A Beginner’s Guide to Pet Passports

If you’re anything like us, you consider your dog to be a core member of your family. So, it only makes sense to include them on your family vacations! However, if that family vacation includes crossing the border, bringing your dog on vacation may not be as simple as buying an extra plane ticket. 

If you’re heading to another country this summer and want to take your pup along with you, it is possible – but you’ll need a pet passport. To learn exactly what that is, when you’ll need it, and how to secure one, we’ve got you covered. Read on as we explain the details and give you everything you need to get your pup a passport in time for your trip. 

What is a Pet Passport?

Just like a human passport grants individuals access to other countries, a pet passport does just the same. This document provides proof that your pet is up to date with their vaccinations and vet visits, and is in good enough health to travel.. A pet passport essentially groups all of your pet’s vital information in one centralized place, enabling airport and border officials to easily verify your pet’s health records and grants them access into another country. 

How to Secure a Passport for Your Pet

Step One – Gather the Documents

Depending on your destination, passport requirements vary. In general, be prepared to get a vet-issued health certificate, and an endorsement from your country’s animal regulatory agency. For example, if your home is in the United States, you’ll likely need an endorsement from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take your pet outside of the country.

If you’re unsure what documents you’ll need, most pet passport requirements for your destination can be found online on the government websites.

Step Two – Visit the Vet

Keep in mind that, depending on where you’re traveling, it may require several health checks and visits, so give your veterinarian plenty of notice and inform them where you plan to travel so they can help you ensure you have the right health checks and vaccinations in place ahead of time.

The most common tests and health checks include:

• Rabies vaccinations and blood tests to prove vaccine efficacy
• Flea, tick, and parasite removal and/or treatment
• Microchipping 

Once all of the necessary vaccinations, checks, and precautions are in place, your vet will complete and sign a certificate that ensures your pet is approved to travel. 

Step Three – Government Endorsement

Depending on your destination and country of origin, you may be required to get the certificate from your vet endorsed by an animal regulatory agency, such as the Department of Agriculture. 

To do so, you typically need to make an appointment with them, which can be done online or in person, depending on your country of origin or destination.

Step Four – Research Quarantine and Country-Specific Regulations 

Depending on where you plan to visit, some countries have strict health, quarantine, agriculture, wildlife, and customs requirements or prohibitions for pets. If you plan to take your pet abroad, check with the local embassies of the countries you will be visiting  for any specific requirements they may have.

Finally, keep in mind that travel restrictions and requirements for pets vary by country and airline. Some airlines and destinations require pet documentation up to two weeks in advance of your trip, so always be sure to plan ahead. It’s also a good idea to contact the airline you’re flying with and do your own research for the place you’re visiting to ensure you have everything you need before taking off. Save travels!