Yesterday, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service launched a new web site intended to help international travelers easily determine travel requirements for pets. The site, called APHIS Pet Travel, provides up-to-date information and import requirements for over 130 countries and territories, including required time frames for obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing, and administration of medications/treatments for those dogs traveling to other countries.The site provides information and requirements for dogs being imported into the United States, and contact information for domestic APHIS Veterinary Services offices.Other federal agencies, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also regulate international pet travel and the importing of pets into the United States. The new APHIS Pet Travel website links directly to those agencies’ information too, making it a one-stop shop for your guidance on international pet travel.
APHIS recommends that travelers plan ahead to ensure that pets receive correct vaccinations and treatments, that necessary paperwork is completed and signed (when required) in advance of their departure date.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) applauds this streamlining of information to aid international travelers’ planning. In our travel section, the AKC also offers Canine Travel Tips and additional information to help individuals plan for travel with dogs.
