Travel Preparations

Planning on traveling with your pet? Let the pros at Peterborough West Animal Hospital help you be prepared for anything that may come your way!

Traveling with a domesticated animal, particularly to international destinations, requires quite a bit of legwork and documentation. The process itself can be downright confusing. To ensure that you are properly prepared and that your travel plans go off without a hitch, trust the experts at Peterborough West Animal Hospital.

Our veterinarians can prepare and sign government documentation to enable your pet to travel abroad with you. Because each country has different requirements, however, you must be sure to do your research and double-check that you have requested the appropriate signatures from the hospital. 

There are also certain legal requirements that must be met in order for the hospital to process your request for a health certificate, and often the process can be time-consuming. For example, some countries require a 30-day preparation window, so please be sure to plan accordingly. 

You can research your travel requirements by clicking HERE for travel within the European Union, and HERE for trips to the United States. In general, almost every destination, either domestic or international, will require that your pet be up to date on all recommended vaccinations. There may also be certain travel-specific inoculations, so be sure to do your homework and schedule any needed vaccines well in advance of your departure date.

Microchipping Your Pet Before Travel

In addition to meeting the vaccine requirements of your destination(s), we also strongly recommend all pet parents get their animal companions microchipped prior to traveling. In fact, some destinations actually mandate microchip identification. For instance, beginning August 1, 2024, pet owners traveling between the US and Canada will be required to show proof that their pet has a microchip implanted PRIOR TO any required rabies vaccination. 

Safely Traveling with Pets

Logistically, traveling with a pet can be challenging. Purchase a high-quality travel-approved crate that will be secure and provide your pet with enough room to comfortably move around inside. If you are traveling by air, most airlines have their own specifications for acceptable crates, so contact your chosen airline or check out their website to ensure compliance. If your pet is not used to being in a crate, we suggest slowly getting them accustomed to it well before traveling, as this will greatly reduce stress and anxiety for your pet.

For more travel safety tips or suggestions that are specific to your planned travel or pet care needs, please contact the experienced team at Peterborough West Animal Hospital. We are here to help ensure happy and safe travels for you and your four-legged friend!