How to Move a Dog Long Distance

Begin planning for your dog's trip one month prior to domestic travel, or several months prior to international travel. If necessary, select a safe travel container and begin acclimating your dog to the travel container at least two to three weeks before the travel date. The container should be secure and well ventilated with an outside rim to preserve ventilation space, and your dog should have at least enough room to lie comfortably, stand and turn around. Let your dog eat, drink and sleep and take short trips in the container within your local area. Placing a favorite toy in the container while acclimating the dog is often helpful. Line the container with absorbent material such as newspaper.

Determine your dog's destination regulatory requirements. Most governing authorities require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection indicating that a veterinarian has recently examined the dog and found it to be free of diseases which could be transmitted to other animals and people at the destination, and that the area of origin is not under a quarantine. A current rabies vaccination is often required, as well as a variety of other vaccination and pre-travel health procedures. While most state requirements are relatively simple, international requirements vary and are often much more comprehensive.

The requirements for states and most international destinations are available on-line. Your veterinarian will have access to requirements however will likely appreciate research done prior to your pre-travel visit, especially if your dog is traveling to an international destination and you identify the governing animal health authority and contact information; send this information to your veterinarian prior to your visit so that he or she may be prepared to complete any health procedures needed.

Determine quarantine requirements of the destination. Some authorities, such as those in island nations, require an extensive quarantine prior to release of a dog within their jurisdiction. Make arrangements to satisfy these requirements prior to your dog's departure.

Select your dog's method of transport, and determine requirements for the selected method. Airlines may impose requirements not included in the requirements of destination authorities. Some airlines require an "acclimation certificate," a veterinary statement attesting to the ability of your dog to withstand temperatures outside of those specified in federal regulations. Many veterinarians, wishing to protect your dog from dangerous environmental extremes, do not recommend and will not issue these certificates. In these circumstances, you must make alternate arrangements, such as having your dog travel with a person in the passenger cabin or travel during times of day or times of the year when temperature extremes are unlikely even in the baggage compartments.

If required, take your dog to your veterinarian within the time limits required by destination authorities and have the appropriate health procedures completed. Make sure you have the appropriate certificates and other paperwork and means of sending these with your dog.

Discuss with your veterinarian any medical issues your dog has which may be affected during travel, such as timing of medication administration, and food and water requirements. Make preparations for the proper transport of medicine. Also consider with your veterinarian the use of tranquilizers.

Feed your dog four hours prior to travel departure. Make sure your dog is able to urinate and defecate as close to the departure time as possible. Although some people recommend withholding water as well, others -- including officials at United Airlines -- recommend free access to water, even during flight.