When traveling with your pet(s), there may be animal health requirements specific for that destination. As soon as you know your travel details, contact your local veterinarian to assist with the pet travel process. Factors to consider may include meeting time frames for obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing, or administration of medications/ treatments.

Take your pet from the United States to a foreign country (Export)

Your destination country may have specific health requirements that must be met before your pet can enter the country. Since export requirements are determined by each country and can change frequently, every time you plan pet travel you will need to verify the export requirements. Please note that airlines may have separate and additional requirements. Check with your airline to determine what requirements they may have, if any.

Bring your pet into the United States from a foreign country (Import)

Animals entering the U.S. may be subject to regulation by USDA APHIS as well as other federal agencies. Depending on your destination state, your pet may need to also meet additional health requirements.

Travel with your pet state to state (Interstate)

To learn the requirements for moving your pet from your current location to another U.S. state, please select your destination state from the list below. If you have additional questions or need to determine what type of form will be accepted when the pet travels, please contact the State Veterinarian’s office in the destination state.

A pet is a privately-owned companion animal not intended for research or resale and includes the following animal groups only:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Ferrets
• Rabbits
• Rodents
• Hedgehog/Tenrecs
• Reptiles
• Amphibians
• Pet Birds

Multiple agencies, including USDA APHIS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), may be involved in pet bird travel. It is critical that your pet bird meets ALL applicable requirements before travel.

Depending on the type of bird you have, APHIS regulations may vary. Due to the possibility of carrying or transmitting certain diseases to the U.S. poultry industry, some pet birds are regulated as poultry and must meet different requirements.

Birds regulated as poultry include:

• chickens
• doves
• ducks
• geese
• grouse
• guinea fowl
• partridges
• pea fowl
• pheasants
• pigeons
• quail
• swans
• turkeys

If your pet bird is listed above, it does NOT qualify for travel as a pet bird. You must meet specific import or export requirementsfor poultry.

Owning a pet can increase opportunities to exercise, get outside, and explore new places. You may want to take your pet with you when you travel to new places. Traveling can sometimes be stressful, both for you and your pets. Including pets in your travel plans takes careful planning. Preparation can help prevent stress and keep you and your pets safe and healthy. Some places or types of travel (like airplanes) may have regulations on traveling with pets, as well as required documentation.

What do I need to do to travel with my pet?

Requirements for pet travel are set by the destination country. You will need to work with a local veterinarian to complete any required exams, testing, treatments, vaccinations, and/or paperwork. Guidance for international pet travel can be found on the APHIS Pet Travel Website. Links to some of the helpful resources available on the Pet Travel Website can be found at the end of this document.
Most destination countries require pets to arrive with a health certificate (also called an international health certificate, a veterinary health certificate, a veterinary certificate, or an export certificate). Health certificates are issued (completed, signed, and dated) by a local veterinarian who examines the pet and performs (or verifies) all required testing, vaccinations, or treatments.

Many destination countries require health certificates to be endorsed (counter-signed and embossed/ stamped) by APHIS after they have been issued by a veterinarian. In these cases, the veterinarian issuing the health certificate must be USDA-Accredited. If the pet traveling is a bird, the veterinarian facilitating the shipment must be a Category II USDA Accredited Veterinarian. For all other pets, any USDA Accredited veterinarian may assist.

You should also contact the company transporting the pet (e.g. airline, cruise line) to see if they have additional or different requirements the pet must meet.

Does one health certificate work in all countries?

No. Each country establishes its own requirements based on the type of animal traveling so there is not one standard health certificate or set of requirements.

How do I obtain a pet health certificate?

To help ensure the pet meets the destination country’s requirements, enlist the assistance of a local veterinarian. Once the pet meets the requirements, the veterinarian will need to examine the pet and issue the health certificate within the timeframe required by the destination country.

If the destination country requires the health certificate be endorsed by APHIS, the issuing veterinarian will need to be USDA-Accredited (Category II if a pet bird is traveling). Click here to find a USDA Accredited Veterinarian.

What is a USDA Accredited Veterinarian and how do I find one?

All veterinarians must be licensed in the state that they work in order to practice veterinary medicine. When a destination country requires a pet health certificate to be endorsed by APHIS, the veterinarian issuing the health certificate must licensed and USDA-Accredited in the state where the certificate was issued. If a pet bird is traveling, please make sure the veterinarian has the appropriate accreditation status for completion of international health certificates for birds (Category II).

• Click here to find a USDA Accredited Veterinarian.

How long will the process take before a pet can travel to a foreign country?

Get started as soon as possible! The process could take a few weeks to many months, depending on the requirements of the destination country. Please work with a local veterinarian as soon as it is determined a pet will be traveling.

What needs to be submitted to APHIS to get the pet’s health certificate endorsed?

Prior to the pet’s departure from the United States, many countries require APHIS to endorse (counter-sign and emboss/ stamp) the pet’s health certificate after it has been issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian. Endorsement is a final review process, where APHIS officials verify the information on the health certificate is accurate and ensure that the pet meets the destination country’s requirements.

APHIS officials must review the health certificate and all supporting documents, including vaccination certificates and test results, in order to complete the endorsement process. The following items need to be provided for endorsement of the health certificate:

• The original health certificate issued (completed, signed, and dated) by the USDA Accredited Veterinarian that examined the pet before travel.
  • APHIS cannot endorse any health certificate with an electronic/copied signature of the issuing veterinarian (this includes by email and fax). All signatures on health certificates must be done with pen and ink on paper.
  • A few countries may allow health certificates to be submitted via APHIS’ electronic certification system, called VEHCS. When available, this option will be clearly noted on the APHIS Pet Travel Website. In these cases, the issuing veterinarian’s signature will be securely applied within the system and electronically submitted to APHIS for endorsement.
• Vaccination certificates (e.g. rabies vaccine certificates) and laboratory test results for vaccinations and tests recorded on the health certificate.
• Import permits, when applicable.
• Payment
  • Learn more about fees associated with APHIS endorsement.

How do I get the pet’s health certificate to APHIS for endorsement?

For additional information about the submission of a health certificate for endorsement, including the forms of payment accepted by each APHIS Veterinary Services Office, please view the Office Information Sheet posted to the APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Offices page of the Pet Travel Website.

Do I bring the pet with me to the APHIS Veterinary Services office when I get the health certificate endorsed (stamped)?

No, you do not bring your pet to the APHIS Veterinary Services office. You will only need to bring the pet’s completed, signed, and dated health certificate, any supporting documents, and payment for the User Fee associated with APHIS endorsement.

The pet will be traveling either to multiple countries OR traveling through multiple countries on the way to the country of destination. What does the pet need for each of those countries?

The pet will need a health certificate for the first country it will be traveling to and clearing customs in after it leaves the U.S. The requirements the pet will have to meet for travel to additional countries will depend on the mode of transportation (e.g. car, ship) as well as how long the pet will spend in each country. It is your responsibility to ensure the pet will be accepted at each border the pet plans on crossing.

Please contact your local APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Offices for assistance with pet travel to multiple foreign counties.

How much does it cost to have the health certificate endorsed (stamped) by APHIS?

The endorsement processing fee varies based on the destination country’s requirements. Learn more about the User Fees associated with APHIS endorsement and forms of payment accepted.

How long does it take to stamp/endorse a health certificate? When can I expect my certificate to be returned?

Please contact your APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Offices for processing times, but the time required is typically a few days. If the health certificate is not correct or incomplete, the processing time will likely be extended. You and/or your veterinarian will be informed of the errors and provided guidance on how to correct any problems noted.
Although all APHIS offices strive to provide prompt customer service, we highly recommend the pet’s health certificate be issued and endorsed as early as possible based on the destination country’s requirements. This will help prevent any delays in travel should an unanticipated problem with the paperwork arise.

My type (species) of pet isn’t listed under the destination country. What do I do?

If requirements are not listed, Veterinary Services has not been officially informed by the foreign country about the requirements for your pet’s travel. It is recommended that you or your veterinarian contact a government official of the destination country for more information.

In some cases, countries will require that an import permit be issued prior to your pet’s travel. It is important that you completely read and understand your import permit as it may provide specific instructions or requirements for your pet.

Country of destination contact information:

World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) OR U.S. Department of State

There is nothing posted on the APHIS Pet Travel Website for the type of animal traveling and/ or for the destination country. What do I do?

If requirements are not listed, APHIS has not been officially informed by the foreign country about the requirements for the pet’s travel. Although there are countries with unknown requirements, it does not mean the destination country does not have requirements the pet must meet. We recommend you contact a government official of the destination country (e.g. Ministry of Agriculture in the foreign country, border port official) for more information.

What if the pet is unable to meet any of the requirements of the destination country?

If the pet is unable to meet any travel requirements, you must reach out to the ministry of agriculture in the destination country for written permission (in English) for the pet to travel. A USDA Accredited Veterinarian cannot waive another country’s requirements nor can they issue a health certificate for a pet that does not met the destination country’s requirements.

If you are unable to reach an official in the destination country, please contact your local APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Office as they may be able to recommend possible solutions.

What do I need to bring the pet back into the United States after traveling internationally?

There may be certain re-entry requirements, depending on the type of animal and where they have travelled. It is especially important to plan for re-entry if a pet bird is travelling. Learn more about bringing a pet into the United States from a foreign country.

What do I need to take a pet from one U.S. state or territory to another U.S. state or territory (travel within the United States)?

Veterinary Services does not set requirements or endorse health certificates for the movement of pets across state or territorial lines. The requirements are set by each individual state or territory, including Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You should contact the State Veterinarian’s office in your destination state for their requirements

I have more questions. Where can I get additional information or help with this process?

Pet owners should work with the pet’s veterinarian first. If any additional help or information is needed, please contact an APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Office.

I’m active duty military relocating to another country and I want to take my pets. Who can examine my pet, issue the health certificate and then endorse (stamp) my health certificate?

In very limited circumstances, active duty military veterinarians and General Schedule (GS-0701) federal veterinarians working for the military (this does not include civilian veterinarians working on a military base) can examine your pet as well as issue and endorse (stamp) pet health certificates. This only applies for dogs, cats, and ferrets traveling to the European Union and dogs and cats traveling to Japan and South Korea. For all other countries and types of pets, if official endorsement of a certificate is required, APHIS must endorse the certificate after it is issued by either the active duty military veterinarian, GS federal veterinarian, or USDA Accredited Veterinarian (civilian) who examined your pet prior to travel.

On the health certificate, the name and physical address of the person in the United States who owns the animal should be provided as the “consignor” information. The “consignee” information should be completed with the name and physical address of the person who is receiving the animal in the foreign country. If you are traveling with your pet, you would write your name and the physical address where you are staying in the foreign country.

What do I do when the requirements do not specify which products or active ingredients should be used for internal or external parasite treatment?

For internal or external parasite treatment, some countries specify which product or active ingredient should be used. If a specific product or active ingredient is not required, the veterinarian who examines the animal and issues the health certificate should apply a product licensed and approved in the U.S. for treatment of the target parasites. The specific treatment should only be documented on the health certificate when required by the destination country.

Please note that many countries do not accept any removable, collar-type products for treatment of external parasites.

Is there anything else that needs to be considered before the pet travels?

• If the pet is traveling alone, rather than with a person, the requirements and health certificate may be different.
• Some countries haven’t notified the APHIS of their requirements.
  • This does not necessarily mean that the country has no requirements.
  • Please visit the APHIS Pet Travel Website, Requirements Not Known page, for more information.
• Remember to plan the pet’s travel far enough in advance to allow enough time to meet the destination country’s requirements. Factors to consider:
  • Does the destination country require the pet to have an import permit?
  • Is a microchip required? If yes,
    • Is there a specific type of microchip required (e.g. ISO compatible)?
    • Do required treatments, tests, or vaccines need to be given after the microchip was implanted?
  • Does the destination country require vaccinations, treatments, or laboratory tests to be given or performed?
    • Is there a time frame that the vaccinations, treatments, or laboratory tests have to have been performed within?
    • Is there a waiting period after the vaccinations, treatments, or laboratory tests has been performed?
    • Is there a specific type of vaccine, treatment or test that must be used?

Please note: Testing and treatment requirements are not interchangeable. If an importing country requires a pet to be tested, a laboratory test must be done; if a treatment is required, the pet must be treated with a pharmaceutical product licensed for use in the U.S.

Some additional resources are available to help with this process and include:

• Steps to Obtain an International Health Certificate
• Pre-Travel checklist: Help guide you through the process of traveling with your pet.
• Find a USDA Accredited Veterinarian
• User/Endorsement Fees
• APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Offices

Taking your dog or cat on a flight abroad? Make sure you have your pet’s documents when traveling internationally and returning home to the United States. Leave yourself plenty of time before the trip to take care of your pet’s required medical care and paperwork. Remember to start the process early.

First Stop—Your Vet’s Office

If you are traveling internationally, tell your veterinarian about your plans as soon as possible. Together, you can make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel and meets the requirements for your destination country and for your return to the United States. Requirements may include

• Blood tests
• Vaccinations
• Microchips for identification
• Permits
• Health certificates

Airlines and countries often have different requirements, so make sure you know what the specific ones are.

Research How to Fly with Your Pet

Give yourself plenty of time to do your homework before your trip. A great place to start is the Pet Travel website of the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Airlines

Different airlines have different rules about whether and how a pet can travel. Depending on the airline, your pet may be able to travel on your flight either in the cabin or in the cargo hold. Confirm this ahead of time with your airline.

On airlines that allow pets to travel, only small dogs and cats that can fit in special carriers under the seat are allowed in the cabin. Their owners must care for them during any layovers. Some airlines may not allow them in the cabin and will transport them as cargo in a heated and ventilated hold. Cats and dogs may travel and rest better this way, since it is quieter and darker, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Another way for your pet to travel is on a separate flight as an air cargo shipment. If this is your preference, or a requirement based on your dog’s size or the destination country’s rules, then get your pet used to the shipping kennel ahead of time. Make sure the door latches securely to avoid any mishaps in transit. Ask your veterinarian for advice about when to give food and water. If a pet is traveling as an air cargo shipment, you must make arrangements for pickup at the final destination.

Some US carriers don’t allow pets to be shipped between May and September, the hottest months for animals to travel in the Northern Hemisphere. No matter what time of year, safety is always a concern when pets travel by airplane. If absolutely necessary for a dog or cat to travel in cargo, it must be in a sturdy container with enough room to stand and sit, to turn around normally while standing, and to lie down in a natural position. For more information, visit the US Department of Agriculture pet travel website.

When waiting for a connecting flight, you may have to care for a pet traveling with you in the cabin, while the airline staff or ground handlers care for a pet traveling in cargo. Check with your airline(s) beforehand to see what is required.

Consider Your Pet’s Comfort

Loading and unloading can be the most stressful part of travel for animals. Consider these tips:

• Get your pet used to its carrier before the flight.
• Purchase flights with fewer connections or layovers.
• Pick departure and arrival times to avoid extreme heat or cold. For example, planning a nighttime arrival to a hot destination may be better for your pet.
• Consult with your veterinarian. The International Air Transport Association discourages the use of sedatives or tranquilizers because they could harm animals while in flight.
• Walk your pet before leaving home and again before checking in.
• If your pet is allowed in the cabin, check in as late as possible to reduce stress.
• If your pet will be transported as cargo, check in early so it can go to the quiet and dimly lit hold of the plane.

Cruise Ships and Travel by Sea

Different cruise ships have different rules about whether a pet or service animal can travel with you and what documents they require. Confirm this ahead of time with your cruise ship. If you travel with your pets internationally on a cruise ship or other maritime vessel, you will be required to meet federal entry requirements to enter or re-enter the United States with your pets. Note that CDC has temporarily suspended the importation of dogs arriving from countries that CDC considers high risk for dog rabies, including dogs that have visited a high-risk country in the past 6 months.

Requirements for Dogs Leaving the United States

CDC does not have requirements for dogs leaving the United States. However, if you plan to return to the United States with your dog, the dog will be required to meet the same entry requirements as dogs arriving from foreign countries (see below). If you plan to take your dog to a country at high risk for dog rabies, be sure to review the importation requirements before leaving the United States, because your dog may not be allowed to return to the United States due to the current temporary suspension, which applies to dogs that live in the United States and have traveled to high-risk countries, even if only for a short visit.

Visit the US Department of Agriculture website for pet entry requirements in foreign countries.

Requirements for Dogs Arriving in the United States

Whether returning or coming to the United States, all dogs must appear healthy. There is a temporary suspension for dogs imported from countries that CDC considers high risk for dog rabies.

Some states may require vaccinations and health certificates. Check with your destination state’s health department before you leave on your trip.

Some airlines, cities, or states restrict certain breeds, so be sure to check before you travel.

The US Department of Agriculture has additional restrictions for some dogs arriving in the United States, such as working dogs and dogs intended for resale or adoption.

Requirements for Cats Arriving in the United States

Cats aren’t required by CDC to have a rabies vaccination certificate to enter the United States. However, most states and many other countries require them for cats, and CDC recommends that all cats be vaccinated against rabies. Be sure to check your destination’s requirements and ask your veterinarian before traveling.

Other kinds of pets

If your pet is not a cat or dog, there may be different requirements. Some animals, such as primates (monkeys and apes) or African rodents, won’t be allowed back into the United States. Even if they originally came from the United States, they can’t be brought back here as pets.

Illness or Death of a Pet During Travel

Despite all precautions, pets sometimes get sick or even die on an airplane. Public health officials are required to make sure an animal didn’t die of a disease that can spread to people. They may have to do an animal autopsy or conduct other tests, at your cost, to figure out the cause of death. The animal’s remains often cannot be returned to you after this testing.

Think of Different Options

Make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel by air. If you have any doubts, consider leaving your pet with a trusted friend, family member, or boarding kennel during your trip, or taking another mode of transportation.

With careful planning, your pet will arrive both at its destination and return home healthy and safe.

We all need vacations to get away from the monotony of our everyday routine. If you choose to bring your four-legged friends with you on your retreat, it’s important to know how to care for them while you're traveling. Most of us travel by car or plane, but either option brings certain drawbacks for our pets.

When traveling with your pets, there may be animal health requirements specific to your destination, either international or domestic. As soon as you know your travel plans, contact your veterinarian to help you with the pet travel process. This process may include:

• Getting a health certificate, also called a certificate of veterinary inspection;
• Updating vaccines;
• Having blood tests done;
• Getting a microchip implanted for identification; and
• Having paperwork reviewed and endorsed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS).

It’s your responsibility to work with your veterinarian well in advance of your travel to find out what tests, vaccines, paperwork, or other inspections are required by your destination country (or state) AND when they must be completed.

Car Travel

Car travel is usually less stressful on pets because it allows Freckles and Champ to be close to you, so you can monitor their well-being and come to their aid if needed. If you choose to drive to your destination, here are a few helpful hints to make the trip more enjoyable for you and your pets.

Heat: Never leave Freckles and Champ unattended in a car even if it’s just for a few minutes. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), hundreds of pets die every year from heat exhaustion after being left in parked vehicles. AVMA estimates that on an 80°F day, the temperature inside a car can rise to 114°F in 30 minutes. Make sure the only hot dog you have during your vacation is between a bun smothered with ketchup, mustard, and relish.

Securing your pets: According to AAA, unrestrained dogs cause distractions for drivers and potentially tens of thousands of car accidents per year. Some states even have laws prohibiting driving with an unrestrained dog in your vehicle, including in the bed of a pick-up truck. Even if your state doesn’t have such a law, it’s always a good idea to restrain Freckles and Champ in a crate, carrier, or harness.

Motion sickness: It’s common for pets to experience motion sickness while traveling in a car. To help avoid an upset stomach, don’t feed Freckles and Champ a large meal before travel. Cracking a window to allow fresh air to circulate through your vehicle also helps.

Bathroom breaks: While Champ may snooze for the majority of the trip, it’s still important to give him frequent bathroom breaks. Traffic is unpredictable, so if it has been more than a couple of hours, stop and give your dog a chance to relieve himself and stretch his legs. But don’t let Freckles out of her carrier when you stop for a break. It’s safest to keep cats in their carriers to prevent the risk of them escaping.

Air Travel

For people, flying is often quicker and easier than driving, but flying can be a more stressful experience for your pets and more complicated for you. The first thing you want to do is check with your veterinarian to make sure Freckles and Champ are fit to fly. Next, you’ll need to research your options when it comes to which airline to use. All airlines must follow the Animal Welfare Act, which is enforced by USDA/APHIS. This law established certain requirements for transporting animals by plane. Airlines can also impose their own separate and additional requirements.

Once you choose your airline, you’ll want to learn about its policies and requirements for pets traveling in cargo or in the cabin, including how to prepare Freckles and Champ and their crate or carrier for the plane ride and how the airline handles pets from departure to destination.

Traveling to Hawaii and Abroad

Traveling outside the continental United States with Freckles and Champ requires advanced planning. For international travel, contact the appropriate country’s embassy or consulate well in advance of your trip. Different countries may require different documentation for your pets' entry.

USDA/APHIS regulates the movement of pets into and out of the United States. The APHIS Pet Travel webpage has information about taking your pet from the United States to a foreign country (export) and bringing your pet into the United States from a foreign country (import).

The state of Hawaii also has strict entry requirements for arriving pets to prevent rabies from entering the state. Hawaii is the only state that is rabies-free.

General Tips

Sedatives: While sedatives may make your pets seem less stressed while traveling, these medications can dull the senses and lessen their ability to react to the environment, which can be dangerous in an emergency. When traveling by car or plane, avoid giving your pets any type of sedative. If you think Freckles or Champ really needs a sedative to travel, talk to your veterinarian before your trip.

Be prepared: It’s a good idea to get your pets used to their crate, carrier, or harness before your trip. If Freckles and Champ are already familiar with what they’ll be secured in, you may have less trouble getting them into it and they may have less anxiety during travel.

If you plan to stay in a hotel while traveling, contact the hotel ahead of time to make sure it is pet friendly.

Before your trip, research veterinary hospitals in the city or town of your destination in case of a pet emergency during your vacation.

Before traveling, properly identify your pet in case you get separated during your trip. Make sure your pet is microchipped for identification and keep your contact and pet information updated.

Having a smooth and safe road trip with your pet requires preparation and planning, especially if driving long distances. Here are a few car travel tips to help prepare for a safe trip for you and your pet.

• To prepare your pet, take them on a series of short drives and gradually increase the amount of time spent in the car.
• Before traveling across state lines, be sure to check the requirements for bringing pets along. If your pet is riding on the seat, keeping them in the back seat in a harness attached to the seat buckle will help to prevent injury. Allowing pets to roam around the car or ride with their head outside the window can be dangerous.
• If your pet is kept in their crate, check that your pet can stand, sit, lie down, and turn around while inside the crate. Also, make sure the crate is well ventilated. Secure the crate, so it won’t slide or shift when the car stops.
• Bring plenty of water, food, a bowl, leash, waste bags, grooming supplies, medication and first-aid, and any travel documents including proof of rabies vaccination. Feed your pet three to four hours before leaving on your trip to prevent car sickness or vomiting.
• Make frequent stops to allow dogs to go to the bathroom and stretch their legs.
• Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. On hot days, temperatures can rise quickly within minutes and can cause death. In cold weather, animals left in cars can freeze to death.

Traveling with pets by plane takes careful preparation and planning and could also be costly. If you must bring your pet on a flight, here are a few suggestions to keep your pet safe:

Weeks before your trip

• Book a direct flight when possible to decrease the chances of your pet being separated from you during extreme weather or layovers.
• Check your pet’s vaccinations to make sure they are up to date. Get a health certificate from your veterinarian dated within 10 days of your departure. For international travel, additional planning and health care requirements may be needed. Research the requirements for pets for your destination country as well as for the United States. When returning to the United States from abroad, your dog must meet all US entry requirements upon return.
• For animals stowed in the plane’s cargo area, purchase a US Department of Agriculture-approved shipping crate. The crate must be large enough for your pet to stand, sit, and turn around in comfortably.

Before heading to the airport

• Line the cargo crate with some type of bedding—shredded paper or towels—to absorb potential accidents. Place a small dish of water in the crate. Check the crate door is securely closed but not locked, so airline staff can open it in case of an emergency.
• Your pet’s crate should have proper identification if shipped as cargo. Mark “live animal” on the crate, and include your name, cell phone, and destination phone number.

At the airport

• Before departure or after arrival, give your dog a potty break before securing him in the crate for travel.

On the plane

• If hand-carried, never place your pet in an overhead bin. Pets must be secured in their crates below the seat in front of you in accordance with airline policies.

Federal and state governments impose restrictions on transporting live animals. In addition, each airline establishes its own company policy for the proper handling of the animals they transport. As a shipper or owner you also have a responsibility to take the necessary precautions to ensure the well being of the animal you ship.

Animal Welfare Act

The federal Animal Welfare Act is enforced by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Here are several of the more important requirements.

• Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and must have been weaned for at least five days. Cages and other shipping containers must meet the minimum standard for size, ventilation, strength, sanitation and design for safe handling. (Sky kennels furnished by the airlines meet these requirements.)
• Dogs and cats must not be brought to the airline for shipping more than four hours before departure. (Six hours is permitted if shipping arrangements are made in advance.)
• If puppies or kittens less than 16 weeks of age are in transit more than 12 hours, food and water must be provided.
• Older animals must have food at least every 24 hours and water at least every 12 hours. Written instructions for food and water must accompany all animals shipped regardless of the scheduled time in transit.
• Animals may not be exposed to temperatures less than 45*F unless they are accompanied by a certificate signed by a veterinarian stating that they are acclimated to lower temperatures.
• Animals cannot be shipped COD unless the shipper guarantees the return freight should the animals be refused at destination.

Airline Policies

In addition to the USDA rules, each airline establishes its own policies. Consequently, it is important to check with the air carrier you intend to use. However, the following are some provisions you will likely encounter at most airlines:

• Airlines generally require health certificates from all shippers. So it’s a good idea to have a licensed veterinarian examine animals within ten days prior to shipment and issue a certificate stating that the animal is in good health. Airlines may not require health certificates for service animals used by passengers with disabilities.
• A pet may be transported as baggage if accompanied on the same flight to the same destination. Some air carriers may impose a special fee or “excess baggage” charge for this service.
• Pets may be shipped as cargo if unaccompanied, and many airline cargo departments employ specialists in the movement of animals. Animals must always be shipped in pressurized holds. Some airlines allow the kennel to be carried in the passenger cabin as carry-on luggage if it fits under the seat.

Tips for Pet Owners

In addition to compliance with federal regulations and airline company policy, there are a number of precautions the owner/shipper can take to ensure the welfare of a shipped pet.

• Before traveling, accustom your pet to the kennel in which it will be shipped. Make sure that the door latches securely.
• Do not give your pet solid food in the six hours prior to the flight, although a moderate amount of water and a walk before and after the flight are advised.
• Do not administer sedation to your pet without the approval of a veterinarian, and provide a test dose before the trip to gauge how the pet will react.
• Be sure to reserve a space for your pet in advance, and inquire about time and location for drop-off and pick-up.
• Try to schedule a non-stop flight; avoid connections and the heavy traffic of a holiday or weekend flight.
• When you board, try to tell a pilot and a flight attendant that there is a pet in the cargo hold. The airlines have a system for providing such notification, but it doesn’t hurt to mention it yourself.
• For overseas travel (including Hawaii), inquire about any special health requirements such as quarantine.
• Write your name, address and phone number on the kennel, and make sure your pet is wearing a tag with the same information. Consider purchasing a temporary tag showing your destination address and phone number. Bring a photo of your pet, in case it is lost.
• With careful planning, your pet will arrive safely at its destination.

Are there any airlines that do not allow pets to travel in the passenger cabin?

Some airlines do not allow any pets to travel in the cabin. You can call the airline you are traveling on to find out if they allow pets in the passenger cabin.

Can I be sure that there will be no animals on my flight if an airline does not allow pets in the cabin?

No, you can't be sure. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has rules (14 CFR part 382) that require airlines to allow passengers to fly with their service animals in the cabin on all U.S. airlines. Service animals are not pets. They are working animals that assist persons with disabilities. There is no limit to the number of service animals that can be on any flight. Service animals do not need any health certificates to travel and they do not need to be confined in a container or cage.

How do I find out if an airline allows pets to travel in the passenger cabin and what their policies and procedures are?

You can find out what the specific policies and procedures are for each airline in several ways. You can call the airline's reservations line and get information from the agent who takes your call. You can also look at an airline's website to get information about their policies for traveling with pets.

I have severe allergies to pet dander. How can I be sure that there is no pet dander on my flight?

You will still be exposed to pet dander on every flight, even without any pets in the passenger cabin. This is because most allergens are carried into the cabin on the clothes of other passengers.

Then what should I do if I am allergic to pet dander, but I need to fly?

First, you can reduce the chance that there will be an animal in the cabin on your flight. You can fly on an airline that does not allow pets in the cabin. You can also ask the reservations agent for your airline if another passenger on the same flight has made reservations to travel with a pet. You should also check with your allergist or doctor before your trip to discuss travel related risks and ask if you should carry medications with you. If a reaction should occur during the flight, follow your doctor's treatment instructions and ask a flight attendant for assistance.

What are the FAA rules regarding traveling with pets in the passenger cabin?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows each airline to decide if they will allow you to travel with your pet in the passenger cabin. If an airline does allow you to bring your pet into the cabin, we consider your pet container to be carry-on baggage and you must follow all carry on baggage rules (14 CFR part 121, section 121.589):

• Your pet container must be small enough to fit underneath the seat without blocking any person's path to the main aisle of the airplane.
• Your pet container must be stowed properly before the last passenger entry door to the airplane is closed in order for the airplane to leave the gate.
• Your pet container must remain properly stowed the entire time the airplane is moving on the airport surface, and for take off and landing.
• You must follow flight attendant instructions regarding the proper stowage of your pet container.

What kind of general procedures do most airlines have in place?

If an airline allows you to travel with your pet in the cabin, you must follow all FAA regulations. Usually, most airlines have additional policies and procedures for you to follow to make sure that the flight is comfortable for all passengers on the airplane. These additional procedures may include

• A limited list of the types of pets that you can bring into the cabin
• A limit on the number of pets in the cabin
• A limit on the number of pets that may accompany you on the airplane
• A requirement that your pet be harmless, inoffensive and odorless
• A requirement that your pet remain in the container for the entire flight
• A requirement that you be able to produce a recently issued health certificate for your pet

Whether you’re taking a hiking trip, sightseeing in a city, or going to the beach or a lake, pets can get sick or injured while traveling. Practice safe and healthy habits to prevent your pet from getting sick or hurt on trips. Some diseases pets may be at risk for while traveling include rabies, leptospirosis, campylobacteriosis, and diseases spread by mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks like Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Some of these diseases can spread between people and animals. These tips can help you protect pets from getting sick or injured while traveling:

• Always supervise pets while traveling and on adventures.
• Keep your pet in a carrier or on a leash.
• Don’t allow pets to interact with other animals, especially street dogs, stray animals or wild animals.
• Don’t let pets swim in, play in, or drink stagnant water or water that looks discolored, smells bad, has foam, scum, algal mats, or paint-like streaks on the surface, or has dead fish or other animals washed up on its shore or beach. Some bodies of water contain harmful algal blooms that can make people and pets sick.
• Check pets for ticks after outdoor outings and talk to your veterinarian about use of a regular preventive treatment for fleas, ticks, and parasites.

First aid when traveling

Besides keeping a first-aid kit for your pet at home, also keep basic first-aid supplies for your pet in your car. You can use a travel-sized first-aid kit for your pet on flights. Here are some handy first-aid tips for traveling with your pet:

• Keep the phone numbers of your veterinarian, the National Animal Poison Control Center of the ASPCA (1-888-426-4435), and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital in the area where you will be visiting, easily accessible.
• Perform a daily health check on your pet when away from home to assess their physical and behavioral changes. If you have concerns about your pet, contact your veterinarian or a local veterinarian.
• Always remember: follow up any first aid administered to your pet with immediate veterinary care. First-aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet’s life until veterinary treatment is available.