traveling with your pet: tips to help you plan ahead

Hitting the open road (or open skies) with your favorite furry pal? Nice! You’ll have a great time, but there are some guidelines and requirements to keep in mind. We’ll take you through the specifics so you can feel ready for adventure — whether it’s a cross-country move or a tropical getaway.

While some aspects of traveling with a dog or cat can be complex, the key is being prepared and working alongside your Banfield veterinary team. Early research and veterinary involvement will make your upcoming trip as stress-free as possible.

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What do you need to travel with a pet?

Important first step: Check official travel requirements. Your Banfield veterinary team can help with pet health needs and veterinary documentation, but pet owners are responsible for understanding and meeting the travel requirements for their trip. Start with the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website.

Travel requirements for a pet depend on your mode of transportation, destination, and travel accommodations. Commonly needed items are a health certificate, vaccination records, a carrier or crate, and a microchip. Plus, don’t forget food, treats, toys, and medications!

Take a look at your travel documents for specific pet policies. If you have any questions, reach out to the appropriate parties or contact your Banfield veterinary team.

Preparing for pet travel: A simple timeline

When it comes to traveling with a pet, staying organized and on top of things is crucial. Here’s a quick timeline with recommendations on how to prepare:

As soon as you know you’re traveling

Research pet travel requirements: Start with the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website for current travel requirements and destination-specific guidance. Each airline, train, bus, etc. has its own set of rules and requirements for traveling with pets. This includes size and breed restrictions, necessary documentation, and vaccination status. There are also a variety of rules based on the state or country you’ll be traveling to. Once you have a general trip itinerary, it’s time to pin down the details for bringing your pet into a different state or country and for bringing them back home.
Confirm accommodations: Not all hotels and vacation rentals allow pets — and if they do, there may be a limit on size, breed, or number of pets. Confirm ahead of time if the place(s) you’re staying will accommodate your pet.
Consider a pet courier: Did you know you can hire someone to help with the pet travel process? Yep! Pet couriers can help sort out requirements and paperwork, as well as assist with the physical transport of your furry friend. (This is especially valuable when traveling out of the country!) We recommend using a courier that’s a member of IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association)*.
Make a vet appointment: Schedule your pet for a vet appointment and bring along all the details of your trip (destination, travel date, duration, mode of transportation, etc.). Your vet will determine if your pet is healthy enough for travel, help you with any necessary health certificates, and provide calming tips and/or medication, if needed.

*Banfield is not affiliated with IPATA and does not guarantee the services of any listed shipper.

A month before your trip

Identify additional medical/preventive needs at your destination: Different parts of the country — and world — may expose your pet to health risks that require additional precautions. Be aware of temperature needs, common parasites like fleas/ticks/heartworms, and even water restrictions or concerns. Take another look at the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website, check out country-specific government resources if applicable, and discuss everything with your veterinarian before you leave. (When researching requirements, rely on official government sources whenever possible, as they typically provide the most accurate and up-to-date info.)
Locate a vet at your destination: We hope all goes smoothly, but stuff happens. That’s why it’s smart to find veterinarians near your destination. Make note of emergency hospitals as well as preventive care clinics. (Did you know Banfield has 1,000+ locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico? And that as a Banfield client, you can visit any of them?)
Reconfirm plans: Since there’s much to keep track of when planning a trip, it’s a good idea to double-check your work. Take another look at transportation and accommodation policies to make sure you have your bases covered.

The week of travel

Pack food, meds, documents: Packing last minute is stressful. We repeat: Packing last minute is stressful! Start getting all of your pet’s stuff together days before you leave. Remember food, meds, documents, toys, and treats.
Prepare carrier: Get your pet’s carrier or crate ready to go. Make sure all zippers and locks are working and consider adding a small blanket or favorite toy for comfort. (Tip: Get your pet acquainted with their carrier or crate far in advance to help reduce stress.)

Do pets need a health certificate to travel?

Depending on where and how you’re traveling, you may need a health certificate for your pet. A health certificate is a document from a veterinarian that certifies your pet is healthy enough for travel and up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention. If you’re flying with your pet and/or traveling internationally, you will likely need one as well as additional documentation to travel and return home.

For the latest info on health certificates and pet travel requirements, visit the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website. For requirements on returning to the U.S. with your pet, check out the CDC’s Animal Importation website.

To get a health certificate, you’ll need to make an appointment with your local Banfield. Bring all your travel details (destinations, transportation, accommodations, etc.) to the appointment. Make note of any layover states or countries as well. Your vet will examine your pet, determine if they’re suitable for travel, and assist with preparing the veterinary documentation that may be required for travel.

Health certificates come at a fee, often ranging from $100 to $1,000. Some of our Optimum Wellness Plans^® include several interstate health certificates per year (international health certificates must be purchased separately). These plans also include essential services like wellness exams, vaccines, and diagnostic testing. Learn more about these convenient, affordable preventive care packages

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Traveling with pets on a plane

Flying with a pet is pretty common these days, but it involves some important considerations and planning. First off, there are two options for placement of your pet in an airplane: cabin and cargo. Cabin is where they remain with you in a secured carrier that fits under the seat. For cargo, they’re separated from you and stay in a crate in a special section of the plane’s cargo hold. Keep in mind that depending on the season/weather, airlines may restrict transporting pets via cargo. You’ll need to supply the appropriate carrier or crate for your pet to use in either section.

There are size, weight, and breed restrictions for pets on airplanes, and it’s important to note that every airline has their own set of rules. Some only allow pets in the cabin, and some allow pets in both the cabin and cargo. Plus, each airline also has their own policy of fees, crate/carrier size limits, and required documentation. This information can be found by visiting the airline’s website or contacting them directly.

What to pack for your pet

Follow this quick checklist when packing for your furry pal.

Food

Make sure you have enough food for the full duration of the trip — or ensure you’ll be able to get more at your destination. This is not the time to switch up your pet’s diet and risk tummy troubles. Oh, and don’t forget the bowls!

Medications

Does your pet take daily medication? Will they need a dose of parasite control while you’re away? Did your vet prescribe anti-anxiety meds? Take all of this with you in your carry-on luggage. Plus, keep it in the original bottles or packaging (this will help prevent issues with TSA or customs).

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Documentation

Remember to bring any necessary documents such as a health certificate, rabies certificate, and/or vaccine records.

Leash and/or harness

It’s easy to forget a leash and/or harness if your pet is traveling in a crate or carrier, so make sure they aren’t left behind.

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Litter box and litter for cats

It may seem like it doesn’t need to be mentioned, but a box and litter are important to remember.

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Cleaning and grooming supplies

Traveling to a new and exciting place can lead to your pet having an accident — or taking a dip in a smelly lake. Be prepared for some cleanup.

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Comfort items

Favorite toys, yummy treats, a blanket that smells like home, etc. can be important comfort items to bring along.

How to keep your pet calm while traveling

Some dogs and cats handle travel better than others. If your pet doesn’t have much travel experience, start by getting them comfortable with their carrier or crate. Set it out well ahead of time and place toys, blankets, and/or treats inside. Don’t pressure them to use it — let them explore it on their own.

If your pet has a history of anxiety or you have concerns about their ability to stay calm during travel, talk to your vet. They’ll have helpful recommendations and can prescribe anti-anxiety meds if appropriate. They can also prescribe anti-nausea meds if you’re worried about your pet experiencing motion sickness. Never give your pet medication without a vet’s approval, as unsafe/excessive sedation can cause serious issues.

Traveling internationally with a pet

Going abroad with your furball? The USDA regulates pet travel outside of the United States and accredits veterinarians that can help with your destination country’s requirements. This can be a time-consuming process, so start early, ask questions, and follow directions closely. Visit the USDA’s APHIS Pet Travel website for more information.

The CDC regulates the return of pets to the United States. This process can be even more complicated depending on the country you’re visiting. Be sure to research this piece of the process at the CDC website and ensure you’re meeting all requirements before you leave.

It’s also important to be aware that certain countries are at high risk for rabies, New World screwworm, or other diseases and parasites. You can typically still bring a pet to these regions, but requirements for coming and going are often more complex.

Traveling internationally with your pet can involve additional requirements depending on your destination. For a more detailed breakdown of what to expect, including documentation and timelines, check out our guide to traveling abroad with your dog or cat.

Please note: Pet travel regulations and entry requirements are continually changing and may be updated with little notice. Although Banfield veterinarians make every effort to assist clients with travel preparation, they cannot remain up to date on the specific requirements of every country at all times. Clients are responsible for confirming all travel requirements and working with their veterinarian to ensure the information provided is accurate and complete. For the most current and authoritative guidance, clients should consult the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website and review any destination-specific requirements well in advance of travel.

Returning home with your pet

Getting to your destination may feel like the biggest hurdle in pet travel, but returning home may come with requirements as well. Depending on where you’re traveling to, the trip home may involve reentry documents that you’ll need to obtain from a veterinarian in the country or region you’re visiting. Check out requirements of the state or country you’re returning home to in case any additional items are needed. Plus, hold on to all of your initial documents as well — just in case!

Common mistakes to avoid

There’s a lot to remember when traveling with pets, so it’s easy to see how mistakes are made. Prepare ahead of time to avoid these common ones.

Waiting too long for a vet visit: Your pet may need testing or vaccines before being cleared for travel. There may also be a waiting period for obtaining a health certificate. A last-minute vet visit increases your chances of having to rethink/rebook your travel plans.
Not checking airline rules: Like we mentioned earlier, each airline has their own set of guidelines when it comes to traveling with pets. Assuming one airline’s rules are like another airline’s rules can result in stress and possibly an unfortunate change of plans.
Missing documentation: Getting proper documentation is crucial. Double-check that you have the necessary paperwork required for your specific trip details.
Assuming service or support pets don’t have requirements: Using your pet as a service or support animal doesn’t guarantee that all travel requirements will be met or that they’ll be easier. It largely depends on where you’re going and the legal status of your pet. Please research the requirements and discuss them with your vet well ahead of time.
Not researching destination and return-entry requirements: Requirements for entering another country and returning home may differ and change over time. Before traveling, review the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website, any destination-specific requirements, and the CDC Animal Importation website.

FAQs about traveling with pets

Can I bring my pet on a plane?

In many cases, yes, as long as you and your pet follow the airline’s rules and requirements. These differ from airline to airline, so it’s important to understand what’s allowed ahead of time and plan accordingly.

What do I need to travel with my pet?

This depends on your pet, the destination, and the mode of transportation. To fly, your pet will need a carrier or crate that fits your airline’s approved measurements. You’ll also likely need a health certificate or vaccine records. Work with your veterinary team to get all the proper documentation. See current travel requirements at the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website and CDC Animal Importation website.

Do pets need a health certificate to travel?

If flying and/or traveling abroad, they most likely do. Check the requirements of your transportation carrier (airline, train, bus, etc.) and destination (visit the USDA APHIS website and CDC website) to see what’s required.

What vaccines are required for pet travel?

This depends on your destination and mode of transportation. A rabies vaccine is most often required, but there may be additional vaccines needed as well. See the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website and CDC Animal Importation website for current travel requirements.

How early should I plan travel with my pet?

As early as you can! Because there’s a wide range of requirements when traveling with pets, it’s important to plan any big trips well ahead of time.

What documents are required to travel with a pet?

This varies based on how your pets are traveling and where they’re traveling to. A health certificate and/or vaccine records are often needed when flying or visiting another state or country. Make an appointment with your Banfield vet to obtain these

How do I keep my pet calm while traveling?

If you’re worried about keeping your pet calm, talk to your vet. They can suggest anti-anxiety tips and/or prescribe medication if deemed appropriate.

What should I pack when traveling with my pet?

Everything they’ll need or want for the duration of your trip. Pack food (make sure you have enough), bowls, medication, toys, treats, a leash and harness, and a litter box or poop bags. You may also need a carrier or crate if traveling by plane, train, or bus.

What’s different about international travel?

International travel often comes with even more rules and regulations. Most countries require an international health certificate which is more complex than a domestic health certificate. Your destination may also require additional vaccines, testing, microchipping, etc. Visit the USDA APHIS Pet Travel site for destination-specific requirements and take a look at our blog on international travel for additional details

And don’t forget: Depending on where you go, returning to the United States may present an even bigger challenge. Before you leave, check out the CDC requirements for bringing pets into the United States and prepare any applicable reentry requirements.

When to talk to your vet

Your Banfield veterinary team will be an important partner for the travel experience. They’ll be able to assist with and offer resources regarding vaccine requirements, testing, and health certificates for your specific destination. They’ll also be able to answer any questions about travel anxiety and prescribe medication, if needed.

Make sure to book a vet appointment well ahead of time so you’re prepared. International travel may even require multiple vet visits. Most of all: Have fun and happy travels!

Planning a trip with your pet? Schedule a visit with your Banfield veterinary team to make sure you have everything you need for safe, stress-free travel.

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