Things to consider when traveling with pets internationally.

Human Beings have been oriented towards taming animals for a long time. Pets are considered to be an ornament by many, while many feel that they are the best companion, one could have. When I search the internet cloud for the relevant statistical information in this regard, I come across approximate figures like, 80 million people own pets in the world, and 27% of the world’s population travel with pets. However, if we consider United States specifically, we find that 63 percent of all U.S. households own a pet which equates to more than 69 million households. Out of these 69 million people, we may assume that 90%-95% of them carry their pets while traveling. 

How about a trip with your pet?? Not at all a bad idea, but you must get acquainted with the rules which have been mentioned in this regard. If you are traveling internationally, then having a pet passport is mandatory. Most countries, including the European Union countries now have a veterinary health certificate that is specific to their country, if its not there then you should use International Health Certificate USDA-APHIS 7001 form. It is officially known as "United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals." This form is available from your veterinarian. The International Health Certificate should be issued by your veterinarian as close to the date of travel as possible, but not more than 21 days before travel. Some countries require that the certificate should be translated to their language. The countries of the world are divided into three categories that relate to pets:- rabies free countries, third countries(low incidence of rabies), and countries with high incidence of rabies. Before you travel, it’s important that you know the classification of your country and also of the country which you will be visiting. Now let us focus on the mode of transport. If you are planning to board a flight, then you must know that there are few Airline Pet Policies which varies from airline to airline and you must know them before you take off with your small little companion.

 

Traveling with Your Pet abroad: 

 

 

 

Now a question may arise, How to clear Airport security with a pet? You will need to present the animal to the Security Officers at the checkpoint. You may walk your animal through the metal detector with you. If this is not possible, your animal will have to undergo a secondary screening, including a visual and physical inspection by the Security Officers. Your animal will NEVER be placed through an X-ray machine. Now let’s see what are the rules in carrying pet’s in-cabin or as cargo. Generally, the airlines will allow one pet per person and a maximum of two pets per cabin. The container for pet must fit under the seat in front of you and must have a waterproof bottom. If you are traveling with your pet in the cabin, you will need an airline compliant pet carrier. Those airlines which are flying larger aircraft accept live animals as cargo and have made special provision for their handling. To certify that your pet is physically able to travel in cargo, you have to purchase an acclimation certificate.

Pets have been man’s best friend since the early days of evolution. A survey showed that nearly one-third (28 percent) of those who travel with pets indicate they would rather travel with their pet than with their significant other.