How to travel with your dog overseas?

Pets are like members of the family for many of us. Even on vacation, we can't picture our lives without our four-legged companions. Traveling with your dog may be even more enjoyable, but you'll need to make sure you understand everything there is to know about international dog travel before you start making plans. It's a good idea to do some research before traveling with your pet, from entrance procedures and quarantine to how to get your pet ready for travel.

I'd want to spend a few minutes to address a critical issue. There are several websites and businesses on the internet that sell erroneous dog items or even provide incorrect canine information. They'll do everything to get money, even if it means killing your dog. As a result, you must turn to reliable resources like The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Your Dog for assistance.

Have a look to the proper ways to traveling with dog overseas.

Rabies status and requirements

The laws and paperwork involved in traveling overseas with a pet might make it difficult, rather than the trip itself. It all comes down to rabies, which is why there are so many laws, restrictions, and procedures.

Many nations are pleased to be rabies-free and wish to remain so. Regulations are in place in countries such as The U.s., which is rabies-controlled, to help limit the disease's spread. This implies that pets are at danger while going to rabies-free nations like the UK from a rabies-controlled state like the US. If you bring your pet into a rabies-free country, you may have to spend more time at customs or your pet may be quarantined for up to several months.

A country's definition of "rabies-free" may be different from that of another country, such as the UK or Australia, which may classify a region as "at risk." The CDC's Federal Registrar Notice has the most up-to-date country-by-country guidelines for dogs traveling to or coming to the United States. There is a lot of reliance on the United Kingdom's rabies risk classification for pet travel inside the EU.

You'll also want to double-check your port of entry's pet-entry restrictions. The USDA APHIS documentation and your pet must be presented to the airport veterinarian, who will sign and stamp the paperwork before allowing you to cross customs.

Some airports, like as LIS, demand that you schedule an appointment in advance. While some companies, like as PTY, have very restricted hours for their veterinarian, it is difficult to legally enter the nation with a dog on the weekend when Copa does not carry pets.

Consult Vet

When it comes to planning a trip with a pet, veterinarians are an invaluable resource. Your pet may require extra vaccines or treatments, as well as a unique serial ISO compliant microchip, depending on the regulations of the country where you intend to go. It's possible that you'll additionally want import licenses or special permission before you leave. In addition, a health certificate verifying that your pet is in good health and fit to travel is required for all pets.

Make contact with your veterinarian as soon as possible to begin organizing your pet's trip. This helpful checklist will help you get ready for your pet's vet appointment by making sure they are up to date on any necessary vaccines. Some doctors have foreign travel expertise and can respond to questions you may have.

Verify that the veterinarian you choose is USDA-certified before you make a decision. A medical certificate for international travel must be provided by the veterinarian.

Health certificate

APHIS will not accept medical certificates from veterinarians who are not USDA accredited, and most nations need APHIS to countersign and stamp the health certificate. Prior to traveling, you must attend to an APHIS employment office within a specific time limit (which differs depending on the destination country) to get the certificates signed and stamped.

For those who don't already have a veterinarian that is USDA accredited, ask them for a recommendation for someone who is Otherwise, you can use the Government APHIS data to find local veterinarians who are USDA certified.

If you're intending on taking your pet to numerous EU nations or if you'll be visiting the EU on a frequent basis, you should consider getting a pet passport. Using the Pet Transport Scheme ("PETS"), this blue booklet, which is only available within the EU, acts as a medical record for the pet and allows it to travel freely across European borders without being quarantined. It's widely accepted in the EU, as well as in a few countries further afield. You're not required to submit an application. While in the EU, just arrange a meeting with a certified veterinarian to get the pet passport issued. Take immunization and health records with you.

And over 28 days away from the United States necessitates a stop at a veterinarian overseas to obtain the necessary papers for re-entry.

Book flight

After discussing your trip plans with your veterinarian, you're ready to start looking into flights. Make sure you have a plan in place for your pet to satisfy all of the destination's standards. Direct flights or planes with the fewest connections to your ultimate destination are the best options. Also, think about when you're leaving and when you're arriving, and travel during the cooler hours of the day if you can.

FAQs related to dog travel

Do dogs have to pay for international travel?

There is a $125 one-way cost for transporting your pet inside the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This price rises to $200 if you're traveling internationally or us Virgin Islands. However, if you're going to Brazil, the cost is only $75.

Is it possible to take my dog on an overseas flight?

You can absolutely fly with your pet in tow. When traveling to another country, you have the option of travelling with your dog in the cabins or even in the cargo compartment. If your dog is tiny enough to fit in a traveling carrier beneath the seat, you're welcome to use the cabin. Dogs over 50 pounds must travel in an airline-approved dog crate or kennel and must fly as cargo.

To wrap it up

Proud dog parent presented the guide containing the right way to travel with dog overseas. To know more information, seek help from The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Your Dog.