Checklist for Pet Travel
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1. Research your destination country\'s pet import requirements
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Is an import permit required?
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Is a microchip required?
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What vaccinations are required and when should they be administered?
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Is there a Blood Titer Test (RNATT) test required?
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Is an internal and internal parasite requirement?
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Is there a need to make quarantine arrangements?
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Must my pet arrive as manifest cargo?
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Check out pet import requirements on over 240 countries.
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2. Get your pet\'s crate or carrier and start working on acclimation
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Pet carrier must have waterproof bottom, adequate ventilation and be secure. Your pet must be able to stand up and turn around in its carrier.
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Pet crate for larger cats and dogs (or those traveling in a cargo hold) must have a waterproof bottom, spring lock, adequate ventilation and meet other IATA requirements.
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Put lots of familiar things in the crate or carrier including something with your scent.
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Encourage your pet to rest and nap in its carrier bottom
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Leave the door open so your pet can go in and out of the crate or carrier
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Take them for drives or walks to someplace fun in their crate or carrier
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Spend time praising your pet for loving their crate or carrier.
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3. Schedule a visit to see your veterinarian
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Check for health
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Have your pet microchipped with a 15 digit ISO 11784/11785 microchip before vaccination if necessary
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Verify rabies vaccination expiration
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Discuss any titer test or other testing that must be done
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4. Check airline or roadway routes
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Check for road construction or traffic issues if traveling on the ground. Set your route in a routing device such as Garmin or in your smart phone if you have one.
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If you are flying, stay clear of airports that are more challenging to transit (London, Taiwan, Australia, China)
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Keep layovers to 2 hours if possible.
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Do not change airlines - changing planes is ok; changing airline companies is not.
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5. Research Pet Friendly Hotels and Services
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Find a great pet friendly hotel and contact them prior to booking online to verify their pet policies. Most times, booking online will give you the best prices.
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Find an animal hospital nearby in case of emergencies and bring along the information.
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Find pet friendly parks and restaurants nearby so you and your pet can enjoy your stay.
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6. Get your pet\'s supplies
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Leash and collar
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Name tag (with your cell phone number on it)
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Picture of you and your pet (in case you should be separated)
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Bottled water and a portable water dish
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Supply of sealed pet food, dish, and spoon
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Dog or cat treats (all good pets deserve a treat now and then)
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Brush
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Shampoo
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Toys (save a special chew bone for the trip in the car)
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Medication (including eye and ear drops, ear powder, tweezers for removing burrs, and any pills or vitamins your pet may be taking)
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Pet harness for riding in the car (pets need to be "buckled up for safety")
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An old sheet or two for covering up hotel furniture that your pet may jump up on
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Plastic bags for picking up after your pet
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7. Schedule a trip to the groomer
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A clean pet will be a comfortable pet. Help them put their best paw forward on their trip.
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8. Need More Information?
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We have current and accurate information on traveling with your pet by air, sea or ground.