Have you been on a plane, train, or at a rest area along the highway and seen another person traveling with a pet? You will either wonder, “Why in the world would someone travel with a pet?” Or, you may wonder, “Why didn’t I think about bringing my pet with me?”
Traveling with a pet can be extremely trying at times, but the tension associated with traveling with a cat or dog can be alleviated through proper planning and even practice. You need to ask yourself several questions before setting off on your adventure or journey.
First: Think about why you would want to bring your pet on a trip in the first place. There could be several reasons. Does your dog provide a valuable service to you or someone in your party? Are you are moving and cannot leave the dog or cat at home? Maybe you do not have a caring neighbor, family member, or local shelter to watch over your pet while you are gone.
All of these are very good reasons for bringing your cat or dog with you when you travel.
Second: Are there any special items I need to bring with me?
These could be travel carriers, food, water, sanitation supplies, etc.
Third: What documentation must I have?
This could include travel permits and vaccination records.
Fourth: What can I do to help protect my cat or dog when I travel?
This could be microchips, I.D. tags, or air tags.
Here are some of the considerations you must think about before traveling with a cat or dog.
Documents Needed for Traveling Within the United States:
Most states require mandatory health certificates and updated vaccination records before you are legally able to transport a pet across state lines. Most people ignore this law, but it is still a law.
- Health Certificate
Generally, these must be obtained within ten (10) days of travel - Proof of Rabies Vaccination
These are required under most travel situations and must be signed by a licensed veterinarian. - Pet’s Medical Records
This should include proof of vaccinations and most importantly, should your cat or dog have a special medical condition that requires a prescription medication, you need to make sure you carry its medical records. This is not only to show an authority figure, but also to prove the medication you might have in your possession is legal for you to possess. - Microchip Information, I.D. tags, and/or Air tag
These are not required in most states. However, remember microchips are great as long as they are universal and not specific to one brand of chip reader. Having an Air tag on your pet’s collar is probably the best way to locate a lost pet quickly. You simply look at its location on your smartphone or other device that has been configured to search for it. However, they will not help if the pet is stolen and the collar removed. This is where microchipping comes in handy. It is an easy way to prove ownership once the microchip is scanned. As far as I.D tags, I like to say, these are great at keeping the honest person honest. If your pet has an I.D. tag, whoever finds it will have a basic idea of who it belongs to and should make an attempt to help return your lost pet to you. - Airline Pet Policy Documentation (if applicable)
Always check with whatever airline you are flying with. Most airlines have the same pet policies, but not all are the same. Be prepared and do not take a chance at ruining your trip just because you were not expecting certain regulations. - State-Specific Requirements
It is also a very good idea to check the rules of pet travel in every state you will be traveling to or through. Some states, such as Hawaii, have different laws and codes associated with pet travel. Most of these are found on the States’ websites. These websites will also define the difference between a “Service Animal” and a pet. Pay close attention to these. These states take these rules very seriously. If you are traveling with a “Service Animal” and the state you are traveling to or through does not recognize your Service Animal, you will not be allowed to treat it as such. Be prepared. - Proper travel carrier
This is important. Some states have laws regarding how a cat or dog can be transported or carried while traveling. Some require carriers that are secured to the seat just like a child’s car seat. Others require the carrier to have food, water, and an area for the animal to urinate or defecate. Be aware of these rules and again, don’t be surprised.
Now let’s take a few minutes and think about International travel:
Traveling internationally with a cat or dog is not much different than traveling within the United States. However, there are some rules and regulations that you must adhere to before and during your travel or your cat or dog will be impounded and will not get to make the trip with you.
Documents Needed for International Travel
(PLEASE NOTE THAT IT COULD TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS TO GET PERMISSION TO TRANSPORT YOUR DOG OR CAT INTERNATIONALLY!)
The key here is to Plan Ahead!
And, this link will help walk you through the process of traveling with your pet in peace.
Consult your Destination’s Embassy or USDA APHIS Website at:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
And make sure you work closely with your veterinarian.
Here is another great website for information about traveling with a pet. Most importantly, returning to the United States with your dog or cat.
https://www.state.gov/pets-and-international-travel/
Once you have the documentation from your veterinarian, follow this checklist to ensure you have completed all necessary certificates and permits. The most important thing is to make sure you Plan Ahead!
Checklists:
- ☐International Health Certificate (Make sure to get this within 10 days of traveling) – Veterinarian
- ☐Proof of Rabies Vaccination – Veterinarian
- ☐Microchip Documentation (if applicable)
- ☐Pet Passport (if applicable)
- ☐Import Permit (This is required by many countries. You will need it for both leaving the United States and returning.) (Note: It could take up to 2 months to get this permit)
- ☐Quarantine Documentation Airline Pet Transport Certificate
- ☐Parasite Treatment Records
- ☐Vaccination Records
- ☐Letter of Acclimation
A “Letter of Acclimation” is a document, typically signed by a veterinarian, stating that an animal is healthy and has been adequately acclimated to a specific temperature range, making it suitable for transportation, especially when traveling by air, where temperature control in the cargo hold might be a concern; essentially confirming that the animal can withstand the expected climate conditions during transit without distress.
If you have any questions about any of these, ask your veterinarian.
Domestic Travel
☐Health Certificate
☐Proof of Rabies Vaccination
☐Vaccination Records
☐Microchip Information
☐Identification Tags
☐State-Specific Requirements
☐Airline Pet Policy (if flying)
☐Emergency Contact Numbers
☐Health Certificate
☐Proof of Rabies Vaccination
☐Vaccination Records
☐Microchip Information
☐Identification Tags
☐State-Specific Requirements
☐Airline Pet Policy (if flying)
☐Emergency Contact Numbers
Here are a few other considerations no matter how you travel with pets:
Noise control / Sound devices, etc.
Anti-anxiety / Sprays, pills, food, etc.
Food, water, and respective dishes / These can be travel dishes, but please make
sure they are familiar with them
Waste removal / plastic bags, kitty litter, etc.
Familiar item or toy / This will also help them relieve anxiety
Secure harness / This is for their protection as much as yours
Shades or temperature control devices / Treat them like they are your child
Motion sickness aides / Yes, believe it or not, pets are susceptible to motion sickness.
Medical supplies / Always be prepared. Medical supplies are for your pet as much as they are for you or others.
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