Traveling With Your Pet requires proper preparation, valid health documentation, and coordination with veterinary care standards. We at Absecon Veterinary Hospital provide health certification, vaccination management, and regulatory guidance for pet owners throughout Atlantic County. Our team works with clients to manage interstate health certificates, international export requirements, microchip identification, and general wellness care. If you have confirmed travel plans, please contact our hospital to set up your consultation.
Alongside travel consultations, our hospital delivers a full range of routine care, including wellness examinations, diagnostic testing, surgical care, and preventative treatments.
Domestic Travel
Rabies vaccination is a mandatory requirement for all interstate and international travel. Additionally, other vaccinations are crucial to safeguard your pet's health during travel.
Interstate Travel
Each state and territory has its own Department of Agriculture with specific regulations. A valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate is universally required for entry, with some states needing a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) from a USDA Accredited Veterinarian after an in-person assessment.
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Airline Requirements
Airlines have varying regulations for pet travel. Many airlines request a Fit-to-Fly certificate issued by a veterinarian after a recent physical examination, usually within 10 days of travel. Some airlines mandate Breed Certification for specific breeds they prohibit from traveling, like brachycephalic dogs.
International Travel
Transporting a pet to a foreign country can be a complex process that may require weeks to months of preparation. Our USDA Accredited Veterinarians are well-versed in the export procedures for most countries and can help tailor a plan for your pet.
Where to Begin Planning for Traveling with Pets
When considering international travel with your pet, reach out to us to review the necessary requirements. Some countries have minimal requirements such as Rabies vaccination, including Mexico and Canada, while others have detailed regulations that could span over six months or longer.
Microchip Scanning in Other Countries
Most microchips implanted in the last ten years are ISO compliant and can be scanned by any microchip reader. Domestic chips, operating on a different frequency, are only detectable by scanners in the United States. We can easily determine the chip type by scanning its number. Microchips are required in some locations.
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Resource for Pet Travel Information
For airline requirements, contact customer service for specific guidelines. For international travel, official guidelines from the USDA APHIS pet travel portal offer updated country requirements.
Dog Entry (and Return) to the United States
The CDC has imposed regulations on all dogs entering the United States. This applies to dogs that originated from the United States, so even a brief day trip across the border to Canada is included. According to the CDC, dogs that do not meet all entry requirements or do not have accurate and valid forms will be denied entry to the United States and returned to the country of departure at the importer's expense. These requirements apply to all dogs, including service dogs and dogs born in the United States.
To Enter the United States
All dogs entering or returning to the United States must meet specific CDC requirements:
- All dogs must be at least 6 months old.
- All dogs must be microchipped with an ISO compatible 15-digit chip.
- All dogs need a CDC Dog Import Form filled out online, ideally 2 to 10 days before arrival.
- Dogs must meet rabies vaccination rules based on whether vaccination was done in the United States and whether the dog was in a high-risk country for rabies within 6 months prior to import.
Please note that rabies vaccination rules are not standardized. Many dogs appropriately vaccinated based on New Jersey law are not considered vaccinated by the CDC.
Other Helpful Travel Resources
Pet owners preparing for domestic or international transit can utilize federal agriculture guidelines and carrier customer service contacts to confirm specific transport rules.
Partner with Us for Your Pet's Health
Preparing your pet for upcoming travel or routine veterinary care requires proper planning and timely physical examinations. Our team at Absecon Veterinary Hospital is ready to guide you through state regulations, international export documentation, microchipping, and wellness treatments. If you have confirmed travel plans or need to schedule a consultation for your dog or cat, please reach out to our team. We look forward to assisting you and ensuring your pet receives high quality care.
