How to Get a Pet Passport To Travel With Your Pet

Want to travel the world, but can’t imagine leaving your best friend behind? You need a pet passport!

Traveling with pets is possible, but it does require extra planning research to pull off an international trip with Fido or Fluffy in tow. Just like humans, pets need their own passports to become world travelers. They may need additional documents, too. Here’s what you need to know to get your pet travel-ready.

Why Does Your Pet Need a Passport?

A “pet passport” demonstrates that your pet is healthy and up-to-date on all required vaccinations and treatments. Without a passport, your dog, cat or pet won’t be able to travel to your destination country or could be subject to lengthy, lonely quarantines.

How to Get a Pet Passport in 4 Steps

There are four main steps to get a pet passport:

Step 1: Research and confirm the requirements, based on your destination and method of travel.
Step 2: Visit your vet to get your pet up-to-date on all the necessary vaccines and procedures.
Step 3: Get your pet’s travel certificate certified by the USDA, if necessary.
Step 4: Research the requirements for returning to the US.

Let’s take a look at these steps in a little more detail.

Different destinations have different regulations. Pet passport requirements will also vary. So, before you do anything else, find out what your pet needs to travel to your destination country.

Actually, your pet needs to meet two different sets of requirements: the destination country and the airline or shipping company that will carry it.

How to Find International Pet Passport Requirements

First, look up your destination country’s regulations on the USDA website. Then, contact the country’s embassy or consulate in Washington, DC to verify. Some countries may have an embassy website that tells you everything you need to know. Call anyway. Make sure that you aren’t missing anything. Contact information is available in this handy article from the Department of State.

Pet Passport Requirements for Popular Destinations

United Kingdom: Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to the UK
European Union: Movement of Pets
Mexico: If traveling with your dog or cat
Canada: Bringing Your Pet to Canada

Requirements for Airlines and Shipping Companies

What about the airlines? Airlines can and sometimes do have stricter requirements than the country you are traveling to. For example, most airlines require your pet’s health certificate to have been issued no longer than 10 days before travel. Some are even stricter. As with your destination country, research the requirements and then call to verify.

Here are the pet travel requirements for the major US airlines:

Step 2: Call a Vet

Next, it’s time to contact your veterinarian and set up an appointment. Depending on where you’re going and what airline you’re taking, you may need to ask for a referral if your vet is not federally accredited.

It may take several visits to get Fluffy fit to travel. For example, here are some commonly required procedures.

Microchipping or tattooing for identification
Rabies vaccine, plus time for the vaccine to “take” and blood tests to show the vaccine has been effective
Flea, tick and parasite removal

Step 3: Get Certified, If Necessary

By now, your pet has been thoroughly poked, prodded. Hopefully, he’s received a clean bill of health. Now, the veterinarian will issue a health certificate. Is this enough to travel on?

Not necessarily. Some countries and airlines require you to have the certificate endorsed by the USDA. Usually, this requires you to send it in by mail or courier. However, you may be able to drop it off in person with an appointment. Contact your local USDA veterinary service center location for assistance. You can find the closest one here. This office is also an excellent resource for you and your vet if you have questions during the process.

What to do if your pet doesn’t meet requirements

What if Fido or Fluffy isn’t in the best of health? First, discuss with your veterinarian whether or not you should travel with them. You may hate the thought of leaving your pet behind on a long trip. But, international travel is hard on pets. Your companion may be better off staying behind.

If your veterinarian thinks your animal can handle the trip, contact your local USDA Veterinary Services office for advice. They may be able to suggest alternative solutions.

Step 4: Coming Home

Planning to return to the states with your pet? Don’t buy Fluffy a one-way ticket! Check the import requirements for your pets. Rules will vary depending on the species of your animal companion and the countries you’ve traveled to.

Did you think getting a human passport was tough? As you can see, getting one for Fido is even tougher. Unfortunately, RushMyPassport can’t rush pet passports. But we can expedite all of your human passport needs. Contact us today for passport service in as little as one week!

19 Responses

December, 16th 2021Carmencita Gimenez
How can I get a pet passport for my small Chihuahua dog
- January, 19th 2022Russ V
  When clearing customs, crossing borders or boarding planes, trains or ships you want your pet's travel documents to be complete, accurate and current.The Pet Passport Store has been a trusted and reliable source of information and products for traveling pet owners for over 14 years. The information we provide is always the most current and accurate available .If you request the forms to be sent via email delivery, the documents are delivered within 12 hours or less of receipt of your order. If there is a delay due to our having to verify information, you will be advised.3 Easy Steps to get your pet's passport forms:1. Click on a country you plan to visit with your pet (see Countries below) 2. Enter the countries your pet will be traveling from and to 3. Choose how you want the forms sent to you:a. By Email b. By First Class Mail (pet passport folder included with First Class Mail shipments)We recommend our Leather Document Holder for holding your pet's forms when traveling with your cat or dog. If you want your pet's medical information all in one place, we suggest the Pet Passport & Medical Record.If you are traveling by air, we recommend that you review our up-to-date airline pet policies.International shipments of pet animals for COMMERCIAL purposes and UN-ACCOMPANIED pets may require different forms. If we do not list these forms for your country of interest, email us at info@pettravel.com.Country pet policies are listed by the first letter of the destination country.
August, 19th 2020Craig
Need to bring our 2 cats FROM the Philippines to the US, I am an American citizen. What needs ti be done? Thank you
April, 11th 2020Calum
Hi, I’m a bit stuck. I need to get over to Northern Ireland from Liverpool, to live for the next few months throughout Covid-19 lockdown. My French Bulldog does not have a passport and I won’t be able to get her one in time by next weekend. Any help please?
February, 3rd 2020JEANNETTE Gonazalez
Hi I will be traveling to Guatemala how can I get a passport for my dog
- February, 3rd 2020David
  Please refer to the pet passport link in the post. It will provide you everything you need to travel with your dog to Guatemala.
June, 12th 2019Marcia McIntyre
I have traveled with my dog to Brazil many times. I can help!
- March, 5th 2020moo
  How can I get my lizard from Qatar to the UK?
  - March, 5th 2020David
    Please use the pet passport link in our article here.
December, 30th 2018Jazmine
If I plan on moving to Italy in the next couple of years, where would I go look to see what I need to take my dog with me?
- December, 31st 2018David P
  We recommend contacting the Italian Embassy or Consulate near you as they will be able to assist with the required documentation to bring your pet abroad.
December, 19th 2018Sonakshi
Hiie I m from india n I m a student n I m going in uk for my studies for atleast 7 years n I want to take my pug to uk so he need pet passport plz tell
- December, 19th 2018David P
  We only handle US passports so you may need to contact the closest UK embassy or consulate for further assistance.
May, 11th 2018Jessica Villeda
Hi I'm Jessica, I Have disability n bi-polor, i wanted to know to get my puppy a passport to take with me to Puerto Rico. My puppy Austin is my thepry puppy his seven months old.
- May, 17th 2018Alison Kroulek
  Hi Jessica, Puerto Rico is part of the US, so all you'll need is a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination. Here's more info: https://www.petrelocation.com/country/puerto-rico
February, 25th 2018Theresa
You have not explained how to obtain a pet passport. This only shows what you need to do to get you up to getting a pet passport. Years ago you were able to obtain a pet passport from the vet, but now it seems as though it's a bit more complicated. Am I missing something? Who provides the pet passport?
- February, 27th 2018Alison Kroulek
  Hi Theresa,The closest thing there is at the moment to a "pet passport" is a travel certificate, issued by a veterinarian and certified by the USDA.
January, 11th 2018Ironi Schleder
I would like to get an international passport for my device dog to traveling to Brazil!
August, 24th 2017Kathie Pappas
I am interested in obtaining a pet passport for travel with our licensed service dog. Please advise. Kathie