How to Prepare Your Pet for International Travel: Documents, Certificates & Tips

Traveling internationally with your pet can be an exciting adventure—but it also requires careful planning, specific documentation, and a thorough understanding of both local and international animal health regulations. At VetQueens Animal Hospital in Queens, NY, we help pet owners prepare their beloved companions for stress-free, legally compliant travel abroad.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about preparing your pet for international travel, including required documents, USDA health certificates, vaccination requirements, and expert travel tips.

1. Start Planning Early: Why Timing Matters

Each country has its own set of pet import rules and protocols. Some nations may require:

• Special vaccinations
• Blood tests
• Microchipping
• Quarantine periods

Start planning your trip at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if you're traveling to countries like Australia, Japan, or the United Kingdom.

Your first step? Schedule a consultation with a USDA-accredited veterinarian, like our team at VetQueens Animal Hospital, to begin preparing all travel requirements.

2. Obtain a USDA Health Certificate

The USDA Animal Health Certificate, also known as the International Health Certificate (APHIS Form 7001), is mandatory for all pets leaving the United States.

This certificate must confirm:

• The pet’s breed, age, sex, color
• The pet is healthy and fit for travel
• The pet is free from contagious diseases and parasites
• Rabies and core vaccinations are current, including type, manufacturer, and batch number

Important: The certificate must be issued by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by the USDA APHIS office, typically within 10 days of travel (though some countries allow up to 21 days).

3. Ensure Proper Rabies Vaccination and Timing

The rabies vaccine is the most commonly required vaccination for international travel.

Key points to remember:

• Must be administered at least 30 days before entry, but no more than 12 months before travel (depending on the country)
• 3-year rabies vaccines are no longer accepted for international pet travel
• Puppies, kittens, and ferrets must usually be over 12 weeks old before receiving rabies vaccination

Some countries may also require a rabies titer test (RNATT), which must be performed by an approved laboratory.

4. Microchipping: International Identification Requirement

Before receiving any vaccinations for travel, your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip (ISO 11784/11785).

If your pet’s current chip isn’t compatible, you’ll either need to:

• Get a second, compliant chip implanted
• Or travel with your own microchip scanner

Microchipping is essential for identification verification at customs and during any health inspections.

5. Country-Specific Entry Requirements

Some destinations may ask for:

• Parasite treatments (tapeworm, fleas, ticks)
• Additional vaccines (Leptospirosis, Bordetella, etc.)
• Health translations in the official language of the country
• Import permits or other certifications

Always check the USDA Pet Travel Website or consult your airline and the embassy of your destination country to ensure you meet their requirements.

6. Airline-Specific Pet Travel Regulations

Not all airlines have the same pet travel policies. Some important factors to consider:

• Approved pet carriers or crates
• Cabin vs. cargo travel policies
• Seasonal temperature restrictions
• Required documentation at check-in

We recommend calling your airline well in advance to get their full pet travel checklist.

7. Tips for a Smooth Travel Day

Here are some expert travel tips to make the journey less stressful for you and your pet:

• Feed your pet a light meal 4–6 hours before departure
• Make sure your pet gets exercise before heading to the airport
• Bring a spill-proof water bowl, familiar blanket, and a comfort item
• Use calming sprays or supplements if recommended by your vet
• Use an IATA-approved travel crate labeled with your contact details

Don’t forget to pack a travel kit including food, medication, waste bags, vaccination records, and any emergency vet contact numbers.

8. After You Arrive: What to Expect

Some countries may perform on-site inspections at customs. Be ready to present:

• Your endorsed USDA health certificate
• Rabies certificate
• Any additional required documents (permits, bloodwork, etc.)

Also, keep in mind any quarantine laws or arrival time limits depending on your country of entry.

9. How VetQueens Animal Hospital Can Help

At VetQueens Animal Hospital in Queens, NY, we are:

• USDA-accredited veterinarians
• Experienced in issuing international health certificates
• Up to date on country-specific travel regulations
• Ready to offer microchipping, vaccinations, lab testing, and parasite treatments
• Happy to assist with travel consultation for your pet

We ensure all paperwork is accurate, signed, and endorsed properly to avoid any travel delays or denials at customs.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Paperwork Derail Your Trip

International travel with pets is possible, but only with the right planning, certification, and medical preparation. Trust the professionals at VetQueens Animal Hospital to help you every step of the way.

Need to Schedule a Travel Consultation?

Call us at (718) 606-6102
Visit us at VetQueens Animal Hospital, Queens Blvd, NY
Or learn more at vetqueens.com

We’re here to help you and your pet travel safely and happily—no matter the destination.