Many people do not let go of their pets and make a point of enjoying the best moments with their four-legged friends, who are part of the family. You can travel with your pet to international destinations, the important thing is to know what protocols must be followed.
How to travel with pets to international destinations?
More and more tourist destinations are becoming pet friendly, since our dear friends have gained a special status in the composition of many families and cannot be left behind when it comes to enjoying the most special itineraries.
To encourage this type of tourism, not only hotels, parks and other attractions have prepared themselves to receive their pets, but also the airlines themselves.
How to transport a pet on the plane
Each country has a regulatory framework on animal care and practices that can be considered mistreatment. Many factors can play a role in legislation and, if you are transporting your pet, you need to know both your country's legislation and that of the country of arrival.
The vast majority of airlines accept and care for the proper transport of pets and other types of animals, but it is important to know which airline is responsible for your trip and their specific rules.
When to start preparing to travel with your pet?
The ideal is to start from the very first moment, as for many tours, you need proof of your pet's health and all recent treatments they have had in the last three months directly before boarding.
If the vaccine is overdue or about to expire, revaccinate and fill in your entire card with the details of the last two vaccinations.
If your pet is undergoing treatment, it is important to have a report with full details of the treatment.
Animals under 12 weeks of age cannot be transported, and it is not recommended to transport elderly pets, especially in climates other than their country of origin.
Take into consideration that you will need to use a specific cage inside the plane, which should be high enough for the animal to stand upright and wide enough for it to make a complete turn around itself.
Start training your pet to use the cage a few minutes a day and increase the duration day after day to reduce the stress caused by the confinement. Always leave a blanket or toy that your cat or dog like so that they make good associations with the carrier.
What documents are necessary to travel with a pet?
Although each country has a set of requirements for transporting animals, some of them are fundamental to any journey:
Passports for transit of dogs and cats
Pets have a different legislation from wild animals and specimens, so they require a different registration.
To avoid inconvenience at different destinations, the ideal is to guarantee this document, which is quite complete, containing data on the animal's origin, name, owner's details and its vaccination record.
To make this document it is necessary to contact the secretary of agriculture of your state in possession of an updated professional veterinary evaluation, 5×7 photos of the animal, its vaccination card updated and a proof of the application of microchip identification.
In addition, it is important to make a written statement indicating all natural persons who are entitled to transport your pet. All documents must be copied and presented together with their originals.
Applying the microchip
Many countries require a microchip that contains all the animal's data. The procedure is simple, quick and cheap and can be carried out by veterinarians.
Don't forget to have documentation stating the microchipping when you apply for your passport!
International Veterinary Certificate
The so-called CVI is another document required in practically every trip, because it contains all the data related to the health of your pet.
It is the Ministry of Agriculture that issues this certificate, which must be requested between 5 and 15 days before shipment, as the document is valid and must be current.
In it, all the animal's health data will be attested by a professional from the ministry, which gives approval for its transportation.
Vaccination card of the animal
Although the pet passport contains a list of the animal's vaccinations, it is never too much to take the precaution of carrying along proof of vaccination, especially against rabies.
Some countries may even require a simple serological test to ensure the absence of other diseases such as leishmaniasis.
Veterinary reports
Any recent or ongoing treatment of the animal must be very well documented, which is why it is so important to carry a report from the veterinarian who takes care of your pet, so you can explain and resolve any doubts presented during transport.
The more information, the easier it will be to clear the animal through customs, where it is not unusual for them to ask a series of questions.
How are pets transported by plane?
It is important to note that pets are rarely allowed in business class. Only pets that weigh less than 10kg can be taken into the travel cabin with their owners, and in some cases it may be required that the animal travels sedated.
Larger animals will be transported in the cargo compartment. It is important to consider that, according to the climate of the destination, it may be forbidden to transport animals in this compartment, when there is extreme cold or heat, for example.
The cage must be specific for air transport, without wheels and with the size specifications to allow the animal to stand upright and turn around.
It is important to bear in mind that there is an extra cost for both the documentation and the transport of the animal, as well as a limit on the number of animals transported per journey in each compartment.
This is why it is so important to advance all documentation and requests with the travel agency and the company responsible.
How to travel safely with your pet
Hotel reservations should be made in advance if travelling with pets, to understand the availability and acceptance of pets at the hotel or resort in question and their areas of movement.
If you are going to tour around different places, it is important to rent a car, as Uber and taxis usually refuse to transport animals.
Always make mention about taking pets when renting your car so you can make the best choice for the comfort of your pet, which in many cases, may have to be transported in the crate in some vehicles.
Go prepared with emergency numbers for veterinary care in the area and never forget to pack prepared medicines and snacks in your international travel bag.
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