For many people, their pets seem to become a member of the family. They also often wish to bring their pets along with them when they travel, and want to ensure that they are treated with all the care and attention they receive at home.
Traveling with your pet does bring with it some very specific rules you must follow, however. Pet immigration rules are specific to each country worldwide, and pet owners need to be familiar with these rules or work with someone who is before traveling to avoid pet quarantine in countries that require it.
Planning in advance of traveling and working with your Stratos charter expert are keys to avoiding problems when entering a country with your animal. Pet owners should create a “pet passport” which is a collection of all identifying and required documents for entering a given country.
PET “PASSPORT” / HEALTH CERTIFICATE
An International Health Certificate should be issued by your veterinarian as near to the date of travel as possible (not more than 21 days before travel). The basics it should include are: Name of Pet, Breed and Color Description, Age, Country of Origin, Name/Address/Phone Number of the Owner, and Inoculations.
The certificate should also state that the pet is healthy and free of parasites, and has been given the proper vaccinations. Individual countries may require additional documentation, especially for more exotic animals.
Some of the other various rules include:
CANADA
A current Canada Veterinary Certificate must be completed by a licensed veterinarian and dated within 10 days prior to entry into Canada. Proof of vaccination is required, including the date on which the pet was vaccinated, that the vaccine was licensed and its trade name and serial number. There isn’t a quarantine period for pets entering Canada, but there is an inspection fee.
EUROPE
Most countries in Europe now have a veterinary health certificate that is specific to their country. If there isn’t a health certificate for the country you are visiting, then you should use the International Health Certificate (form USDA-APHIS 7001). It is officially known as "United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals."
HAWAII
Hawaii also has specific rules that differ from the mainland. The state requires that all animals shipped or brought into the state have health and rabies inoculation certificates dated no more than ten days before travel begins.
All cats and dogs are subject to a 120-day quarantine in Hawaii. If specific requirements are met, your pet may qualify for a shorter (30-days or less) quarantine. As with many other jurisdictions, different rules apply for seeing-eye dogs.
There are a number of other rules and regulations you should be aware of in each country to ensure the well-being of your pet and a positive travel experience. Once again, your Stratos Jets representative can help guide you through this sometimes complicated process.
Contact Stratos Jets:
1.888.478.7286
info@stratosjets.com
