Moving or Traveling with Your Pet
Interstate & international travel
Traveling or moving across state lines or internationally? There could be vaccination, microchip, health certificate or other requirements that are specific to your destination. Many countries require an international health certificate to be issued by a US Department of Agriculture Accredited veterinarian and then endorsed by the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Both Dr. Hardie and Dr. Aubert are USDA Accredited! As soon as you know your travel destination(s) and dates, visit the USDA website and contact us so we can assist you with the pet travel process. |
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Vacationing with Your Pet
At Concord Animal Hospital we want our voyaging patients to travel safely!
Before you go:
Happy trails and tails to you and all of your traveling companions!
Before you go:
- Get to your vet! Make sure your pet has had their annual checkup and is up to date on all vaccines before travel. Book an appointment in advance of travel to make sure your pet is healthy and ready to roll!
- Consider microchipping your pet: some countries and airlines require that visiting pets be microchipped, but even if it isn't required a microchip is a safe and cost-effective way to dramatically increase the chances of recovering your pet if they become lost or stolen.
- Contact hotels, airlines, and the foreign offices of any destination countries you are planning to visit to find out any planning or health requirements in advance. Contact our office as soon as you know you travel plans since many countries have very specific time constraints on needed certificates.
- Look up veterinarians and emergency hospitals at your destination in case of a pet emergency. Bring your own vet's contact information so they can fax or email medical records to your vet-away-from-home.
- Plenty of your pet's food for the journey and dishes & bottles to dispense water. To avoid air and car sickness while flying or driving, limit your pet's food but keep the water flowing.
- A collar and ID tag with your contact information, such as your cell phone. Even if your pet has a microchip, lost pets are typically found within a few hours by a good Samaritan or local dog officer and an ID tag is a quick and easy way for someone to coordinate the return of your little wanderer.
- Current copies of your pet's medical records and proof of vaccinations like rabies. If your airline or destination country requires them, also bring a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and an acclimation certificate.
- A collar, leash or harness, bedding & blankets, toys and any medications needed.
- Particularly for flying, the ASPCA recommends buying a USDA-approved shipping crate with enough room for your pet to stand, sit and turn around. Line the crate with bedding such as towels to absorb accidents. If you're driving, make sure the crate can be secured in the car.
- Bring a photo of your pet. Should your pet run off at an airport or at your destination this can speed the time to recover your furry loved one.
- Book tickets for you and your pet at the same time. According to the AVMA, airlines often limit how many pets are allowed on each flight.
- Go for non-stop flights whenever possible.
- Tranquilizing your pooch or feline isn't recommended. CAH's own Dr. Wilson says that "sedating your pet for travel might seem like a good idea, but it can hamper breathing and temperature regulation at a time when your pet isn't consistently monitored." If you're afraid your pet might be anxious flying, make an appointment to speak with one of our veterinarians about ways to prepare your pet for your trip.
- Make sure your pet's crate has the proper identification and is marked "Live Animal". Include your name, cell phone and destination phone number as well as a photo of your pet should your pet escape the carrier.
- The ASPCA advises telling the airline attendant that you're traveling with a pet in the cargo hold. "If the plane is delayed, or if you have any concerns about the welfare of your pet, insist that airline personnel check the animal whenever feasible. In certain situations, removing the animal from the cargo hold and deplaning may be warranted."
- NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR ON A WARM DAY! Cracking the windows isn't enough - even on a 70-degree day temperatures inside the car can reach 110-degrees, dangerously hot for your dog or cat.
- Travel with your pet in a crate (especially your cat) or with a harness attached to the car's seat belt. Don't ride with a pet on your lap, in the bed of a truck or with their head out of the window, all of which are unsafe for your pet and potentially you and other drivers on the road.
- When traveling with your dog, plan to stop every two to three hours to exercise your pooch and allow them to relieve themselves.
- The AKC reminds us that car rides can be boring, particularly for young children - remind your kids not to tease you pets during the drive!
Happy trails and tails to you and all of your traveling companions!