Traveling with a dog or cat: pet travel checklist

As soon as you plan the trip

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Look up the pet entry rules for every country you’ll enter, even in transit.
Rules differ a lot and can change at any time: APHIS tells US travelers to check them every time they travel.
For trips abroad or far from home, start months ahead.
The AVMA says interstate or international travel can need preparations that start six months or more in advance.
Book a vet visit: a health check, vaccines, medications and diseases where you’re going.
Ask about flea, tick and heartworm prevention too.
Check that the microchip works and the registry has your current details.
For the EU, the chip must be read before the rabies shot, or the shot doesn’t count.
Make sure the rabies vaccine is current.
For the EU and the UK, it’s given at 12 weeks or older, and after a first shot you wait at least 21 days to travel.
Traveling with more than 5 pets? Check first.
In the EU and Great Britain, more than 5 no longer counts as pet travel, unless you’re going to a competition, show or sporting event.

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Bringing a dog into the US? Check the CDC’s rules, even if it’s coming home.
Every dog must be at least 6 months old, microchipped and healthy, with a CDC Dog Import Form receipt; more is required after high-risk countries.
Fill out the CDC Dog Import Form before you travel.
It’s free and each dog needs its own. The receipt is valid for 6 months, unless the dog visits a high-risk country.
Bringing a cat? The CDC doesn’t require a rabies certificate, but your destination may.
Moving between US states? Check the destination state’s rules.
APHIS says each state sets its own, such as a health certificate, vaccines, tests or treatments.
Going to Hawaii or Guam? Plan months ahead.
They have their own quarantine rules, even from the mainland. In Hawaii, pets that miss the 5-day-or-less program can be quarantined up to 120 days.

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Leaving the US? Contact a USDA-accredited vet as soon as you decide to travel.
They check the destination’s rules and prepare the health certificate, which the USDA usually has to endorse.
Going to the EU from outside it? Time the EU health certificate carefully.
It must be issued no more than 10 days before you arrive; then it covers up to 6 months of travel in the EU.
Check whether your destination needs a rabies antibody blood test.
The EU does for pets from countries not on its list; the US and the UK are on it. The sample is taken at least 30 days after the shot.
Leaving Great Britain for the EU? Get an animal health certificate for each trip.
It’s valid for 10 days to enter the EU, then for 6 months of travel in the EU and to come back to Great Britain.
Coming to Great Britain? Use an approved route and the right document.
From the EU, an EU pet passport or an animal health certificate. Dogs need tapeworm treatment 1 to 5 days before arrival, except from Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland.
Taking a dog to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland? Book the tapeworm treatment.
A vet gives it between 24 and 120 hours before you arrive and records it on the pet’s document.

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Read your airline’s pet policy before you book.
Carriers, cabin space, breeds, weather limits and fees vary from airline to airline.
Book your pet’s spot when you book your own ticket.
The AVMA suggests nonstop flights, and avoiding layovers and busy holidays.
Short-nosed breed, like a pug or a Persian cat? Ask your vet whether flying is safe.
They’re more at risk of overheating and breathing problems, especially in the air.
Get a carrier your pet can stand, sit, turn around and lie down in, and practice with it.
A familiar toy or blanket inside helps it feel at home.
Confirm that your lodging accepts pets, and ask about size limits, paperwork and fees.
Save the number of a 24-hour emergency vet near where you’ll stay.

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Put vaccine records, health certificates and prescriptions in one folder, with photos on your phone.
Pack all the medications your pet needs, plus a few extra days’ worth.
The AVMA warns not to count on getting refills while you travel.
Put an ID tag with your phone number on the collar.
A travel tag with where you’re staying helps too.
Take a clear, recent photo of your pet.
It helps if you get separated.
Pack its bag: usual food, water, bowls, leash, poop bags, a blanket and a first aid kit.

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Ask your vet whether and when to feed your pet before a flight.
Don’t give tranquilizers or sedatives unless your vet says so.
They can raise the risk of heart and breathing problems, and airlines generally don’t allow them.
In the car, use a secured carrier or a harness, and keep dogs out of the front seat.
Airbags can hurt a dog. The AVMA also advises against letting dogs ride with their head out of the window.
On long drives, stop about every two hours for water, a walk and a potty break.
Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, even in the shade with the windows cracked.
The inside can heat up by about 20°F in 10 minutes.
Put the leash on before you open the car door.

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Check your pet for ticks and fleas, and watch how it’s doing over the next few days.
The CDC advises checking pets for ticks every day after time outdoors.
Been somewhere with diseases you don’t have at home? Ask your vet whether tests are needed.
Put the next rabies booster date on your calendar.