You’re planning a big, international adventure, and the only thing that could make it better is bringing your dog with you! But how can you be sure your pup will be allowed in the country? You’re going to have to make sure you have the necessary documentation to get your pooch out of the country, and into another one. In today’s post, our Westfield vets discuss dog health certificates, and why they are required for international travel.
What is a pet health certificate and why does my dog need it for international travel?
For dogs to travel internationally, and even into some states, they need to be issued a pet health certificate. Countries like Germany, France, Poland, and New Zealand have pet health certificates that are specific to their country. Some 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.
Pets, particularly dogs, need health certificates when traveling primarily to avoid the spread of diseases. Especially if you’re traveling to an island where diseases like rabies could spread quickly, it’s important to them that any dog entering the country is up to date on their vaccinations.
Additionally, consider the cargo area of an airplane. If just one of those animals is sick, even with just an upper respiratory issue, it can easily spread if there are other animals. By only allowing certified healthy pets, you can be sure that there's nothing for your dog to catch.
What certifications does my pet need in order to travel?
Unfortunately, there is no cut-and-dry answer as to what documentation your pet needs in order to travel. It all depends on what country you’re going to, as every country has different specifications.
The best thing to do would be to speak with your United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified veterinarian well in advance of your departure, and have them help make sure your pet has what's needed
Some countries require a USDA-endorsed (countersigned and embossed/stamped) health certificate in order to enter.
Other countries, however, 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.
Book a wellness exam to have your dog checked over and make sure they have no signs of illness or disease, then the veterinarian can work on getting them certified.
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.
Good Practices For Future Travel
Even if you’re not planning on traveling any time soon, you should have your pet ready just in case. Make sure your dog is always up-to-date on their vaccinations. 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 thriving, and are ready to travel with you 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, for fear of breathing difficulties.
Some generally good tips to consider when flying with your dog is to restrict their food and water intake beforehand. While you don't want your dog to be dehydrated on the flight, they won't be able to potty during the flight, so make sure they don't have to. Make sure they get as much exercise as possible before the flight so they are tired and will hopefully sleep the whole time. Do your best to keep your dog comfortable, whether that's filling their crate with blankets that smell like home, or getting them a thunder shirt for 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.
