New Year with the Whole Family — How to Transport Your Pet and Not Ruin the Holiday: A Complete Guide

New Year is not only a time for gifts and festive meals but also an opportunity to be together with your loved ones, including your furry companions. For many, pets like dogs, cats, and other animals are as much a part of the family as anyone else. When planning a trip to the USA, Canada, UAE, Cyprus, Ireland, or Israel from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Europe, or neighboring countries, it’s important to understand the requirements for transporting pets safely.

Transporting pets on international flights can be complicated, and every step requires attention. In this article, we’ll discuss how to avoid common mistakes and ensure your pet has a safe journey.

Why Preparing Your Pet in Advance is Crucial

Whether you’re planning a short trip or a long stay, transporting a pet requires careful preparation. Many countries, including the USA, Canada, UAE, Israel, and the UK, have strict rules for bringing in animals and may require tests for rabies titers or even quarantine for pets arriving from high-risk areas.

How to Properly Prepare Your Pet for Travel

Microchipping — A Mandatory Requirement

Most countries require pets to be microchipped before traveling. Microchipping is the process of implanting a tiny chip under your pet’s skin containing a unique identification number, used for identification purposes. This is particularly important if your pet gets lost or during customs checks.

Rabies Vaccination

Rabies vaccination is another mandatory requirement for transporting pets. Almost all countries require that pets are vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before departure.

Veterinary Passport and Certificate

A necessary document for traveling with a pet is an international veterinary passport. It confirms that your pet has undergone all necessary examinations and vaccinations.

Transporting Your Pet on International Flights

There are several options for transporting pets by air:

In the Cabin

If your pet is small (weighing up to 8 kg), it can travel in the cabin. You’ll need an IATA-approved carrier that fits the airline’s specifications.

In the Cargo Hold

For larger pets, or those weighing more than 8 kg, they will need to travel in the cargo hold. The carrier must meet IATA standards for safety, and pets will be transported in a specially designated area of the airplane.

Minimizing Stress for Your Pet

Traveling can be stressful for pets, but there are several things you can do to make the journey more comfortable:

Get Your Pet Used to the Carrier: Start using the carrier a few weeks before departure to help your pet get used to it.
Avoid Feeding Right Before the Flight: It’s best not to feed your pet for 6-8 hours before the flight.
Consult a Vet About Sedatives: Don’t use sedatives unless your veterinarian specifically advises it.

Common Problems and Challenges

Document Errors: If your veterinary documents or certificates don’t meet the destination country’s requirements, it may result in your pet being denied entry or delayed at the border.
Missing Required Vaccinations or Tests: Some countries require additional tests for rabies titers, which should be done months before departure.

Countries with Special Requirements

USA and Canada: Both countries require microchipping, rabies vaccination, and international veterinary passports. Additional documentation may be required depending on the state or province.
UAE: The UAE has very strict rules for pet entry. Besides microchipping and rabies vaccination, you need to provide permission to import the animal and conduct titers tests.
Cyprus and Ireland: For entering the European Union, including Cyprus and Ireland, a rabies titer test is required, which should be done at least three months before departure.

Conclusion

Transporting your pet requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of the destination country’s rules. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a stress-free trip for both you and your furry friend.

Official Sources: