When traveling with your pet, it's always a good idea to have their paperwork in order. When traveling abroad, every country has its own requirements and restrictions. If you don't follow the rules, your pet may be denied entry.
Even if you're traveling domestically, most states have basic health requirements for pets. If any questions should come up, you don't want to be caught without proof of your pet's health history.
Domestic Travel
When you are traveling to different states, you should at the very least have proof that your pet is up to date on his rabies shots. To be safe, it is also a good idea to have proof of all of your pets' vaccinations, as well as proof that your dog is on heartworm prevention medication.
If you're planning to fly, make sure to call the airlines. Each airline has its own rules and regulations about pet travel. You will also most likely need a health certificate recently prepared by a qualified veterinarian.
Microchipping your pet is not necessary, but you may wish to have it done in case of emergency.
International Travel
If you're planning on going to one or more different countries with your pets, you should start doing your research well in advance. It can take weeks, or sometimes months, to get an international health certificate when you're traveling with your pet, so make sure you plan your trip to give yourself enough time to complete the requirements.
Keep in mind that every airline (or railway, or ship) and every country will have its own rules and regulations. Be sure to contact all of your transportation companies and all of the countries you plan to visit for the details you need.
Information You Will Need
Any travel papers for your pet will require such as his name, age, species, breed, and color. They'll also want to know your country of origin, your destination(s), and your dates of travel.
Decide if your pet will be traveling with you, as cargo, or if you'll be sending your pet somewhere alone. If you're not sure if your pet can travel with you or travel alone, again, check with the airlines (or whatever transportation company you're using).
From a vet, you'll need your pet's vaccination records, proof that your pet is free of parasites, and recent health check-ups. Some countries also require pets to be microchipped.
How Do I Get All of This Done?
While you do need to do some research, try not to feel overwhelmed. A qualified veterinarian can help you to prepare, get everything done, get your documents in order, and can even assist you in getting your pet's health certification endorsed by the USDA, which is required for any international travel.
The Animal Doctors have been AAHA-accredited since 1987, which means they are qualified to help you prepare your pet for any journey, big or small. We have serviced the San Francisco Bay area for 40 years and have the expertise and time-honed experience with pet travel that you need in a vet.
As soon as you have booked your trip, contact The Animal Doctors to make an appointment. We can help you determine what you'll need for your destination. We can give your pet any diagnostic tests, vaccinations, medications, or treatments that your pet will need to keep him safe and ensure his travel papers are all in order.
We provide service to patients in the San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
