Greenbriar Animal Hospital

All pets must have a health certificate for foreign travel. Commonly required 3 to 10 days before leaving the country; health certificates require a physical exam; certain countries require special certificates. Check with the embassy/consulate and print up the specific requirements for entry. Do this at least 6 months ahead of time, and bring the printed copy to your veterinarian so they can help you with a time line!

Major tips for Foreign Travel:

Check carefully for special entry requirements. Some examples include USDA vet must complete exam & health certificate (Pender does this), or Virginia State Vet has to sign off on the certificate (after completion, the health certificate has to go to Richmond for signature), special date restrictions on rabies vaccines even if the pet is current by Virginia standards. Many countries also require a microchip. Some countries require special blood tests, while others require documentation of Frontline application by the veterinarian and/or documentation of specific deworming done by the veterinarian.

How far ahead can you get the health certificate? Most airlines say 10 to 30 days, but many countries want the certificate to be done within 3 to 14 days. Always try to leave some leeway in case your flight is delayed.

Is your pet going in cargo or cabin? Airlines charge extra for pets in-cabin AND in-cargo. In-cabin slots are limited. Some airlines won’t accept pets at all; in-cabin pets must fit, with their carriers, under the seat in front of you (in place of a carry-on).

Pets in cargo cannot fly if the outside temperature is over 80 degrees, so at certain times of the year, you should have alternate arrangements even with an early morning or red-eye flight. Always aim for non-stop flights!

For cargo travel, make sure the carrier is appropriate in size and type, and familiar (don’t get it at the last minute). Put something soft and absorbent in the carrier (shredded paper, bathroom-type carpet, or a heavy quilt/comforter folded in quarters). Write pet’s name, your name, and a contact phone number in BIG letters on the outside of the crate. Don’t put food or water in the crate (add ice cubes in the water bowl at the last minute). Put a soft piece of clothing of yours in the crate, too (worn and not washed, so it has your scent).

Miscellaneous helpful things to know about foreign travel with your pet:

Bring 72 hours worth of food and any daily medications with you in your carry-on luggage in case of major delays. If your pet has one favorite toy, put it in the crate. Soft sided, cloth carriers with mesh on 4 sides and at least one zippered pocket are best for in cabin. Put a copy of your pet’s rabies certificate, health certificate, and contact info in a ziplock bag in the pocket. Have the pet’s name, your name, and contact phone numbers on an easily seen luggage tag on the carrier. Do not feed your pet on the plane. If your pet is on medication, put it in the zippered pocket of the carrier (it needs to be in the original container with the original prescription label).

Does your pet get carsick or upset when in the car or in the carrier? Tranquilizers are not recommended for cargo transport. If your pet is hyper, anxious, or noisy, tranquilizers will be needed for in-cabin travel. Motion sickness medication can be given without causing sedation; talk to your veterinarian as there are several different medications that can help.

Don’t feed your pet for 12 hours before travel. Bring water with you for the first day. Offer your pet water when you reach your destination, but not while en route unless your trip is more than 12 hours. Teach your pet ahead of time to drink out of a bottle or paper cup! For cats, bring a small container of their usual litter along but do not put it in the carrier.