Pets are like family, so it’s understandable why you might want them by your side as you travel the world. Whether you’re moving to another country permanently, living abroad temporarily, or taking an international vacation, there are strict guidelines you must follow to ensure your pet is granted entry to a foreign country.

What animals are considered pets?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a pet must be a privately owned companion animal, not intended for research or resale. The following animals qualify as pets:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Ferrets
• Rabbits
• Rodents
• Hedgehogs
• Reptiles
• Amphibians
• Some types of birds (no poultry)

Dog breed restrictions may apply depending on your destination country. Breeds that can be considered dangerous or aggressive, such as pit bull terriers, are banned in the UK, Puerto Rico, Russia, and several other countries.

What are the requirements?

Every country has its own set of requirements for pet entry, and it can be complex and time consuming to ensure you meet all the rules required for entry. These rules are not flexible and may change over time, so it’s recommended to check the guidelines each time you travel (even if going to a country you’ve visited previously).

USDA’s APHIS offers a helpful tool where you can search by country to view the most up-to-date requirements:

• Taking a pet from the U.S. to another country
• Bringing a pet from another country to the U.S.

Common requirements for cats and dogs:

• Examination by an accredited veterinarian (USDA accreditation required if departing from the U.S.). Some countries require multiple exams performed by separate veterinarians.
• Microchip. Many countries require your pet to be microchipped as a permanent form of identification. Some countries may require a specific type of microchip, which could be different than the one your pet already has, which means your pet will need an additional microchip.
• Vaccinations are typically required 30 days in advance of travel. Rabies vaccines are required in nearly every country, and additional vaccinations are often needed. In most cases, your pet must have a microchip before a receiving their rabies vaccine. Even if not required by your destination country, it’s recommended your pet is up to date on all vaccines for their protection.
• Blood tests are required in some countries to ensure your pet isn’t carrying any infectious diseases or rabies.
• Parasite treatment and prevention for fleas, ticks, and internal parasites. Some countries require multiple treatments and exams within specific timeframes before your departure.
• International health certificate completed by an accredited veterinarian. Once all the required tests, exams, and procedures have been completed, your veterinarian can complete an international health certificate and any other government paperwork required. This typically needs to be completed within 10 days of your arrival in your destination country.

Keep in mind, when returning home, your pet won’t automatically be allowed re-entry. The process to bring your dog back into your home country, including the U.S., will be very similar to the process when you departed on your trip. You’ll need to do your research and preparation just as you would for any other international destination.

What if I’m passing through multiple countries?

If you’re visiting multiple countries or transitioning through additional countries on the way to your destination, each country will be treated like your final destination. This means you’ll need to ensure you’ve also met that country’s requirements to clear your pet for entry.

If you’re visiting multiple countries in the EU, you can obtain an EU Pet Passport to simplify travel between EU Member States. EU Pet Passports must be issued by an official veterinarian of an EU Member State (i.e., can’t be obtained in the U.S. or UK) and contain the health information for your pet, avoiding the need for additional exams, proof of vaccinations, and blood tests each time you visit a country in the EU.

Should I leave my pet at home instead?

While preparing for international travel with your pet can be overwhelming, it is possible with advanced planning and preparation. Lots of pet parents have gone through this process successfully, and an accredited veterinarian should be familiar with the process and can help answer your questions.

Any kind of travel can be stressful for your pet, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of taking your pet on an international adventure. And if you’ve changed your mind about taking your pet along, you can leave them at home with a trusted caretaker. Should you decide to leave them at home, IMG travel insurance plans have benefits tailored to pet owners in case something unexpected happens and your travel plans change.