If you plan to take your pet with you when you leave the United States, you will need to comply with U.S. export requirements, and the import requirements of your destination country. This process can be complicated and time-consuming, so you should begin planning as early as possible. In general, you will need to obtain a travel health certificate from a licensed veterinarian that is government approved to issue such travel health certificates, ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date, and comply with any additional requirements of your destination country, such as microchipping, parasite treatment, or quarantine. You should begin researching the requirements for your destination country as early as possible, as some requirements must be met within a specific period prior to travel, which may be weeks or months before travel. This section provides an overview of the key requirements.
You should also consult the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services website at www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel for the most current U.S. related detailed information.
U.S. Export Requirements
The United States has requirements for exporting pets that you must meet before you can take your pet out of the country. The specific requirements depend on the type of pet you have, and your destination country.
USDA health certificates
To export most pets from the United States, you will need to obtain a pet travel health veterinary certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian that is endorsed by the USDA APHIS. The health certificate confirms that your pet has been examined by a veterinarian and is healthy and free of signs of communicable disease. The health certificate must be issued within a specific period before your travel date — often within ten (10) days — so you should schedule a veterinary appointment with a veterinarian that is certified to issue such pet travel health certificates close to your planned departure date. These veterinarians can help you obtain the appropriate health certificate for your destination country.
See the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services website at www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel for more information on taking a pet from the United States or into the United States.
Most countries require proof that your pet’s vaccinations are current, particularly rabies vaccinations. You should make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date well before your planned travel date, as some vaccinations must be given a certain number of days before travel is permitted. You should obtain official vaccination records from your veterinarian and carry them with you when you travel. Some countries may also require additional vaccinations or treatments, such as treatment for internal and external parasites.
Check the requirements for your specific destination country on the USDA APHIS website at www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel.
Vaccination requirements and documents
Destination country requirements
Each country has its own requirements for importing pets, and these requirements can change. You should research the requirements for your destination country as early as possible. Requirements may include:
- Microchipping (your pet may need to have an ISO-standard microchip);
- Specific vaccinations, including rabies;
- A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian that is endorsed by USDA APHIS;
- Treatment for internal and external parasites;
- A waiting period or quarantine upon arrival; and
- Specific documentation or permits.
Requirements can change, so you should check the current requirements for your destination country well in advance of your travel date.
For Mexico, importing a pet generally requires a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian that is endorsed by USDA APHIS, proof of a current rabies vaccination, and proof of treatment for internal and external parasites.
Further information for Mexico on importing pets can be found at the website of the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA) at https://www.gob.mx/senasica, or by contacting the Mexican consulate.
For other countries, the USDA APHIS website at www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel provides country-specific information. You may also contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country for the most current requirements.
Transportation Logistics
Once you have met the documentation requirements for exporting your pet, you will need to make arrangements for transporting your pet. The logistics of pet transport depend on the size and type of your pet, the airline you are using, and your destination country.
Airline-approved carriers, policies and costs
Some airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin in an approved carrier, while others require pets to travel as checked baggage or cargo. Some airlines do not accept pets at all. If your pet will travel in the cabin of an aircraft, they must be transported in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Each airline has its own specifications for approved carriers, including size and construction requirements. You should check with your airline for their specific requirements before purchasing a carrier. If your pet is too large to travel in the cabin, they may need to travel as checked baggage or cargo in a larger, airline-approved crate. You should contact your airline well in advance to make arrangements and to find out what documentation they require for traveling with a pet. Be aware that airlines will likely charge fees for traveling with a pet, and that there may be restrictions on the breed, size, or number of pets allowed.