Pet travel

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Checklist for Pet Travel

pet travel

• 1. Research your destination country\'s pet import requirements

• Is an import permit required?

• Is a microchip required?

• What vaccinations are required and when should they be administered?

• Is there a Blood Titer Test (RNATT) test required?

• Is an internal and internal parasite requirement?

• Is there a need to make quarantine arrangements?

• Must my pet arrive as manifest cargo?

• Check out pet import requirements on over 240 countries.

• 2. Get your pet\'s crate or carrier and start working on acclimation

• 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.

• 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. Read pet crate requirements.

• Put lots of familiar things in the crate or carrier including something with your scent.

• Encourage your pet to rest and nap in its carrier bottom

• Leave the door open so your pet can go in and out of the crate or carrier

• Take them for drives or walks to someplace fun in their crate or carrier

• Spend time praising your pet for loving their crate or carrier.

• 3. Schedule a visit to see your veterinarian

• Check for health

• Have your pet microchipped with a 15 digit ISO 11784/11785 microchip before vaccination if necessary

• Verify rabies vaccination expiration

• Discuss any titer test or other testing that must be done

• 3. Check airline or roadway routes

•  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.

• If you are flying, stay clear of airports that are more challenging to transit (London, Taiwan, Australia, China)

• Keep layovers to 2 hours if possible.

• Do not change airlines - changing planes is ok; changing airline companies is not.

• 4. Research Pet Friendly Hotels and Services

• 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.

• Find an animal hospital nearby in case of emergencies and bring along the information.

• Find pet friendly parks and restaurants nearby so you and your pet can enjoy your stay.

• 5. Get your pet\'s supplies

• leash and collar

• name tag (with your cell phone number on it)

• picture of you and your pet (in case you should be separated)

• bottled water and a portable water dish

• supply of sealed pet food, dish, and spoon

• dog or cat treats (all good pets deserve a treat now and then)

• brush

• shampoo

• toys (save a special chew bone for the trip in the car)

• medication (including eye and ear drops, ear powder, tweezers for removing burrs, and any pills or vitamins your pet may be taking) 

• pet harness for riding in the car (pets need to be "buckled up for safety")

• An old sheet or two for covering up hotel furniture that your pet may jump up on

• plastic bags for picking up after your pet

• 6. Schedule a trip to the groomer

• A clean pet will be a comfortable pet. Help them put their best paw forward on their trip.

• 7. Need More Information?

• We have current and accurate information on traveling with your pet by air, sea or ground. Find more Pet Travel Information