If you plan to take your pet on an overseas trip, you need to make some preparations ahead of time. For example, there are certain regulations you need to follow to ensure your travels go smoothly.

The 3 tips below will enable you to make the journey more streamlined.

#1 – Review Your Destination’s Pet Travel Guidelines

If you have settled on a travel destination, then you want to make sure that your cat or canine can travel with you. For example, the UK has a stringent quarantine rule for pets that come from places that do not fall under the UK’s “pet travel scheme.”

The scheme requires dog owners arrive in the country with their travelling companions microchipped, vaccinated, certified and tested – an activity that can take as long as 6 months to complete. Islands in the Caribbean quarantine pets too. So, when you decide on where you will be travelling, contact the country’s consulate. They can brief you on quarantine regulations and what you need to know in order to travel with a pet in their country.

#2 – Get Your Pet a Passport, if Necessary

If you are heading to Europe on your pet-and-owner holiday, then you will need to acquire a passport for your pet, or namely your cat, dog or ferret. Obtain the passport from your veterinarian in order to show that vaccinations, such as shots for rabies, are up-to-date. This type of testing process needs to start approximately three months before your scheduled departure. Currently, the European Union is the only locale in the world that requires pet owners obtain a passport for their pets. The European Commission website on the Internet features a broad listing of forms and regulations that are needed to comply with the passport requirement.

#3 – Check on the Other Paperwork Needed for Travelling

Most travel destinations in the world require that travelers obtain a CIFA health certificate or International Certificate of Pet Health from the embassy of the country they plan to visit or from their local vet. Also, you need to check on the following:

1 – Find out if your pet’s paperwork must be translated into the language of the country where you plan to visit. Some countries in Europe, such as Ireland, require additional testing or vaccinations, including treatments for tapeworms or ticks. This additional paperwork is necessary if you want to avoid having quarantine problems arise at the border. In some instances, you may need to carry the extra data with you that is associated with the rabies vaccination for your pet.

2 – If you are travelling with a service animal, obtain a letter from your doctor detailing your need for the animal. This type of correspondence is helpful in accessing businesses or places where pets are not allowed.

After reading the above informational tips, you can rest more easily about how to make your travel plans for you and your dog or cat. The key to successful planning is thorough research – review your pet’s travel documentation completely before you schedule an itinerary.

You should also make sure that your pet’s health care needs are taken care of as well. Have your pet checked by your vet before you go on holiday and make sure you are carrying pet care products designed for the specific healthcare needs of your companion. You can make the selections simpler by reviewing various product choices online. For example, Vet Lab Supplies is an excellent resource in this respect. You can discuss your travel plans with your vet who can assist you with your pet health care selections as well.

Article by Lauren Williamson