IL Postcard

Have Dog, Must Travel

Date: 01/30/2007

Wouldn't it be easier if we could simply mail our pets overseas? (Please note that no dog was mailed overseas in the taking of this photo.)

International Living Postcards-- your daily escape

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007

For most dog owners, leaving your pet behind when you go abroad for any considerable length of time is not an option. If you're reading this, you understand why.

As a general rule, get an international health certificate confirming that your pet is healthy and up to date with his vaccinations and immunizations, dated no more than 10 days before your departure date. This will get your pet across some borders, and into the cabin of most planes; depending on the airline and country, you may need to do more.

Taking your best friend to Mexico is easy…there is no quarantine requirement. There are official documents that are technically required to transport your pet to and fro across the Mexican border, although our contacts in Mexico say they have never had a customs official ask to see them.

Affairs are pretty similar for Ecuador, except you must get the pet's health certificate stamped at your State Department of Agriculture. The documentation must then be sent to your Ecuadorian Consulate, along with $50, for official stamps.

In Panama, a vet at the airport will inspect your animal and give it any required shots. They will charge you $140 for the various forms, and you'll be able to leave with your animal in tow.

Elsewhere, things may not be so easy. Ireland, for example, has strict rules and regulations on the importation of pets. If you intend to bring a dog from countries other than the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, you must have an import license. In order to obtain one, the animal must be put in quarantine for at least a month.

Surprisingly, France has less stringent regulations in place--you will not have to leave your pet in quarantine.

Once you make the correct reservation, and the carrier your pet travels in can be placed under the seat, most airlines will let you bring your dog on the plane with you. Weight limits apply…but reports suggest that even if Fido has eaten too many cookies, you won't be asked to weigh him.

The Savvy Traveler
For International Living

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P.S. You can join in the "Moving Dogs Overseas" discussion on the IL online forum here.