Required Documents: Traveling With Your Furry Friend

Travelling with pets requires careful planning and attention to detail. The documentation needed will depend on the country of origin and the destination country, as well as the chosen airline and mode of transport. A health certificate, also known as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, is often required and must be issued by an accredited veterinarian. This certificate must state that the pet is free of infectious diseases and sometimes needs to be endorsed by the USDA. Some countries may also require an import permit, proof of vaccination, and other specific health documentation. It is important to check with the relevant embassies, airlines, and transportation companies to ensure all necessary paperwork is in order.

Health certificate/Certificate of Veterinary Inspection/Certificate of Good Health

A Health Certificate, also known as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or Certificate of Good Health, is a crucial document when travelling with your pet. It is a signed document from a veterinarian, stating that they have examined your pet, and it is free of infectious diseases, and satisfies all import requirements of the receiving state, territory, or country. This certificate is mandatory for both international and interstate travel in the United States.

The health certificate must be issued by an accredited veterinarian, and some countries also require a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) endorsement of the certificate. It should include details such as your pet's vaccination records, inoculation history, and other medical information. It serves as your pet's identity document, containing details such as its name, age, breed, weight, date of birth, microchip number, and the owner's contact information.

The validity period of health certificates is usually limited, so it is essential to check with the relevant authorities to ensure the certificate remains valid throughout your trip. Some countries may require the certificate to be issued within 10 to 15 days of travel, while others may have different specifications.

Additionally, some countries might request that the health certificate be "legalized" by the destination country's consulate. This process involves authenticating the certificate by the relevant authority, such as the Department of State's Office of Authentications in the United States.

It is worth noting that European Union (EU) countries often refer to this document as a veterinary certificate, export certificate, or zoo sanitary certificate. When travelling between EU member countries, a Pet Passport issued by an authorised EU veterinarian is also accepted as a health certificate.

Pet passport

A pet passport is a document issued by an official veterinarian that contains official health information about a specific pet. In the US, a "pet passport" refers to the extra documents required to travel to other countries with a pet.

The following are the documents you will need when travelling with a pet:

Rabies Checkup

Rabies remains a deadly risk in some of the world's most populated countries. Some states require a rabies checkup for your pet within a set number of days before travel. For example, the US enforces stringent vaccination rules for dogs, cats, and ferrets. If these animals are older than three months of age, they must be vaccinated for rabies 30 days before entry. Make sure to check with both your departure and destination state before you travel.

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection

This is a signed document (or health certificate) from a veterinarian that states they have inspected the animal for diseases and overall health. These documents are usually only valid for a certain period, so check with your state to ensure yours don't expire before the trip.

Acclimation Certificate

This document shows regulations for hot and cold weather extremes while your pet waits to be placed in plane storage and while on the plane. Call your airline to find out if you need this type of document.

Confirmation of Feeding

This is a document that confirms that your pet has been fed and given water before the flight.

Live Animal Checklist

This is a set of instructions for airline handlers.

Tranquilizer Consent Forms

These are forms from a veterinarian that give consent for your pet to be tranquilized.

Microchip

Your pet must be implanted with a microchip that is registered with your current contact information, including a cell phone number. A tag is included when you purchase a microchip, which has the microchip number and a mobile contact for the owner, so if the pet is found, ownership can be determined without having to contact a veterinarian.

Vaccination records

• Types of Vaccinations: The specific vaccinations your pet needs will depend on factors such as their species, age, and the requirements of your destination. Core vaccinations for dogs typically include canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, and rabies. For cats, core vaccinations usually cover panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis), and rabies. It is important to consult your veterinarian for recommendations on additional or non-core vaccinations that may be necessary for your pet's health and safety.
• Timing and Frequency of Vaccinations: It is crucial to ensure that your pet's vaccinations are up to date before travelling. In some cases, there may be specific time requirements for certain vaccinations. For example, the U.S. requires dogs, cats, and ferrets entering the country to be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days before entry if they are older than three months of age. Check with your veterinarian and the requirements of your destination to ensure compliance with all relevant timing and frequency guidelines.
• Record-Keeping: Maintain a detailed record of your pet's vaccinations, including the dates of administration, vaccine product information, and the name and contact information of the administering veterinarian. These records will likely be inspected during travel, especially when crossing international borders. Keep these records organised, easily accessible, and carry them with you during your trip.
• International Travel Endorsement: When travelling internationally, some countries may require an endorsement of your pet's vaccination records by a relevant authority. For example, the United States Department of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) may need to endorse your pet's health certificate, which includes proof of vaccinations. Check with the regulations of your destination country to determine if any endorsements are necessary.
• Microchipping: While not strictly a vaccination record, microchipping your pet is essential for identification purposes and can be done by your veterinarian. Ensure that the microchip is registered with your current contact information, including a mobile phone number. This will increase the chances of reuniting with your pet if they become lost during travel.
• Rabies Vaccination Certificate: A valid rabies vaccination certificate is crucial when travelling with your pet. This certificate should include the name and address of the owner, breed, sex, colour, markings, and other identifying information for your pet. Additionally, it should specify the date of rabies vaccination, vaccine product information, the date of expiration, and the name, license number, address, and signature of the administering veterinarian. Always carry a copy of this certificate with you when travelling.

Microchip

The microchip itself is a small device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted in the shoulder area of your dog or cat. The procedure is quick, painless, and gentle, and can be performed by your veterinarian. The microchip contains only a number and emits a signal when scanned by a microchip reader. This number is linked to your contact information, so if your pet is lost and scanned, you will be contacted to arrange their return. It is essential to keep your contact information up to date.

In addition to registering your microchip with the manufacturer, your pet should also have a tag on its collar with your cell phone number, the microchip number, and the name of the microchip manufacturer. This allows anyone who finds your pet to contact you without needing to visit a veterinarian to scan the chip.

If you are travelling to an EU country or one of the many other countries that require microchipping, it is mandatory to have your pet microchipped before entry. The ISO 15-digit microchip is the world standard and is required by the EU. This microchip operates at 134.2 kHz and conforms to ISO Standards 11784/11785, making it readable by veterinarians and animal shelters in most countries. If your pet has a different microchip, you may need to carry your own microchip scanner.

It is important to note that the microchip must be implanted before your pet is vaccinated if you are travelling to or within Europe. This is a requirement of all European Union countries.

Acclimation certificate

An Acclimation Certificate is a document that ensures airlines can transport dogs and cats safely when they cannot guarantee compliance with animal welfare regulations, specifically the minimum temperature allowed by the regulations. Typically, a veterinarian certifies that the animal in question is acclimated to temperatures lower than 45° Fahrenheit (7° Celsius). This certification is crucial as federal regulations prohibit dogs and cats from being exposed to temperatures below 45° F for more than four consecutive hours in airport terminal animal holding areas. Similarly, these regulations limit exposure to less than 45 minutes when transferring the animal between the aircraft and the holding area.

The Acclimation Certificate is designed to protect the health and well-being of the animal. It is the veterinarian's responsibility to ensure the animal can withstand the specified temperature range and advise the owner or agent accordingly. The certificate should be issued no more than 10 days before the animal's transportation and must be attached to a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. The certificate should include the name and address of the consignor, the number and identification of the animals, the signature of the accredited veterinarian, their accreditation number, and the date.

The certificate's wording is essential, and veterinarians should be cautious when signing it. Previously, the term "thermoneutral zone" was used, but it caused confusion and was replaced. The current recommended wording is: "The animal(s) in this shipment appear healthy for transport but need(s) to be maintained at a range of ambient temperatures to which the animal(s) has/have been acclimated, as determined in consultation with the owner/authorized agent to be no lower than (W degrees) F for (X) minutes and no higher than (Y degrees not to exceed 85 degrees F) for no longer than (Z) minutes."

It is worth noting that acclimation certificates are not just for cold weather. They are also relevant for protecting animals from excessive heat during transportation. According to federal regulations, airlines will not board pets in the cargo hold when the temperature on the runway exceeds 84° Fahrenheit (29° Celsius).

Frequently asked questions