Plan Ahead for Pet Travel This Holiday Season
As the holidays draw near, many families are getting ready to pack their bags — and that includes travel plans for their furry companions too! At Wags Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you make every trip with your pet as safe, stress-free, and compliant as possible.
Planning early is the key to avoiding last-minute complications. With evolving CDC rules, country-specific regulations, and strict timelines, last-minute departures are rarely feasible. This is especially true when it comes to Rabies vaccination. U.S. entry rules require dogs to meet specific vaccination standards before entering the U.S. At Wags Animal Hospital, we always remind pet owners that a well-prepared trip means a happier and safer journey for you and your pet.
Traveling Within the U.S.
Domestic travel is typically more straightforward than international trips — but it still requires some planning. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Health Certificate (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) – Some states or regions ask for a recent health certificate signed by a specially licensed veterinarian confirming that your pet is healthy, disease-free, and up to date on vaccines — especially Rabies.
Vaccinations and Parasite Control – All 50 states require dogs to have updated vaccinations for Rabies. Some may also ask for DAPP, Leptospirosis, and Bordetella, along with proof of recent parasite treatments. Be aware that certain hotels, parks, or attractions might also request proof of vaccination.
Identification and Microchipping – Your pet should always have proper ID, such as a collar and tag.
Airline and Carrier Rules – Even if your travel destination doesn’t require a certificate, most airlines do. Airlines also likely have specific size and carrier rules, and some breeds (like flat-faced dogs) may have additional restrictions.
Travel Comfort & Safety – Direct flights are always best when traveling with pets. Make sure that your pet’s crate is well-ventilated, has soft bedding, a familiar toy, and an absorbent pad. Feed your fur baby lightly before travel (but don’t skip water), and plan bathroom breaks before and after flights.
For more details on each state’s travel requirements, visit:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/state-to-state
Traveling Internationally
Heading abroad with your pet? International travel can be more complex. Each country has its own rules, paperwork, and timelines. If you plan on returning to the United States, depending on your travel destination, your pet may require additional paperwork to be able to return (see “Returning to the U.S.” below). The earlier you begin preparing, the smoother it will be. At Wags Animal Hospital, we’ve completed thousands of international health certificates and can guide you every step of the way.
Here’s what to plan for:
Check Your Destination’s Import Rules – Each country is different. Research official government or agriculture websites to find details about vaccinations, quarantine rules, microchip requirements, waiting periods, and breed restrictions. Some countries require various testing, such as Rabies titer tests, which can take several weeks to process.
Microchipping – Many countries require pets to be microchipped (must be ISO-compliant) before receiving their vaccinations (e.g. Rabies). The microchip number must also appear on all official travel documents.
Vaccinations & Titer Tests – Core vaccines are mandatory in most countries. If a Rabies titer test is needed, it must be done at a certified lab, and it may take 3–5 weeks to get results. If your pet’s Rabies vaccination has expired, then some countries may require a 30-day waiting period before the test can be scheduled, and before clearing your fur baby for entry.
Health Certificates & Import Permits – Most countries require an official veterinary exam within 5–10 days before travel. The paperwork must then be endorsed by USDA-APHIS and sent back to you.
Quarantine or Observation – Countries like Australia may require quarantine on arrival, while others may waive it if all requirements are met. In some cases, reservation at approved government or private facilities is needed.
Approved Ports of Entry – Some countries only accept animals through designated airports or crossings. The U.S. also enforces this for pets returning from high-risk Rabies countries when the Rabies vaccination was done outside the U.S.
Airline Rules & Logistics – Airlines have varying crate, ventilation, and temperature policies, and some restrict certain high-risk breeds or cargo travel in extreme weather. You need to be sure that all segments of your trip comply with both departure and destination regulations.
Traveling Home or Onward – Always plan ahead for the next part of your journey. Keep your pet’s documents ready for re-entry and check the import rules — whether you are returning to the U.S. or your next destination.
Returning to the U.S.: Know the Rules
When coming back to the U.S., requirements depend on your destination and the type of pet you have. Cats may only require proof of Rabies vaccination, but privately owned dogs face stricter rules under CDC guidelines. These rules were created to enforce Rabies control and protect public safety. The location where the vaccination is administered also counts. Countries are classified with the designation of Low-Risk/Rabies-Free or High-Risk. All dogs entering the U.S. must be:
- At least 6 months old
- Microchipped
- Healthy and vaccinated for Rabies
- Accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form
If your dog is coming from a high-risk country and was vaccinated in the U.S., you’ll also need an official Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination, endorsed by the USDA before departure. If vaccinated outside the U.S., your pet may face additional requirements like titer tests, quarantine and limited ports of entry.
Check the CDC’s latest High-Risk Country list here:
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/high-risk-countries.html
Planning Makes All the Difference
Whether you’re taking a short domestic trip or traveling abroad, Wags Animal Hospital is here to make traveling with pets smooth, safe, and fully compliant with all regulations. The rules for pet travel have changed in recent years, and preparation is now more important than ever. At Wags, we guide you through each step so your pet’s documentation and health checks are handled correctly for a worry-free journey. For information on international health certificates or travel documentation, contact Wags Animal Hospital in Brickell Key, Miami at 305-603-9697 or frontdesk@wagsbrickellkey.com.