Taking Your Dog to a Foreign Country

Taking Your Pet Animal to a Foreign Country

APHIS is one of three Federal agencies that you will encounter as you travel with your pet.

APHIS Web Information:

We have a web page that provides general information on "Traveling With Your Pet".

If you are taking a pet to another country (permanently or for a visit), contact that country's consulate or embassy for information about any requirements that you must meet. A listing of consulates can be found at: http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/ ( US Department of State website).

International health certificates for the export of animals from the United States are completed by the APHIS accredited veterinarian who certifies animal health status, conducts tests, and records test results for the individual animals being exported. Completed and signed international health certificates for the export of animals from the United States must be endorsed by a Veterinary Services area office in order to be valid. To obtain the USDA endorsement of an international health certificate or any other documents relating to traveling with your pet, the documents must be completed by an APHIS Accredited Veterinarian.

The APHIS Area Office for your state can assist you with your questions relating to traveling with your pet, help you locate an Accredited Veterinarian, and inform you of the fee(s) for the USDA endorsement(s). You should check with your current Veterinarian to determine if he/she is an APHIS Accredited Veterinarian. You can locate the VS Area Office for your State at : http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/area_offices.htm.

The United States has minimal requirements for animals to be exported to other countries. Your Area Veterinarian-in-Charge can provide you with the current regulations, tests, and inspections required. Each country may have other specific health requirements for entry of animals. These requirements are established by the importing country, not the United States. Other countries may also have their own certificate format for export. Since export requirements frequently change, obtain the current export requirements from the Veterinary Service office in your area before each shipment. We recommend that you also contact the country's consulate or embassy to ensure that you have the most current information. Do not rely solely on information provided by brokers and exporters. The VS web site has limited export requirements for select countries for pets at: Animal Export Regulations.

Other Federal Web sites:

In addition to our web site, you should visit the web sites of the two other Federal agencies that have a role in the import/export of animals:

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

US Customs Service

Traveling with your dog :: Top Tips

Traveling with your Dog

Taking your dog along can make the family vacation more fun for everyone, if you plan carefully. Here are some trip tips to make traveling with your dog enjoyable.

Health and Safety
Health Checks. Bring your dog to the vet's for a check up before going on an extended trip. Make sure all his vaccinations are up to date; shot records with you. Health certifications are required for airline travel.

To keep your dog healthy as you travel, bring along a supply of his regular food and some local, or bottled, water. Be sure to bring any medications he needs.

Crates

A crate is an excellent way to keep your dog safe in the car, and is required for airline travel. It can also keep your pet from getting into trouble in a hotel or at your host's home. Crates are available from most pet supply stores. Look for these features when purchasing:
Large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn and lie down.

Strong, with handles and grips, and free of interior protrusions.

Leak-proof bottom covered with absorbent material.

Ventilation on opposing sides, with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked airflow.

"Live Animal" label, arrows upright, with owner's name, address and phone number.

Stock the crate with a comfortable mat, your dog's favorite toy, and a water bottle, and your dog is ready to go.
Identification

In the event that your dog gets away from you on your trip, you can increase the chances of recovery by making sure he can be properly identified:
Make sure your dog has a sturdy leash and collar. The collar should have identification tags with the dog's name, your name, and your home phone number, as well as proof of rabies shots.

Consider a permanent form of identification, such as a microchip (see CAR).

Bring a recent picture of your dog along with you.
Traveling by Car
Get your dog used to the car by letting him sit in it with you without leaving the driveway, and then going for short rides.

Avoid car sickness by letting your dog travel on an empty stomach. However, make sure he has plenty of water at all times.

Keep the car well-ventilated. If the dog is in a crate, make sure that fresh air can flow into the crate.

Do not let your dog ride with his head sticking out of an open window. This can lead to eye injuries.

Never let your dog ride in the back of an open truck. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe injuries or death.

Stop frequently for exercise and potty breaks. Be sure to clean up after your dog.

Car rides are boring for everyone, so instruct your children not to tease or annoy the dog in the car.

Never, ever leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle, particularly in the summer. See Summer Safety Tips for more information. If you must leave the car, designate a member of the family to stay with the dog.

By Plane
Each airline has its own set of rules for canine air travel. You should call for information and make arrangements well in advance of your trip.

All airlines require health certifications and proof of vaccinations.

Some airlines will not transport animals when it is extremely hot or cold.

Dogs must be in an airline-approved crate when transported as cargo. Small dogs may ride under the seat in a crate or carrier.

By Train, Bus and Boat

If you plan to travel by train or bus, you may be disappointed. Dogs are not permitted on Amtrak trains or on buses operated by Greyhound and other interstate bus companies. (Service dogs are permitted.) Local rail and bus companies have their own policies.

You may fare better if you're taking a cruise. The QE2 luxury cruiser, which sails from New York to England/France, provides special lodging and free meals for your dog. However, you should check the policies of the cruise line or ship you will be traveling on before making plans to take your dog on a cruise with you.

Lodging
Find out in advance which hotels or motels at your destination or on your route allow dogs. Many do not, or have size or breed restrictions.

If your dog is allowed to stay at a hotel, respect other guests, staff and the property.

Keep your dog as quiet as possible.

Do not leave the dog unattended. Many dogs will bark or destroy property if left alone in a strange place.

Ask the management where you should walk your dog, and pick up after him. Do not leave any mess behind.

Remember that one bad experience with a dog guest may prompt the hotel management to refuse to allow any dogs. Be considerate of others and leave your room and the grounds in good condition.