Traveling Abroad with a Pet

Traveling abroad with a pet can be a challenging experience for the pet owners as well as the pet. If you are planning to move abroad for a short period of time or permanently, do your research ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Most importantly consider the age and health of your pet prior to making the decision to travel abroad with a pet. This includes evaluating your pet's emotions as well as yours and your families.

If you are traveling with a pet that is very emotionally attached consider sedating the animal for the long trip ahead. All pets traveling abroad will go inside the cargo area irrespective of the size of the pet. Ensure your dog crate is extremely durable as this is not an area to compromise to ensure the safety of your pet. Food and watering instructions must be included.

Do your research on the country of entrance as far in advance as possible. Contact the embassy or consulate's office to find out the specific guidelines for the area to which you are traveling abroad with a pet. Some countries such as Ireland will quarantine your animal for up to 6 months. Others such as Argentina and Italy will allow entrance of a pet but with very specific guidelines. Traveling abroad with a pet will require a trip to the veterinarian within 10 days of departure. Your pet must be up to date on all of his or her vaccinations. Most animals traveling abroad are also required to have a registered microchip, which can be done, at your veterinarian's office. The microchip generally costs $49.95 and the registration with Home Again Pet ID and Recovery Service is approximately $59.95.

There is also a requirement of many countries that the animal have a passport and an International Animal Health Certificate from a veterinarian that is not older than 10 days of departure. Air Pet America is one of many services that provide information regarding passports for pets traveling abroad. If you will be traveling between European countries, or from European countries to the UK or Ireland there is also a EU Pet Transport that is required.

When traveling abroad with pet most airlines also charge a fee of $150 per kennel or crate. All entering countries have their own specific guidelines for accepting pets. Don't make assumptions that all countries are the same. With proper research and planning traveling abroad with a pet can be a smooth seamless transition.

www.petfriendlytravel.com
www.homeagain.com
www.airpetamerica.com