Traveling with your pet can be a great experience but there can be quite a bit of planning involved and requirements to be completed in order to travel within and outside the United States.

HEALTH RECORDS

The first step is to make sure your pet is healthy and able to adapt to your itinerary. If you know your pet has a serious medical condition then you may want to opt for having a pet sitter take care of your pet while you are away or have your pet stay at a well recommended boarding facility or your local veterinary hospital if indicated.

If your pet is healthy then you will need to have your pet seen by a veterinarian for a complete physical and be updated on all required vaccines (including Rabies), dewormed, heartworm tested, and have heartworm and flea and tick prevention. You will also need to obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian as close to the time of travel as possible, usually within two weeks of your departure.

If you are traveling outside the continental United States, first check for the requirements of your destination country or territory. Many countries now use a “Pet Passport” and do not require quarantines. It can take more than six months to obtain the necessary tests and certificates needed to travel with your pet so you will need to be prepared well in advance of your travel dates. Some countries require your pet to be micro-chipped for identification purposes but it is highly recommended that your pet be micro-chipped regardless of your travel destination even if not required.

A United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals Form (USDA-APHIS 7001) or health certificates for your destination will be required and may need to be certified by the USDA. Check with your veterinarian or the USDA for these requirements. For travel to countries within the European Union (EU), the EU Form 998 Veterinary Certificate or a country specific health form will be required. In addition, a Certificate of Deworming is required for some countries as well and approved deworming medications may be specified.

The USDA VETERINARY SERVICES OFFICE can be contacted at 301-734-8364 or at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/official.html.

For information on requirements for travel destinations with your pet, and an excellent source of pet travel information, visit http://www.pettravel.com For a small fee they will provide many of the forms required for your pets travel records.

Regardless of your destination, make sure to keep multiple copies of these forms and health records on hand while you travel. Have multiple current photos of the pet(s) your traveling with on hand in case they are needed.

AIRLINE RESTRICTIONS AND REGULATIONS

AIRLINES:

Many airlines allow pets to travel with you or will ship your pets to your destination. Some allow your small pets to travel under the seat in the cabin while others only allow pets to travel in the climate controlled baggage or cargo compartment. In addition there are a few services dedicated to pet transport. Check with the specific airline well in advance of your travel date for specific requirements, regulations and fees.

If your pet will be traveling in the cargo hold, make sure to ask if the compartment is temperature and pressure regulated and if it is secure from the movement of baggage or if it is a separate compartment.

PET TRAVEL KENNELS AND CARRIERS

If your pet has met the requirements for traveling under the seat in the cabin, then a water proof bottomed carrier which fits under the seat in front of you will be required. There are many good quality pet carriers including Sherpa brand bags which usually meet the requirements of most airlines but, always check with the airlines for specific requirements and or changes in requirements.

If your pet will be traveling in the cargo hold, the IATA requires that the carrier be made of a hard plastic, have ventilation on all four sides and have a secure locking system for the door. Your pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down in the carrier. A water bottle or container must be available for your pet and must be accessible from the outside of the kennel, i.e. a water bottle attached to the outside of the door or a watering cup affixed to the inside of the door which water can be poured into without needing to open the door. “LIVE ANIMAL” stickers must be placed on the top and sides of the kennel and the owners contact information and pets name also need to be on the carrier. A copy of your pets health certificate should be attached to the kennel if traveling outside the US continent.

TEMPERATURE:

In an effort to insure the safety of your pet during transport in the cargo hold of the plane, specific temperature regulations are enforced;

20F or below:

Pets will not be accepted for travel if at any point temperatures are below or are expected to fall below 20F. This includes stop-overs and final destinations

45F to 20F: Requires a Low Temperature Acclimation Certificate from your veterinarian.

75F or greater: Brachiocephalic (short nosed) breeds (i.e. Pug, Boston Terrier, Bull Dog, Boxer, Persian etc) of dogs and cats will not be allowed to travel if the actual or expected temperatures in route are greater than 75F.

85F or Greater: No pets will be accepted for travel if the actual or expected temperatures will be greater than 85 F.

TRAINS AND BUSES

While many European train and bus services will allow your pet to travel on board in the, Amtrak only allows the transportation of service animals. However, several cities in the US do allow your pet to travel with you on the local light rail, trolley, and bus system. If traveling abroad with your pet, make sure to obtain the specific regulations for your trip with your pet. Visit http://www.pettravel.com , or your travel agent and contact the train service you will be using for more details and up to date information.