Bringing your dog or cat with you on vacation has its perks, but it also comes with plenty of preparation and consideration. If you plan to go globe-trotting with Fido or Fifi, make sure you know the ins and outs of traveling abroad with pets.
What You Need to Know Before Bringing Your Pet to Another Country
Each country has its own unique rules about pets crossing its borders. Requirements typically include proof of vaccinations and may also consist of certain tests or require a health certificate from a veterinarian. It’s vital to know exactly what your destination country expects if you plan to bring your pet with you. Failure to adhere to a country’s strict guidelines could result in them shipping your pet back to the United States (even if you won’t be there) or, in some cases, euthanized.
The Animal and Plant Health Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is a good resource for finding specific requirements by country. Also, there are times when additional precautions and alerts are in effect regarding hot topics, such as rabies. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is the foremost authority regarding dogs entering the United States, whether they are new arrivals or returning.
The CDC has explicit rules regarding bringing dogs into the US. If you ignore the rules, your dog won’t get through, even if they are originally from the United States. Instead, your dog must return to their most recent departure point.
It’s important to recognize that the CDC does not maintain the same rabies restrictions for cats coming into the US. However, many other countries do require your friendly feline to have a current rabies vaccination. Therefore, it is always in your best interest to ensure your pets have updated shots.
You Might Need to Ship Your Pet to Your Destination
One of the most popular ways to travel internationally is by plane (more on that in a moment). However, not all airlines allow pets on international flights or they may have size restrictions that limit your pet from traveling on the plane.
In these situations, you have the option of shipping your pet to your destination as an air cargo shipment. For some countries, this is the only way your pet will be able to enter the country.
If you need to transport your pet via air cargo, it’s crucial to get them a comfortable, secure kennel. Your pet needs to be able to sit, lie down, stand, and turn around comfortably in the crate. Talk with your vet beforehand about pointers regarding your pet’s food and water intake before shipment, and arrange for someone to pick up your pet at the final destination.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has more explicit guidelines for different countries concerning shipping your pets. Also, the timing of your travel may need to change if you decide to ship your dog or cat. Many US cargo carriers will not ship animals in the Northern Hemisphere between May and September due to intense heat.
Your To-Do List When Traveling Abroad with Your Pet
Here are a few considerations before traveling abroad with pets.
- Is it absolutely necessary for your pet to travel with you? If not, is there a trusted friend or family member who can watch your pet while you’re away? Or would it be more beneficial for you and your furry friend to find boarding options?
- Visit your vet before traveling with your pet to verify your pal is healthy and ready for international adventures.
- Take time before traveling to acclimate your pet to their kennel or carrier.
- Look for flights with the least number of connections and layovers possible.
- Choose travel times that sync with more comfortable temperatures.
- Exercise your pet before traveling to release energy, manage stress, and provide ample potty opportunities.
- Organize and gather all of your pet’s necessary documentation, medication, supplies, etc.
- If your dog or cat accompanies you in the airplane’s cabin, check in as late as you can to limit pre-flight stress.
- On the contrary, if your pet is traveling via air cargo, arriving early is best so they get a quieter area of the hold.
- Confirm that pets are allowed at your final stop, whether staying at a hotel, with family or friends or renting an Airbnb.
Different Ways to Travel Internationally with Pets
You only have a few transportation options when it comes to international travel from the United States with your pets. The most common is to travel by plane.
Although you can reach Mexico and Canada via train, you’ll have very limited options when it comes to bringing your pet along for the ride. Amtrak doesn’t allow pets larger than 20 pounds or on trips longer than 7 hours. The lines going to Canada don’t allow pets and options to Mexico are limited.
If you choose to drive across the border with your cat or dog, you still need to follow the necessary rules for the country you’re visiting. Plus, you need to remember the restrictions and requirements for re-entry into the United States. It’s also important to think about how your pet handles car rides.
Tips for Bringing Your Dog or Cat on a Plane
Your first step when bringing your pet on a plane is to consult the airline carrier’s website to learn their rules about traveling with pets. If the airline allows pets, it’s your responsibility to find out exactly what you need to do and what you need to bring.
If your dog or cat can be in the cabin with you, you typically need an airline-approved pet carrier that fits below the seat in front of you. You also need to pay a pet fee in addition to your regular ticket price.
Keep your pet engaged with an interactive toy like the Rolly Cannoli or a licking mat to help distract them and ease stress. However, limit food and water since bathroom breaks won’t be easy to come by when you’re cruising at 35,000 feet.
If the airline requires your pet to travel in the cargo hold, get a comfortable, secure crate. Don’t put anything in the kennel that could be a choking hazard. Visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for more information about flying with pets.
What About Bringing Pets on a Cruise Ship?
Cruise ships are iron-fisted when it comes to allowing pets on board. Although each cruise company has its own unique set of rules, for many, unless you have a service animal, your dog or cat won’t be able to board.
Even then, you’ll likely need to jump through several hoops and gather plenty of documentation before you get to bring your pet on the ship. Check with the cruise line ahead of time to ensure you have all your ducks in a row. And don’t forget, you still must adhere to the unique rules of the country you’re visiting.
Should You Bring Your Pets Abroad?
In most cases, if it isn’t necessary to bring your pet with you on an international journey, it’s better to let them stay home. Enlist the help of a trusted friend or find a reputable boarding facility. Your pet will likely be much happier forgoing the stress of lengthy travels and unfamiliar circumstances.
Although rare, there is always the possibility of pets becoming sick during travel or worse. If your pet falls ill during a flight, it’s often likely that officials need to perform an autopsy. It’s a protocol to test and confirm the potential presence of diseases that could pass to humans.
Most travel stories with pets do end happily, however, it’s wise to know all of your options and the chances you take. Also, consider what your pet will do during your vacation. Do you plan to bring them with you on excursions, or will they be alone in a hotel room the whole time? Overall, you know your furry friend best, but always be ready and prepared if you plan to travel abroad with your pet.
Check out the Neater Pets blog for more resources on bringing your pet on trips, to restaurants, shopping, and more. Find out what you need to know to keep your dog or cat happy, healthy, and safe, and get insight into what it means to be the best pet parent you can be.