International Pet Travel
1). The country of destination determines the pet health requirements. To be more accurate, it is the veterinary authorities of the country of destination that determine the pet health requirements.You must therefore establish what these requirements are before you travel with your pet to another country. International pet travel requirements will almost certainly include a variety of vaccinations against common diseases and a veterinary health certificate. This certificate can only be issued by a qualified veterinarian after he/she has examined your pet. 2). Quarantine measures Some countries will insist that your pet spends some time in quarantine. The purpose of quarantine is to allow the pet to be monitored and to satisfy the authorities that your pet is not carrying any disease. This often also involves regular blood testing of your pet. Pets may need to spend up to 6 months in quarantine under some circumstances. Most countries have specifically designated quarantine facilities that are registered with the Veterinary authorities. In other words, your pet cannot be held in quarantine just anywhere. In addition, you will be responsible for all boarding costs incurred during the quarantine period. 3) Long distance travel requires some preparation Although not all international travel need be lengthy in either distance or time, it very often is and your pet needs to be adequately prepared for the journey. A thorough health check up before the journey and the provision of an approved and correctly labelled pet carrier is a good starting point. Make sure that, depending on travel time, that adequate arrangements have been made for fresh water and food to be available for your pet during the journey. If your pet is going to be separated from you for the journey, check out
the credentials of the company that will be responsible for your pets health, comfort
and safety.
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