Travel with a Pet

Last Modified: Aug 3, 2015

Are you travelling to another country and bringing along Fluffy or Fido? You’ll need to meet the animal health requirements of the country you are visiting. As soon as you know where you are heading and when, talk to your local veterinarian. He or she can help you work through the pet export process. This can involve getting a health certificate, updating vaccinations, completing disease testing, and having your paperwork reviewed and endorsed by APHIS. Here is a list to help you get started:

1. Know where you are going, when you are going, and what pet(s) you are planning to take.
2. Working with your veterinarian, find out what tests, vaccinations, paperwork, or inspections are required by your destination country AND when they must be completed.
   1. This information can be found on the International Regulations (IRegs) website. Select your destination country in the drop down menu.
   2. Your local APHIS Veterinary Services service center can answer any questions you or your veterinarian may have.
3. Work with your veterinarian to schedule required tests and vaccinations.
4. Work with your veterinarian to complete all required paperwork.
5. When required, have your completed paperwork endorsed by your local APHIS Veterinary Services office, either by mail or in person.
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6. Travel with your pet.

• If you intend to bring your pet back into the U.S. there may be certain re-entry requirements, depending on where you travelled. You should plan for them now. See the pet import section below for details.
• Your carrier (air, rail, etc.) may have additional documentation or time constraints required to move animals. You should check their requirements early on so you can get all your paperwork completed at the same time.
• If you do not feel comfortable completing this process on your own or are unavailable during the export process, there are private companies that specialize in exporting or relocating animals that can provide assistance.