Planning an international adventure with your dog? Make sure you have all of the correct documentation ready. To help you get all of your pups in a row before you go, here are a few tips on dog health certificates and how to prepare your dog for their big adventure.
What is a pet health certificate and why does my dog need it for international travel?
Health certificates are a common requirement for dogs traveling internationally or, in some cases, between states. Countries such as Germany, France, Poland, and New Zealand have pet health certificates that are specific to their own country. While other countries do not have an approved health certificate at all.
If there is no health certificate for the country you are going to from the USA, you should use the International Health Certificate. This certificate is officially known as the United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals. These certificates are issued after a comprehensive examination of the dog has been completed and the pet is shown to be healthy and up-to-date on all required vaccinations.
Health certificates are required when traveling primarily to avoid the spread of diseases. Especially if you’re traveling to an island where diseases like rabies could spread quickly. Individual countries take steps to ensure that their people and animals are protected against conditions that could spread rapidly and be devastating. Insisting that dogs entering their borders are healthy and up to date on their vaccinations is part of this effort.
Additionally, it is essential to safeguard the health of your pup against risks faced during travel. Consider the cargo area of an airplane. If just one of those animals is sick, the condition could easily spread to other animals in the cargo area. By only allowing certified healthy pets into the cargo area, you can be sure that there's nothing for your dog to catch or spread.
What certifications does my pet need in order to travel?
Unfortunately, there is no cut-and-dry answer as to this question. It all depends on what country you’re going to, as every country has different specifications.
Book an examination for your pup and take that opportunity to ask your vet for information on traveling to your destination with your dog. It may be a good idea to call before the appointment to let them know where you are heading, so your vet can be ready to answer your questions and provide the services your dog needs.
Some countries require a USDA-endorsed (countersigned and embossed/stamped) health certificate in order to enter. Other countries require a health certificate of their own, which needs to be applied for through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website. In some cases, this document can take up to six months to receive, so plan ahead!
For specific information on what is required for the country you’re going to, visit the APHIS website and select your destination.
What information is on a pet health certificate?
If you ask your vet for a pet health certificate, they will create a robust document that will give all of your dog’s information to the border agents. The information in this document includes:
- Name, age, and gender of your dog
- Breed
- Vaccination information, including manufacturer, dates of vaccination, lot numbers, and expiration dates.
- Veterinary attestations
Additionally, your vet will sign off that your dog did not originate from an area where rabies has occurred, is not under quarantine for rabies, has not been exposed to rabies, and is healthy and shows no signs of contagious diseases.
How can I prepare for future travel?
Even if you’re not planning on traveling any time soon, it's a good idea to have your pet ready. You just never know when an opportunity for exciting travel might arise.
Make sure your dog is always up-to-date on their vaccinations and protected against parasites. It is also helpful to have your dog microchipped, as some countries require that. Bringing your dog in for routine examinations and annual vaccinations is the best way to ensure that they are healthy, happy and ready to travel, wherever you decide to go!
My dog is traveling on an airplane. How do I prepare?
Every airline has its own set of rules and requirements when it comes to bringing a pet on board. If your pet is small, and the trip is short, they may be able to sit with you in your seat. Otherwise, they’ll probably have to be loaded into the cargo area.
Our recommendation is to visit your airline's website and see what their specific requirements are. If you can’t find them online, try giving them a call and asking. Some airlines even have restrictions on particular breeds and won't let some short-snouted dogs in the cargo area, due to their high risk of breathing difficulties.
Ask your vet if it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's food and water intake before flying. While you don't want your dog to be dehydrated on the flight, they won't be able to potty during the flight. Your vet can recommend ways to help ensure your dog won't be desperate for a bathroom break mid-flight.
Make sure your dog gets as much exercise as possible before the flight so they are tired and (hopefully) ready to sleep for the duration of the trip.
Another tip to help your dog feel more relaxed and comfortable as they travel is to place blankets that smell like home in their crate or get them a thunder shirt to help soothe anxiety.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.