How to Safely Transport Pets Overseas

Shipping pets overseas can be a time consuming process as many countries and even states, such as Hawaii, require that all entering animals be quarantined to ensure good health. Hawaii requires a minimum quarantine on animals of 5 days and quarantine is frequently much longer. There are several ways pet owners can work to ensure that pets travel safely despite the challenges.

Things You'll Need

  • Rabies Vaccination
  • Certification Papers
  • IATA Regulation Crate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research the regulations regarding shipping pets to other countries. The industry standards for pet shipping can be researched with the International Air Transport Association, or IATA (see Resources). Major airlines will also have requirements for shipping animals in accordance with regulations.

    • 2

      Get your pet tested for rabies in plenty of time prior to shipping, depending on the time limit for the intended country. Almost all countries require proof that the pet is rabies free before allowing them to enter the country. Owners will need a certification stating this from their vet.

    • 3

      Get the animal's current rabies vaccination, certification and regular vet exam just prior to shipping to ensure the pet's health is good.

    • 4

      Make arrangements for quarantine. Countries that quarantine pets usually require that they remain in quarantine for six months to ensure the animal isn't sick. Even states within the United States have quarantine rules. Hawaii requires all pets entering the islands to be quarantined for a minimum of five days up to a maximum of 120 days depending on the pet. Animal shelters and veterinarians in the receiving country usually offer boarding services for this purpose.

    • 5

      Secure the services of a reputable airline to ship the pet overseas. Major airlines all follow industry regulations regarding pet safety. The pet may fly in the cargo hold or may fly up front with a passenger if the animal is small enough to fit in a carrier that slides under the passenger seat.

    • 6

      Use a shipping crate following IATA guidelines. Typical crates include proper ventilation, handles for easy moving and signage indicating the pet type. Shippers have the right to refuse shipping of an animal if it isn't in a shipping crate that meets regulations.

    • 7

      Have someone meet the pet when it arrives in the destination country. There will be paperwork, boarding arrangements and other details to take care of. To make the process easier, pet owners can consider the help of animal shipping services (see Resources). These companies help owners with the entire process of sending a pet overseas, but they aren't actually shippers. They will meet pets on arrival and even fly with them if needed.