Guest Writer: Dr. Karyn Collier, Medical Director at Hillside Veterinary Clinic, Dallas, TX
When preparing to travel with your pets, the best piece of advice I can give is to start your preparations as early as possible. Starting early, especially for international travel, provides the best opportunity for a smooth and stress-free trip. Let's look at some details and you will see what I mean.
How are you traveling?
Driving
Some states require a health certificate for pets that are entering the state and others do not. This is not regulated by the USDA (which regulates international travel) but by each state. Since the requirement to have a health certificate varies, my suggestion is to err on the side of caution and have that health certificate. I also recommend keeping a copy of your pet's vaccination records with you, especially proof of Rabies vaccination. As the saying goes, "better to have it and not need it..."
If this your first time traveling with your pet or maybe this is the first long distance trip, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about having anti-anxiety medication available to use if needed. It is not a bad idea to do a trial of the medication before the trip. You don't want to discover an adverse reaction to the medication when you are hundreds of miles from home. Advanced planning will allow time to talk with your veterinarian about medication and get the prescription filled. Your veterinarian may also want to examine your pet before prescribing a new medication. You need to allow time to get that visit scheduled.
Flying
If you are flying domestically, what type of documentation does the airline require? Some require none. Some airlines require a health certificate, and the time frame that it needs to be issued varies. Some airlines also have breed restrictions for dogs and cats. Check the website of the airline that you will be using to get the details or call their customer service line. Armed with this information, you can make your appointment with your veterinarian within the appropriate time frame. I have had some pet parents come in through our Emergency Service for a health certificate. As stated before, don't forget about medication for relaxation if you think your pet will need it.
International Travel
International travel is the big one! Different countries have different requirements for entry. It matters when your pet received the rabies vaccination and whether the pet had permanent identification (microchip) prior to when the rabies vaccine was given. Some countries require treatment for internal and external parasites and those treatments must be administered by a veterinarian. Some countries require a health certificate completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and submitted for further endorsement by the USDA veterinarian from a regional office. We must allow time for the document to be reviewed and endorsed. If there are mistakes, they must be corrected and resubmitted. Although
these documents can be submitted electronically, not every country will accept an electronically endorsed certificate. Some countries require an original signature on the document which means it must be returned by mail. It takes time.
Vaccines and Medications
Is your pet up to date on their vaccines? Is your pet on long term medications and needs a refill? It is best not to wait until the day before traveling to request a refill of medication. Your pet may need an exam prior to more refills or maybe your pet's medication is currently out of stock at your veterinarian's office.
Starting your preparations early gives you more time and flexibility to get everything you need ready for your trip.
A great resource is the USDA pet travel website: Pet Travel | Domestic and International Travel with a Pet (usda.gov)
Dr. Karyn Collier's Credentials include:
- Thrive Leader Certified
- Member of Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging Council with Thrive Pet Healthcare
- RECOVER, BLS & ALS Certified
Dr. Karyn Collier
Medical Director
Hillside Veterinary Clinic
Member of Inclusion, Diversity & Belonging Council
214-824-0397