Pet Passport Travel: Can Eu Pets Enter The Us?

Travelling with pets can be a complicated process, with different countries having different requirements. In this case, we are looking at the requirements for pets travelling from the EU to the US. The EU Pet Passport is a document issued by an official veterinarian in an EU Member State, which contains health information about a specific pet. It is only issued for dogs, cats and ferrets, and cannot be obtained in the US. So, what do you need to do to get your pet to the US?

Microchipping and rabies vaccination

Microchipping

It is essential to microchip your dog before its rabies vaccination. This is a requirement for dogs of all ages entering the US from any country. The microchip must be a standard one that can be detected with a universal scanner. The microchip number must be included on all relevant forms and documentation. This is to ensure that your dog can be identified and its vaccination status verified.

Rabies Vaccination

Rabies vaccination is a critical aspect of pet travel, and there are specific requirements and procedures to follow. Firstly, it is important to note that the US requires proof of rabies vaccination for dogs, but not for cats. If your dog has never been vaccinated against rabies, it must receive its first vaccination at least 30 days before travelling to the US. This is to ensure that the vaccination has time to take effect and provide adequate protection.

Additionally, certain countries are classified as high-risk or high-rabies countries by the US. If your dog has been in one of these countries within six months of entering or returning to the US, you will need to provide specific documentation. For dogs vaccinated in the US, a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form or a USDA-endorsed export health certificate is required. These forms must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA.

For dogs vaccinated outside of the US, a Certification of Foreign-Based Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Form is necessary. This form must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by a government veterinarian less than 30 days before arrival in the US. It is also essential to note that foreign-issued vaccination booklets or rabies certificates will not be accepted as valid documentation.

To avoid quarantine requirements, dogs entering the US from high-rabies countries must also undergo a rabies titer test. This test must be administered more than 30 days after the rabies vaccination and more than 28 days before entering the US. The results of this test must be endorsed by a government veterinarian.

Additional Considerations

It is important to be aware of the different requirements for cats and dogs. While microchipping is not mandatory for cats entering the US, it is still recommended as a means of identification. Additionally, while rabies vaccination is not required for cats, it is always wise to consult the US State and local ordinances of your destination to ensure compliance with any specific regulations.

Furthermore, certain US states and territories, such as Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland, require dogs to be treated for the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis within a specified time frame before entry. Be sure to review the requirements for your specific destination to ensure compliance with all necessary treatments and vaccinations.

Rabies antibody titration test

The EU Pet Passport simplifies travel between EU Member States for pet owners. It is a document issued by an official veterinarian in an EU Member State or other designated country that contains official health information related to a specific pet. It is only issued to pet owners who are resident in the EU and can be obtained from any authorised vet. The passport is mandatory for travel between EU countries and is valid for life, provided that the pet's health information (e.g. anti-rabies vaccination) remains up to date.

When travelling from a non-EU country to the EU, pets must undergo a rabies antibody titration test, also known as the Rabies Antibody Titre Test (RNATT). This test is required for dogs, cats, and ferrets and must be carried out on a blood sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after the anti-rabies vaccination and not less than 3 months before travelling to the EU. The test must be performed in a designated laboratory. The results of the test must be attached to the pet's EU health certificate.

The rabies antibody titration test is a blood test that measures the effectiveness of a rabies vaccine. It is required for pets entering rabies-free or rabies-controlled countries. The test is administered 1 to 30 days after the rabies vaccine and involves sending a blood sample from your pet to an approved laboratory for analysis.

The Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) test is a type of rabies antibody titration test that is used to detect the level of rabies serum in the bloodstream after vaccination. It consists of a three-fold serum dilution series. There are approximately 40 approved laboratories worldwide that are authorised to conduct the FAVN test. The laboratory reports the results in International Units per millilitre (IU/mL), with a titer of greater than or equal to 0.50 IU/mL generally required for travel to countries that mandate the test.

It is important to note that the requirements for pet travel may vary depending on the country and the mode of transportation. It is always recommended to check the specific regulations and requirements of the destination country and the relevant transportation companies.

Tapeworm treatment

To enter the EU from a non-EU country with a pet, your dog, cat, or ferret must have a valid EU Pet Passport. This passport contains details of your pet's health, identity, and vaccination against rabies. It is issued by an official veterinarian in an EU member state or other designated country.

If you are travelling to the US with your pet from the EU, you will need to check the country requirements as the EU Pet Passport is not valid.

Now, for the tapeworm treatment section of this guide:

Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that can affect dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats. They are flat, segmented worms, and each segment is called a proglottid. Tapeworms are typically not dangerous for adult dogs but can cause more serious issues in puppies, such as stunted growth, anemia, and intestinal blockages.

The most common species of tapeworm in dogs is *Dipylidium caninum*, which is transmitted when dogs ingest fleas that are infected with tapeworm larvae. This can happen during grooming when dogs lick their fur and accidentally swallow an infected flea. The flea is the intermediate host in the cycle of transmission of tapeworms.

To treat tapeworms in dogs, a parasiticide drug called praziquantel can be used. This drug is available in both oral and injectable forms and is dosed by weight. It causes the adult tapeworms to detach from the intestinal wall and be digested as they pass through the dog's gut. As a result, tapeworms are usually not seen in the stool after treatment. Praziquantel is available by prescription and over the counter, but it is recommended to consult a veterinarian to determine a safe and effective dose.

While tapeworms in dogs are not typically dangerous, they can cause gastrointestinal issues and irritation. To prevent tapeworm, it is important to use flea and tick prevention products regularly and practice good hygiene by cleaning up after your dog.

If you are travelling to a tapeworm-free country in the EU, such as Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland, your dog must be treated against the tapeworm *Echinococcus multilocularis* between 24 and 120 hours before travel. All treatment details must be entered in your pet's passport or EU health certificate.

EU animal health certificate

If you are travelling to the US with a pet from a non-EU country, you will need to obtain an EU animal health certificate. This is a document that contains specific information about your pet, including its identity, health, and vaccination status against rabies. Here are some important things to know about the EU Animal Health Certificate:

You need an EU Animal Health Certificate if you are travelling with your pet from a non-EU country to an EU country. This includes travelling from Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland) to an EU country or Northern Ireland. The certificate is necessary to ensure your pet's smooth entry into the EU and to comply with the EU's animal health regulations.

The EU Animal Health Certificate includes details such as your pet's identity, health status, and rabies vaccination records. It also serves as an identification document and provides essential information to the authorities upon entry into the EU.

How to obtain an EU Animal Health Certificate:

To obtain an EU Animal Health Certificate, you must take your pet to an official veterinarian ("OV") in your country of departure. Make sure to schedule an appointment and bring your pet's vaccination and medical records, including proof of rabies vaccination. The certificate must be issued no more than 10 days before your pet's arrival in the EU. The cost of obtaining an Animal Health Certificate varies but typically includes consultation and document finalisation fees.

Validity and Duration of the EU Animal Health Certificate:

The EU Animal Health Certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland. Once your pet enters the EU, the certificate remains valid for onward travel within the EU for up to four months or until the anti-rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first.

Additional Requirements:

In addition to the EU Animal Health Certificate, there are a few other requirements to keep in mind. Your pet must be microchipped or have a clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011. Your pet must also be vaccinated against rabies, and in some cases, a rabies antibody titration test may be required. If your destination area is Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland, your pet must also be treated against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis between 24 and 120 hours before travel.

It is important to note that the EU Pet Passport is not valid for travel from Great Britain to an EU country or Northern Ireland. Therefore, if you are travelling from Great Britain with your pet, you must obtain an EU Animal Health Certificate.

Airline policies

There are three ways to transport your pet via airline:

• Your pet travels on the plane with you, either in-cabin, as accompanied baggage, or as cargo. Your pet will be charged accordingly.
• You can book your pet on a separate flight, although this will be at the cargo rate, which is considerably more expensive than excess baggage.
• You can have your pet shipped through a licensed commercial shipper. You will be charged the cargo rate, plus the pet shipper's fee. Many airlines now require this method, unless your pet is small enough to fit in the cabin.

As a rule, animals 100 lbs. or larger (including the weight of the cage) will be charged as cargo, even if they travel on the same plane as you.

It is important to note that some airlines may no longer offer the option of pets travelling in the cabin, and some countries do not allow pets to enter the country in-cabin.

When travelling with a service animal, only trained service animals that assist owners with physical or psychiatric disabilities will be allowed to travel in the cabin free of charge. Emotional support animals will not receive the same entitlement.

If your pet is shipped as cargo more than five days after your arrival in the EU, a commercial EU Pet Animal Health Certificate Form will be required. The form must be signed by your private veterinarian and endorsed by a USDA-APHIS veterinarian within 48 hours of the pet's arrival in the EU.

Typically, airlines require pet health certificates that are no older than 10 days, even if the receiving country accepts an older one. Some countries, however, require a health certificate to be even less than 10 days old.

When travelling from the United States to Italy with your cat or dog, passengers should be aware of the many travel restrictions imposed by American carriers. These restrictions vary considerably from one carrier to another, so it is important to contact the airline early and familiarise yourself with their specific requirements well in advance of anticipated travel.

Frequently asked questions