow. Fortunately, pets have plenty of options when it comes to cross-continental travel, as long as owners do their homework first. Keep in mind that specific requirements vary for cats, dogs, and exotic pets.
When you find the information you seek, be sure to print out a hard copy and carry it with your pet’s travel file. Putting all rules and regulations in writing can save headaches and confusion at the gate.
Pet Paperwork
Most pets need a recent rabies shot in order to travel overseas, but often that’s all they need. It’s also a good idea to have your veterinarian examine your pet before you travel and write a clean bill of health for her to carry along with proof of the rabies vaccination. Having your pet microchipped provides an extra level of safety and ease of identification, though it is not always required. Carrying a pet’s health record, similar to a child’s immunization record, is very useful; your vet can provide one. Refer to the USDA International Animal Export Regulations website for a list of export requirements by country.
Some countries do require an initial quarantine, meaning that once your pet arrives in the new country, she must be kenneled in a separate location or confined in your home for a certain period of time. Pet owners dread quarantines, but a surprising number of countries don’t enforce them at all, so check this list if you are uncertain.
The most stringent requirements often come when you’re trying to bring your pet back to North America. Coming from China into the U.S., for example, China requires that pets must have a rabies shot within 14 days of departure, be examined by a vet and written a health certificate, get microchipped, and receive special government sanction (organized through the vet) in order to leave the country. These documents must be handled, signed, and stamped by various offices, and the process can be quite time-consuming. Check with the American Embassy or reliable veterinarian in the new country if you have difficulty determining the requirements for bringing your pet home.
Visit PetTravel.com for the latest updates on immigration and quarantine laws as well as pet-friendly accommodations and travel plans.
Cabin, Cargo, or Checked?
If your pet is small, the size of a cat or toy poodle, you might be able to bring her with you in the plane cabin. Find a good cabin carrying case through SherpaPet, which offers airline-approved soft kennels that fit under your seat. Carrying your pet in the cabin has several advantages: you’re closer to your pet and better able to sense her hunger, thirst, and anxiety. You have more control over your pet’s travel environment, and can be relieved of the anxiety associated with leaving your pet in someone else’s hands. Since the cabin is pressure and temperature controlled to ensure a comfortable journey for human passengers, it is automatically safe for pets. However, not all airlines allow pets in the cabin. Some might only allow the pet to travel in cabin between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, but will restrict cabin travel to South America or Asia. Check with a few airlines to get a sense for the individual rules; all airlines will incorporate additional pricing and temperature or geographic restrictions into their policy.
For larger animals, traveling as checked baggage is often the most viable option. In this case, the pet rides along with your suitcase and is monitored by airline personnel. Summer pet embargoes are employed to keep pets from overheating; between June and September, expect restricted travel in southern tropical areas.
For pets traveling alone, cargo shipping is the most viable option. Independent pet shipping companies can also assist in transporting your pet.
