Cottonwood Animal Hospital provides information about international travel when you are considering taking your pet to Hawaii or outside the United States, it is important to know your destination's laws if proper steps are taken in advance, most countries have little or no quarantine time.
When traveling outside the United States, your pet should have a microchip. A microchip is helpful for identification, as well as tracking your animal through the customs process. We can microchip your animal before you travel. For this service, no appointment is needed. However, most microchips are specific to the country to which you are traveling. Please let us know in advance so we can obtain the correct microchip.
Before your travel, it is important that your pet's vaccinations are current. If your pet is not current, please make an appointment so we can provide this service.) Most of the island countries are rabies free zones and will require a rabies titer test which proves that your animal is rabies free. In most cases this test must be done one hundred and twenty days prior to travel. If your pet has not been vaccinated for rabies in the past nine months, we recommend it is done three weeks prior to the rabies titer test.
When navigating the process for international travel, the USDA website is a helpful tool. Calling your local USDA office can help you when you are getting ready.
Getting ready to with your pet out of the country is a very timely process, be sure to allow yourself the appropriate time. Countries such as Australia, Africa, and some portions of Europe require an application be submitted at least six months before travel. The owner of the animal must complete this process. The country will send you a serial number which you must retain during your travel.
In order for you to travel with your animal, the last step is the most important. Your animal must be de-wormed and have flea and tick treatment twenty four to forty eight hours before the flight. We can provide you with your animal's health certificate. You will be responsible for making an appointment with the USDA office so you can get their travel seal of approval. For this appointment your animal is not required to be present.
Researching an airline that has the capability to transport your animal to the destination you desire can be a little tricky. Pet carrier food and water compartments must meet the airline's requirements. To obtain this information you need to contact the airline. Most animals are transported in the
