For public safety and the well-being of animals, international travel for pets is regulated by most countries. Although the red tape and requirements seem overwhelming, traveling with an animal – or shipping one – is not really difficult.
Pet travel is regulated by airlines, countries, state and local laws. Also, according to United Airlines’ “Pet Travel” tips, restrictions on pet travel may vary according to the season or weather. For example, summer travel is prohibited for certain breeds of dogs unless the animal is in the passenger cabin. Purchase tickets for pet travel in advance. Double check airline restrictions which may vary by location.
U.S. Regulations for Returning Expats or Visitors with Pets
Except for pet birds, entrance into the United States doesn’t depend on where an animal was acquired. The same rules apply to all pets and service animals; but, not all animals must meet the same requirements. For example, dogs must have proof of rabies vaccination, but cats do not. Some animals – especially wildlife, marine animals, and birds – may even be prohibited. There is no import duty (tax) on pet dogs, cats and turtles.
Dogs must have received their rabies shots within the 30 days prior to flight. Dogs traveling without appropriate proof, including puppies too young to be vaccinated, may be admitted to the U.S. but the owner will be required to complete a confinement agreement. The pet must be quarantined at the owner's expense until it is considered adequately vaccinated, a period of not less than 30 days after vaccination.
Other than proof of vaccination, no health documentation is necessary for pets to enter the United States. However, all animals must be free from any evidence of an infectious disease that may be transmitted to humans. If a pet seems ill at the first port of arrival, a licensed veterinarian may examine the animal at the owner's expense.
Customs officials are usually very helpful. Yet the rules are firm. "Pets and Wildlife", a U.S. Customs' brochure states, "Pets excluded from entry into the United States must either be exported or destroyed. While awaiting disposition, pets will be detained at the owner’s expense at the port of arrival."
Requirements for Pets Traveling in Europe
Writing in the Expat Corner and advising European expats who have dogs and expect to return to Europe, Dr. Anthony David Beck says, "The EU will require a rabies antibody titer blood sample before your return, as will many other countries; the Americas do not. Hence if you are coming from the EU, get this blood sample and a pet passport. . ."
If a traveling pet’s itinerary requires connecting flights in a third country, be certain to check with the airlines to see if any documentation will be required. In the U.S., many states require health certificates. So, if air travel is necessary between states, a health statement is necessary even though it is not needed to enter the country.
American regulations are going through the process of being changed, but at this time the U.S. does not allow monkeys to be brought into the country as pets. For other unusual pets, check the "home" country's import laws.
Sean O’Hare, writing for The Telegraph tells about Danny Butterfield, an enterprising young man in England who helped his sister take her pets home from Spain. He’s found a niche market helping expats in Europe by driving their pets back to England.
Conversations in expat chat rooms invariably turn to the subject of pets. For foreigners living far from home, an animal may provide more acceptable warm fuzzies than a roommate. Yet, according to Michael Gold at the Global Times, the problem of pet abandonment by exiting expats is growing. Hopefully, with education and a little advance planning, future expats will say, "No pet left behind."
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Bringing an Animal into the United States", accessed June 29, 2011.
- Dr. Anthony David Beck, "Should Expats Bring Their Pets to China?", eChinaCities.com, January 8, 2011, accessed June 29, 2011
- Michael Gold, "Plan for Your Pets, Exiting Expats", Global Times, July 20, 2010, accessed June 29, 2011.
- Sean O'Hare, “'Pet Relocator' in Demand as Expats Return Home”, The Telegraph, September 3, 2010, accessed June 29, 2011.
- United Airlines, " Travel with Pets ", accessed June 29, 2011.
- U.S. Customs, "Pets and Wildlife", accessed June 29, 2011.
Mistie Shaw - Writing for nearly half a century, Shaw's interests and education meander from music to the military, and from faith to fun.
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