International travel with pets
- Noelle Matthews
- May 10, 2017
- 3 min read
When I moved here in 2015 I did not fly with my dogs. Instead I had the bright idea of joining my dad in his Ford F150 for a 3 day non-stop drive down the Baja. Me, him, and my two dogs in the single-row cab. Sounds fun, right? It actually wasn't too bad. They would whine for a bit following each stop, but I've honestly had far more annoying road-trip partners, haha!
It was cramped for sure– and by day 2 the truck was a mess– full of our valuables to be removed at any
military check-point, a blanket + pillow for me/my dad, snacks, and, of course, the nerds!
Never once did anyone ask me for the health certificates I had gotten for both of them from our vet at $125 a pop. Not at the border and not at any of the 9 or so military check-points we drove through– BUT I am sure if for some reason I didn't have the certificates, they would have asked...and then I would have had to say "Adios perros!". Kidding of course, but I definitely would rather be over prepared than under.
This is the most current information as of May 2017, it is always a good idea to double check the United States Department of Agriculture's website for information on exporting your pet during travel. They are a huge resource– pretty much the only resource I would actually trust. You can click here: Traveling with your pet.
Scroll down to:
And then find your country and click "view requirements". Super easy! You can also scroll down the page a bit further and see the requirements for bringing your pet back into the US from a foreign country.
The requirements are essentially the same as traveling to Mexico (Health Certificate from a Vet). Each state has different requirements and it lists them out as well. I was surprised to see it said CA only required proof of rabies and not a health certificate, but honestly they're cheaper here in Mexico– I would definitely get one and be over prepared because they always looks at them when you come back into the states.
As I mentioned, my health certificates coming into Baja were never looked at or asked for– but apparently, starting this year, not only will officials always ask you to see the health certificate, but certain specifications have changed and they will be strictly enforced.
At right: Cocoa is not pleased with the weighing-in portion of the health certificate.
The need-to-know:
1. The health certificate (HC)– including its corresponding number– must be type-written or done on a word processing program on a computer. Hand written documents will be rejected.
2. The HC must be issued and dated within 10 days of the export date.
3. The HC must be signed by an accredited veterinarian on their letterhead that includes the accreditation number of the signing veterinarian.
4. The HC must contain the following information:
i. animal has been vaccinated against rabies. Date of vaccination and date valid through required.
ii. animal was inspected and found healthy
iii. animal was treated against ectoparasite (fleas) and endoparasite (worms) in a period not longer than 6 months
5. No abbreviations. For example: "January" is acceptable, "Jan" is not. "California" is acceptable, "CA" is not. "Years" "Months" are acceptable, "yrs" "mos" are not.
You can find the HC template which outlines all of the above on the USDA's website, I'll link to it here. It should automatically download. If that doesn't work, feel free to email me and I'll send one over to you
Like I said, officials may not ask you for anything when you travel with your pet, but you definitely don't want to be caught without the proper documentation if they do end up asking!
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