Air & International Travel with Your Pet

 

• Airline Procedures
• Bringing Pets Into Oregon from Outside the United States
• Trips Outside the Continental United States

Dogs, cats, and most warm-blooded animals transported by air are protected by the Animal Welfare Act. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) enforces this law. These shipping regulations help assure that animals are treated humanely by airlines as well as animal dealers, exhibitors, and research laboratories. Pet exhibitors, owners, and other shippers also are affected by regulations established to protect the well-being and safety of animals in transit.

Airline Procedures

Airlines transport animals in the cargo compartment of the plane, but some airlines allow passengers to transport small animals in the cabin as carry-on luggage. The pet must be placed in a kennel that is comfortable yet small enough to fit under the passenger’s seat. Carry-on pets are not protected by the Animal Welfare Act. For specific airline requirements, contact the airline directly. The following requirements are from APHIS:

Age: Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and must have been weaned before traveling with the airlines.

Kennels: Kennels must meet minimum standards for size, strength, sanitation and ventilation.

Size and Strength: Kennels must be enclosed and allow room for the animals to stand, sit, breathe, and rest comfortably. They must be easy to open, strong enough to withstand the stress of shipping, and free of objects that could injure the animal.

Sanitation: Kennels must have a solid, leak-proof floor that is covered with litter or an absorbent lining. Wire or other ventilated subfloors are generally allowed; pegboard flooring is prohibited. This provides the maximum cleanliness for the animal in travel.

Ventilation: Kennels must be well ventilated with openings that make up at least 14 percent of the total wall space. At least one-third of the openings must be located in the top half of the kennel. Kennels must also have rims to prevent ventilation openings from being blocked by other shipments. These rims usually are placed on the sides of the kennel and must provide at last three-quarters of an inch clearance.

Grips and Markings: Kennels must have grips or handles for lifting to prevent cargo workers from being bitten. Kennels must also be labeled with “live animals” or “wild animals” on the top of one side with directional arrows indicating position of the kennel. Lettering must be at least one inch high.

Animals Per Kennel: Each species must have its own kennel with the exception of compatible personal pets of similar size. Maximum numbers include two puppies or kittens less than six months old and 20 pounds each, 15 guinea pigs or rabbits, and 50 hamsters.

Feeding and Watering: Instructions for feeding, watering, and administering medication to the animal over a 24-hour period must be attached to the kennel. The 24-hour schedule will assist the airline in providing care for animals that are diverted from their scheduled destination. The shipper is required to document that the animal was given food and water within four hours of transport, and the certification must include the time and date of feeding. Food and water dishes must be securely attached and be accessible without opening the kennel. Food and water must be provided to puppies and kittens every 12 hours if they are less than 16 weeks old. Mature animals must be fed every 24 hours and given water every 12 hours.

Health Certification: Airlines and State health officials generally require health certificates for all animals being transported by air. Health certificates must be issued by a licensed veterinarian who examines the animal within ten days of transport. Dealers, exhibitors, and others regulated under the Animal Welfare Act must provide a health certificate for each dog, cat, or nonhuman primate shipped.

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Bringing Pets into Oregon from Outside the United States

Oregon’s import regulations for pets entering Oregon from outside of the United States require the following:

1. Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (“health certificate”) issued by veterinarian no more than 30 days prior to entry. This certificate must state: "This animal has not been exposed to rabies nor has rabies been diagnosed within a radius of 50 miiles within the past six months."
2. Current rabies vaccination

No formal quarantine period is required in most instances. For more information about these requirements, or if you are planning to import animals into Oregon to sell them, call the Department of Agriculture at (503) 986-4680.

Taking Pets Outside the United States

If you plan to take your pet outside of the United States, you will need to be aware of the import requirements of the country to which you plan to travel. It is recommended that you contact the appropriate embassy or consulate at least four weeks before your trip.

Export certifications and health certificate endorsements are handled by the USDA. For more information, contact the Oregon Area Office in Salem at (503) 399-5871.

Your airline or a full-service travel agency can provide additional information about animal care requirements for international flights.

Due to the complexity of international travel/moves with pets, you may wish to enlist a professional pet relocation service.

The AVMA has compiled a reference list for international travel requirements for domestic pets.

Check with the appropriate consulate, embassy or the USDA about the accuracy of the following requirements as they may change from time to time:

Mexico: A health certificate is required. It does not need to be endorsed by USDA.

Canada: Proof of current rabies vaccination is required. A health certificate is not required, but may be advisable. It does not need to be endorsed by USDA.

Hawaii: Hawaii has quarantine and health requirements for arriving pets. Information about Hawaii’s requirements can be found here.

Japan: Japan's importation requirements include rabies vaccination, ISO microchip, and notification of your intent to import your animal into Japan at least 40 days prior to your arrival. Requirements and forms for importation into Japan can be found on the US Embassy's Web site. They recommend that you start the process several months before travel.

United Kingdom: To avoid a 6 month quarantine, pets must meet specific requirements for entry or re-entry into the UK.

Courtesy of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Updated 5.28.08