Quote:
Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985  What are the requirements to travel internationally with a pet? Is there extra vaccination? Any precautions? Any tips?
My parents want to take Kaji to Mex, but we have no idea what we need. |
You need to begin by researching the pet travel requirements for the country you intend to visit. You can start by Googling (example:
Pet Immigration Rules Mexico - Pet Passport Mexico) also try the Embassy website for Mexico. Then you need to check what is required to get back into the US. When I researched I did find that online sites had some inconsistent info, so I would not rely on only one source...
Key considerations:
Microchip. See if a microchip is required. For me, I needed an EU-compliant chip (15 digits). Luckily that is what I had gotten for Remy (unknowingly) about a year ago. Many chips in the US are only 9 digits and do not comply. From the Pet Travel website it does not appear that Mexico requires a microchip, but I'd research other sites to see if that holds true. Either way, if you pup is microchipped I'd make sure to have the number and company's info with me in the event of any problem.
Vet Certificate. We needed to get a signed certificate of wellness from our vet within 5 days of our date of departure. The vet visit requires an examination, they tested his micro chip, and went through all of his vaccines. Only one vet in our practice was able to sign these types of certificates so if you need one for Mexico (I think on Pet Travel is said you may) I'd call your vet well in advance to ensure they can do this for you. You will need to carry the vet certificate with you, just like you carry your passport.
Rabies Shot. The vet certificate (above) will indicate that your pup is current on his / her rabies shot. Double check the country requirements, it may have to be within a certain timeframe of your visit. Bring your original rabies shot certificate that you received with the rabies tag - the one your vet signed. Customs officials in the US did examine it, and it was easier to just hand them that then the Vet Certificate which is kind of a complex, big form. Again, carry the rabies certificate with you like you carry your passport.
Other shots. Check to see if Mexico requires any other shots, if so make sure you have the appropriate paperwork. The only shot that is required for USA re-entry is rabies.
Picture. I had a current picture of Remy that I carried with the rest of his paperwork. I had seen this recommended somewhere...
Airline Reservation & Fee Receipt. 2 pets are allowed in coach, so make sure you make a separate reservation for him to guarantee his spot. You will have to go to the airline counter to check in - at which point you will pay your fee. Make sure you get a receipt for the fee, and stick it in with all of your paperwork. I had to ask for mine, and it was a good thing because the staff at boarding asked to see it to prove I had paid.
Food. What does he eat? I brought Remy's food to ensure he stayed on his regular diet and so we would not have tummy problems.
Tags. Make sure you have his tags.
"Just in case" medicines. Does he get ill? Do you have any medications on hand that you should bring? If so, pack them in your checked luggage.
Overall, it was really no big deal, it just requires some planning and research. The airline staff at check in requested his papers, but once we got out of the country no one even seemed to notice him. Coming home you will have to go through customs (as usual) however we had a separate inspection so it became a 2-step process. They just looked through his papers and looked at him, but it did make customs a longer experience.
I did give Remy some Benadryl to relax him. I carried a small container of Cherrios, wet wipes, a blanket, and got him a bottle of water once we got through security. I also packed his shampoo, ear cleaner, cotton balls, toothbrush, etc... all his "personal care" stuff LOL
Make sure you do get to the airport even earlier than you would for a typical international flight. You do have to pay the fee, I had the airline staff ask a bunch of questions, I had to take him out of his bag so they can see him, etc. etc. Having a little extra time will give you more peace of mind.
Enjoy your trip, Mexico sounds like fun!