Pet Travel: Step-by-Step Guide to Travel Internationally With A Pet

Planning an international trip with your pet involves much more than booking a plane ticket and packing a bag. Each country has its own set of rules, and every airline enforces specific pet policies that you must follow closely. Whether you're going on vacation or moving internationally, traveling internationally with a pet can be smooth with the right preparation.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of flying internationally with your furry friend, including obtaining necessary documents like a health certificate, selecting a pet carrier, understanding airline and pet import rules, and preparing for the day of travel. 

Step 1: Research the Destination Country's Requirements

Each destination country sets its own requirements for pets entering its borders. These may include specific vaccination records, blood titer tests, or a mandatory quarantine.

What You Need to Know:

• Many countries require a valid rabies vaccination
• Some may demand an international health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian
• Pet import laws may include microchipping, parasite treatments, or an import permit
• Countries have strict requirements about the timely manner in which vaccines or documents must be completed

Visit the official government page for your destination country and consult the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website for up-to-date pet travel requirements.

Step 2: Talk to Your Vet and Get Ya Health Certificate

You’ll need to talk to your vet—specifically a USDA-accredited veterinarian—to prepare the documents required for international travel.

Health Requirements and Vaccinations:

• Get your pet’s health certificate from a veterinarian within a specific time frame—usually within 10 days of travel
• Ensure your pet has a current rabies vaccination
• Some destinations require pets to take a blood titer test for rabies or other diseases
• Your vet may suggest additional vaccination based on travel region (e.g., leptospirosis, bordetella)

After your appointment, the USDA must endorse the international health certificate. Depending on the country, you may submit it via mail or digitally through the USDA VEHCS system.

Step 3: Microchip and Identification

A microchip is considered a permanent form of identification and is required by many countries for pet import.

Microchipping Tips:

• The microchip should be ISO-compliant (ISO 11784/11785)
• It must be implanted before the rabies vaccination
• Always register and update your contact details
• Bring documentation showing microchip placement and scan date

This step ensures that your pet can be identified if separated and is also a legal requirement for internationally with your pet.

Step 4: Contact the Airline You Will Be Flying

Not all airlines allow pets, and pet travel regulations vary significantly by carrier. You need to confirm the airline you will be flying allows pets in the cabin, cargo, or travel in the cargo hold.

Questions to Ask the Airline:

• Do you allow small pets in the cabin?
• What size travel carrier is permitted under the seat in front of me?
• What are the pet shipping fees?
• What are the rules for pets in cargo?
• Are there designated pet relief areas at airports or during layovers?

Many airlines require advance reservations for traveling pets and have limits on the number of pets allowed per flight.

Step 5: Choose a Travel Carrier That Meets Airline and IATA Standards

Your pet carrier must be safe, secure, and comfortable. If your pet is traveling in-cabin, the travel carrier must stay in their carrier under the seat in front of you.

Choosing the Right Pet Carrier:

• For cabin travel: soft-sided carriers that fit under airline seats
• For cargo hold: hard-sided, IATA-approved kennels
• Ensure enough space for your pet to turn around and lie down
• Proper ventilation and leak-proof lining are essential
• Label the crate with your contact info and pet’s travel documents

Refer to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for guidelines on live pet transport and travel carrier dimensions.

Step 6: Prepare for Travel Day

Travel day can be stressful for both you and your furry friend, so it’s vital to plan everything in advance.

Travel Day Checklist:

• Feed your pet at least four hours before departure
• Pack a leash, collapsible water bowl, and your pet’s health certificate
• Arrive early to check in and go through security
• Visit designated pet relief areas before boarding
• Keep calm—your pet will mirror your emotions
• For layovers, ask airport staff for help finding pet-friendly spaces

Pro Tip: Freeze a small bowl of water so it melts slowly and provides hydration during cargo travel.

Step 7: Plan for Layovers and Connecting Flights

If you're flying internationally with a layover, be sure to understand how long the layover is and what pet-friendly services are available at the connecting airport.

What to Know About Layovers:

• Longer layovers (over 2 hours) may allow time for pet relief areas
• Not all airports allow pets out of their carriers—check policies in advance
• If your pet is traveling in the cargo hold, ensure the airline handles transfers safely
• For extended layovers, look into pet-friendly airport lounges or pet hotels (where available)

Tip: Some countries consider your layover an official entry—this may trigger additional pet import rules even if it’s not your final destination country.

Step 8: Customs and Pet Import on Arrival

Once you land, your international pet travel journey isn’t over yet. You'll need to clear customs and meet your destination country’s specific pet import procedures.

What to Expect Upon Arrival:

• Present your international health certificate and vaccination documents
• Some countries will scan your pet’s microchip
• Officials may review your pet’s health history
• Be prepared for a brief inspection by veterinary authorities
• In rare cases, many countries require a quarantine—know this in advance of travel

Always carry hard copies of your pet’s health certificate, rabies vaccination, and USDA endorsement documents, even if you submitted them digitally.

Step 9: Know the Rules for Returning Home

Traveling back to the U.S. or your home country also involves planning. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and USDA have their own requirements for pets reentering the country.

Key Considerations:

• U.S.-bound pets must have a current rabies vaccination from a recognized country
• Dogs arriving from high-risk rabies countries may need a CDC import permit
• If your international move is permanent, you may also need updated ID tags and U.S. vet records

Check the CDC and USDA websites for up-to-date guidance before traveling internationally with a pet back home.

Extra Tips for Flying Internationally With Your Pet

Now that we’ve walked through the official process, here are some final tips to ensure your pet’s travel is as smooth and safe as possible:

General Travel Tips:

• Book direct flights when possible
• Avoid flying during extreme temperatures—pets in cargo can be at risk
• Travel can be stressful—practice crate training weeks before departure
• Pack a pet travel bag with food, toys, medication, and extra supplies
• Use calming sprays or anxiety-reducing jackets (ask your veterinarian)
• Always double-check your airline’s most current pet policies

Items to Pack for Travel Day:

• Extra copies of your pet’s health certificate
• Contact info for a veterinarian at your destination country
• Zip-lock bag with a few days’ worth of food
• Favorite pet toys or blanket for comfort
• Cleaning supplies for any accidents
• Labels in the local language for customs, if traveling to non-English countries

Pet Passports and Long-Term International Travel

A pet passport isn't always required, but it can make international travel easier—especially in the European Union. A pet passport is an official document that includes your pet’s vaccination record, microchip info, and health history.

Pet Passport Benefits:

• Accepted across the EU and in some additional countries
• Reduces repetitive document processing for frequent flyers
• Maintains consistency in health certificate and vaccination tracking
• Helps simplify travel between pet-friendly countries

Not all countries issue pet passports, so check if your destination country recognizes or provides them.

Traveling With Different Types of Pets

While this guide primarily focuses on dogs and cats, pet travel includes other small animals like rabbits, birds, and reptiles. Airlines and import laws often have different requirements for non-traditional pets.

Non-Dog/Cat Travel Tips:

• Small pets may still travel in the cabin on select airlines
• Birds often require special import/export permits
• Reptiles must travel in temperature-controlled cargo hold sections
• Some exotic species are banned in specific countries—check first

Always verify if your pet is allowed in the destination country, and if airline staff are trained to handle them safely.

Final Thoughts: How to Travel Internationally With a Pet Safely

It can be overwhelming to travel with your pet, but it becomes manageable when broken down into steps. From researching the destination country to talking to your veterinarian, booking the right airline, and securing an appropriate pet carrier, each part of the process contributes to a safer, smoother experience.

By starting early, staying organized, and preparing in a timely manner, you’ll be able to travel internationally with your pet confidently—whether you're on vacation, visiting family, or moving internationally.

Quick Bullet Points: Step-by-Step Guide to Pet Travel

• Research your destination country’s pet import laws
• Schedule an appointment with a USDA-accredited veterinarian
• Secure a valid health certificate and rabies vaccination
• Implant and register an ISO-compliant microchip
• Confirm airline pet policies for cabin or cargo hold travel
• Choose an IATA-approved pet carrier with enough space for your pet
• Prepare food, documents, and supplies for travel day
• Check requirements for any layover countries
• Keep calm and arrive early at the airport
• Clear customs with all documents in hand
• Know return travel rules for your home country