Does Rover Need a Passport? A Guide to International Travel with Pets Gabby Teaman April 6, 2025 Air Travel, Travel Tips Planning an international trip and thinking of bringing your furry best friend along for the adventure? Whether you’re picturing your pup frolicking on a beach in Spain or your cat cozying up in a quaint Parisian apartment, traveling abroad with pets can be an unforgettable experience — but it requires careful preparation. Unlike packing an extra leash or favorite toy, pet travel involves detailed documentation, veterinary certifications, and country-specific entry requirements. You may even find yourself wondering, “Does my pet need a passport?” The answer: kind of! While “pet passport” means different things depending on where you’re traveling from and to, there’s no question that your pet will need a stack of paperwork to cross international borders without a hitch. From up-to-date rabies vaccinations to USDA-endorsed health certificates, the process can be as complex as applying for your own visa — sometimes more! This guide walks you through every step of securing the right documentation, meeting vet requirements, and understanding international pet travel rules. That way, both you and your four-legged companion can embark on your journey with peace of mind — and paws ready for adventure. Know the Destination’s Entry Requirements Before you book a flight or choose a carrier, take time to research the pet import rules of your destination country. Entry requirements vary widely and can affect everything from the vaccinations your pet needs to whether a quarantine period will be enforced upon arrival. Most countries require a recent rabies vaccination, proof of microchipping, and a veterinary health certificate issued by an authorized vet. However, the specifics can differ: some countries may also require additional vaccines, parasite treatments (such as for tapeworms or ticks), or blood tests like rabies titer checks. Age restrictions are common, too – many places won’t permit pets under 12 or 16 weeks of age to enter. It’s also important to check whether your pet’s species or breed faces restrictions. Some countries list certain dog breeds as banned or require prior approval for exotic animals, reptiles, or birds. Begin your research well in advance – ideally several months before your departure date – by consulting official government websites or tools like the USDA APHIS Pet Travel database. If your journey includes layovers in other countries, verify their transit policies to avoid unexpected issues mid-trip. Understanding the rules from day one will help ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your pet. Head to the Vet Once you’ve reviewed your destination’s import requirements, the next step is to make an appointment with a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Not all vets are authorized to issue international health documents, so it’s essential to confirm their certification early in the process. During this visit, your pet will undergo a full physical exam to ensure they’re healthy enough for international travel. If needed, your vet will administer or update necessary vaccinations — the rabies vaccine is almost always required, and in most cases, pets must be microchipped before the vaccine is considered valid. Some countries also require proof of microchip implantation prior to any vaccinations, so be sure to confirm the correct order of requirements. Depending on the country, your vet may also need to administer parasite treatments, including for ticks or tapeworms, within a specific time window before departure (often between 24 and 120 hours prior to arrival). If a rabies titer test is required, you’ll need to build in additional time — this step may take several weeks and must be completed by an approved laboratory. Starting the veterinary process early — ideally two to six months before your departure — gives you plenty of time to meet all requirements without rushing or risking delays. Gather the Required Travel Documents International travel with a pet always requires proper paperwork — and depending on your destination, that paperwork can be quite detailed. While the term “pet passport” is commonly used, what you’ll actually need is a combination of official certificates and records verifying your pet’s health and vaccination status. At a minimum, most countries require the following: Rabies vaccination certificate — This must include the date of vaccination, the vaccine’s expiration date, the manufacturer, and your pet’s microchip number. Health certificate — Also known as a veterinary or sanitary certificate, this confirms that your pet is healthy and free of transmissible diseases. In the United States, this is often APHIS Form 7001 or a country-specific alternative. Proof of microchipping — Many countries require an ISO-compliant microchip implanted prior to the rabies vaccine. The microchip number must be listed on all related veterinary documents. Some destinations may also require: Export or import permits Rabies titer test results (for high-rabies-risk countries) Documentation of parasite treatments (such as for tapeworm or screwworm) Keep in mind that certain documents must be endorsed by a government authority — in the U.S., that’s the USDA. These approvals often have a limited validity period (typically 10 days or fewer), so you’ll need to time your paperwork carefully. Making digital and physical copies of all documentation — and organizing them in a dedicated travel folder — will make check-in and customs much easier. Review Airline Policies Once your pet’s veterinary work and documentation are underway, the next step is to review the policies of your airline or chosen method of transport. Every carrier has its own set of requirements and restrictions, and failing to follow them could result in denied boarding — even if your paperwork is in order. Start by contacting the airline well in advance to ask about: Pet travel options — Will your pet be allowed in the cabin, or must they travel as checked baggage or cargo? Carrier specifications — What size, type, and ventilation standards must your crate or carrier meet? Many airlines require International Air Transport Association (IATA)-compliant kennels for pets traveling in cargo. Weight and breed restrictions — Some carriers do not transport snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds or animals over a certain weight limit. Required documentation — Airlines often require originals or certified copies of vet records, including rabies and health certificates. Booking procedures — There is often a limit on how many pets can be accommodated per flight, so reservations should be made early. Additionally, confirm whether you’ll need to complete any airline-specific forms or pay additional fees. If your itinerary includes a layover or connecting flight, double-check whether additional requirements apply at the transfer airport — or whether pets are allowed in transit at all. Verifying everything ahead of time will help ensure a less stressful experience on travel day — for both you and your pet. Understand Quarantine and Entry Procedures Even if you’ve followed all veterinary and documentation requirements, some countries still enforce a quarantine period for pets upon arrival. These measures are in place to prevent the spread of rabies and other diseases — and they vary widely from one destination to another. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore have some of the strictest animal import policies in the world. Pets may be required to stay in government-approved quarantine facilities for 7 to 30 days — or longer — depending on their origin and vaccination history. In some cases, the quarantine period can be reduced or eliminated if specific testing and documentation requirements are met well in advance. The state of Hawaii also has mandatory quarantine rules for pets arriving from the U.S. mainland. To qualify for the shorter, five-day program — or to bypass quarantine altogether — pet owners must carefully follow a series of pre-arrival steps beginning as much as 6 months before travel. Before you go, research: Whether quarantine is mandatory How long the quarantine period is Where your pet will be housed Whether you can visit or communicate with your pet during the stay What fees or forms may apply Failing to meet even a single step can result in extended quarantine or, in rare cases, denial of entry. Planning ahead — and confirming each requirement directly with official authorities — is key to ensuring your pet’s safe and timely arrival. Just for Doggos While all pets require careful planning for international travel, dogs often face a few additional steps — particularly when entering or returning to the United States. Certain canine-specific health and documentation requirements are designed to prevent the spread of diseases and parasites such as rabies and screwworm. If you’re importing a dog into the U.S., especially from a country classified as high-risk for rabies, you may need to provide: Proof of rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before entry — Dogs must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the vaccine, and they are not eligible to travel until they are at least 16 weeks old. A valid rabies certificate that includes the dog’s microchip information and vaccine details (date, manufacturer, and expiration). A screwworm inspection and treatment performed within five days of travel — Your vet must confirm in writing that your dog has been examined and found free of screwworm infestation, or treated preventively. Some breeds — such as American Staffordshire Terriers, Pit Bulls, and other strong breeds — may be subject to additional restrictions or banned entirely in certain countries. Be sure to check breed-specific regulations for your destination, as well as for any transit countries along your route. These additional safeguards are manageable with early preparation — and they’re essential to ensuring a smooth and safe travel experience for your four-legged companion. You may also enjoy: Here’s How to Travel With Your Pet – Without the Stress! Don’t Forget Re-entry Requirements While it’s easy to focus on getting your pet into another country, it’s just as important to plan for your return. Re-entry requirements — whether you’re returning to the United States or another home country — can vary depending on where you’ve been and how long you’ve been away. If you’re returning to the U.S. with a dog from a country classified as high risk for rabies, you may need: Proof of a current rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before re-entry A valid rabies certificate that includes microchip information A rabies titer test (if the vaccination was not administered in the U.S. or by a licensed U.S. veterinarian) Advance approval or import permit from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Additionally, re-entry may be restricted to specific airports with CDC quarantine stations, particularly if a dog is entering from a high-risk country. Cats are not subject to rabies vaccination requirements for U.S. re-entry, but some airlines or states may impose additional restrictions. Countries within the European Union and others with established pet travel schemes may require a new health certificate, updated microchip verification, or proof that treatments like deworming were repeated before re-entry. Be sure to confirm requirements early — re-entry is not automatic, and missing documents could delay or prevent your return home with your pet. FAQs: Q: Should I sedate my pet for the flight? A: Most veterinarians and airlines strongly discourage sedation during air travel. Sedatives can affect your pet’s ability to regulate body temperature and adjust to changes in pressure. Instead, focus on crate training and calming sprays or pheromones if needed. Q: How far in advance should I book pet travel with the airline? A: Ideally, book as early as possible — at least 2–4 weeks in advance. Airlines limit how many pets can travel in the cabin or cargo per flight, and policies vary by destination and season. Q: Is international pet travel more expensive than domestic travel? A: Yes. Costs can include vet visits, vaccinations, lab tests, certificates, airline fees, government endorsements, and crate requirements. Depending on the destination, total costs may range from $200 to over $1,000. Q: Can emotional support animals travel internationally for free? A: No. Most international airlines no longer recognize emotional support animals as service animals and treat them as regular pets. This means standard pet fees, documentation, and carrier rules apply. Q: What kind of crate or carrier do I need for international travel? A: For cargo travel, most airlines require IATA-compliant hard-sided crates. The crate must allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. In-cabin carriers must fit under the seat in front of you. Q: Can I feed my pet right before the flight? A: It’s best to feed pets 4 to 6 hours before departure to avoid nausea. Water should be available up to boarding time and provided inside the carrier during the flight, especially for cargo travel. Q: Are there pet travel services that help with the process? A: Yes. Pet relocation companies can handle logistics, paperwork, and airline booking for international travel. This option is especially helpful for complex itineraries or moves to countries with strict import rules. Do you know which documents you need to bring if you’re traveling with your pet? Comment below!
