Do pets need passports too? For many people, their pets are their family, and families travel together! Traveling with pets can be a great experience, but you’ll want to make sure you have all the proper required documentation. Each country has certain requirements and restrictions, so know before you go!

Pet Passports

While there isn’t a universal ‘pet passport’, there are certain things you should have when traveling with your pet. Service animals like guide dogs are not considered ‘pets’ so often times they are accommodated under different (and easier!) guidelines. So for the rest of traveling pets, you will need to check with The US Department of State. They have compiled a list of foreign embassies and consulates. Many countries have strict health, quarantine, agriculture, wildlife, and customs requirements and prohibitions.

 

The Pet Travel Scheme

If you’d like to avoid having your pet undergo quarantine, there is a program in place called The Pet Travel Scheme (“PETS”). “PETS” provides a simple and fast travel system between member countries. These same requirements are also necessary if you are moving from the mainland USA to Hawaii. In order to qualify for “PETS”, you will need these 7 items:

1. Microchip: In order to prove your pet’s identity each pet will need to have a microchip which complies with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785. *The microchip implantation MUST BE DONE BEFORE the rabies vaccination.

2. Rabies Vaccination & Certificate: All pets must prove that they have received a rabies vaccination. This certificate must state the microchip number, the date of inoculation and the validity of the particular vaccination that the pet obtained.

3. Rabies Titer / FAVN-OIE Tests:  FAVN or Fluorescent Antibody Viral Neutralization (FAVN) Blood Test ensures that the rabies vaccinations have provided adequate rabies antibody levels and will need to be approved by an approved Government Facility prior to export (i.e. the USDA). This step takes at least 6 months from the date that the bloodwork is completed.

4. Letter From Your Vet: A typed letter on Company Letterhead is required. The letter must state the date the microchip was implanted along with the microchip number and the Pets information such as name, breed, sex & age.

5. EU Vet Health Certificate (Form EC#: 998): The EU Vet Health Certificate is the required standard Health Certificate that must be filled out by your accredited Veterinarian. This certificate is only valid for 4 months after filled out by your Veterinarian. Try not to get this issued too early.

6. USDA Endorsement: The documents gathered in steps 1-5 are to be sent to your local USDA in order to receive their special stamp of approval.

  • Microchip Implantation Record

  • Rabies Certificate

  • Rabies Titer Test Results

  • Vet Letter

  • EU Vet Health Certificate

7. Final Step: Within 24-48 hours prior to departure you will need to go back to your Veterinarian in order for them to issue both an International Health Certificate and proof that Tick/Tapeworm Treatments they have administered.