Pet Passports Are a Real Thing!

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson

If you plan to travel outside of North America with your best buddy, this super-convenient travel document eliminates any roadbumps.

(photo credit: Javier Brosch / shutterstock.com)

You’re travelling out of the country with your pet and your biggest concern is that they have the appropriate vaccinations, easy-pack snacks, and a comfy seat beside you on the flight… or failing that, a roomy airline-approved travel carrier to keep them safe on the journey.


But what about when you land?


You see, there’s one more thing you may not have considered, and it’s something that will help streamline the arrival process into a country that may have tight restrictions when welcoming your pet. It’s called a Pet Passport (AKA Certificate of Ownership or USDA Travel Endorsement), and this simple document covers many of the requirements that multiple travel destinations insist you meet before opening their doors to both you and Rover.


This type of document not only serves as proof that you are the legal owner of your four-legged travel companion should there ever be a dispute, but it also contains medical information, including verification that they have been immunized, microchip details, as well as your contact info in case of emergency.


But there’s more. Before you book that dream vacation with your best buddy, do your homework and know the specific requirements of the country you’re about to visit.


For example, Europe requires your pet to be microchipped in addition to the usual rabies vaccination certificate and animal health certificate (Pet Passport). Others stipulate your pet must also be spayed or neutered, and some require you to provide proof (veterinarian-documented testing) confirming your pet is free of infectious diseases, including parasites. And others may refuse to even consider cats as they’re thought to be an invasive species or have a high potential for transmitting diseases.


So, a little research, several documents, and the potential for requiring tests mean that before you head to the airport, you need to begin planning that big trip a few weeks in advance.


And while once upon a time it was an automatic expectation that upon arrival, pets would be held in quarantine for at least 10 days before being released to their owners, that’s no longer the case with many of the more popular tourist destinations. Europe, for example (including the UK), has lifted this requirement, as have Canada, Mexico, and each of the American states with the exception of Hawaii and Guam. Of course, this reprieve comes with the expectation that on arrival you will still provide documentation appropriate to the country you are visiting and that you may find are already included in a Pet Passport.


Now, there are a number of countries that still have stringent quarantine requirements in a bid to protect their own wildlife and pet populations. Some include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Iceland and in the east, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore (to name a few).


How do you arrange for the appropriate travel documents for your furry travel companion? First, determine if specific testing is required and organize that, along with any vaccinations, through your veterinarian. This documentation (along with applicable fees that can range from around USD 38 upward) is provided by you to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). They, in turn, will send you the endorsement certificate for your pet (AKA a Pet Passport). And after that? Smooth sailing, baby!


Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and 2 felines who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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