The following checklist summarizes the key steps you should take to plan for your pets in the event of detention or deportation. You should review this checklist and take action on each item as soon as possible.
- Identify a trusted pet caretaker and a backup caretaker for your pets.
- Prepare written care instructions for your pets, including dietary requirements, medical needs, and behavioral information.
- Gather all important documents related to your pets (vaccination records, medical history, microchip information, veterinary contacts), and give copies to your caretaker.
- Decide what you want to do with your pets if you are detained or deported (keep with family/friends, rehome, or take with you).
- Prepare an emergency contact list and emergency care plan for your pets.
- Make sure your pets’ vaccinations are up to date.
- Consider discussing spaying or neutering your pets with your veterinarian.
- Prepare a power of attorney or written authorization for your caretaker to make veterinary and other decisions for your pets.
- Make financial arrangements to ensure your caretaker has access to funds for your pets’ care.
- If you plan to take your pet with you, research the export and import requirements for the United States and for your destination country and begin the documentation process as early as possible.
- If you plan to rehome your pet, contact local shelters, rescue organizations, or potential adopters as early as possible.
- Give your caretaker a key to your home so they can access your pet quickly in an emergency.
What to bring/send with your pet
- Pet carrier (airline approved, if applicable)
- Food (wet and dry food, as applicable)
- Water (including during travel time)
- Food and water bowls
- Leash/collar/harness
- Medications (including travel medications, if applicable)
- Veterinary contacts
- Vaccination and spay or neutering records
- Microchip/pet license/off-leash licenses information/records
- Caretaker information/contacts
- Owner information/contact
- Written care instructions (medical needs, dietary requirements, behavioral information)
- Power of attorney
- Authorization for veterinary treatment and medical decisions
- Temporary/permanent ownership transfer
- Financial arrangements/funds for ongoing care
- Export certificates and health documentation
- Destination country import documents
- Airline travel information/tickets