Dog Rabies Vaccine Requirements for International Travel

Traveling abroad?  Moving to another country?  Want to take Fido with you?  With careful planning, both you and your dog can enjoy traveling overseas.  The key to a successful international trip with your dog is to start planning at least 3 months in advance, especially if this is your first time traveling abroad with your dog.

Each country has their own pet requirements, and these requirements can vary based on your originating country.  Be prepared to make several trips to your vet to ensure that your dogs have all the necessary vaccines within the requirement guidelines. Because requirements vary between countries,  never assume that your veterinarian knows what vaccines are required.  It is of great importance that you contact the Embassy in the country that you are traveling to in order to get the most current up-to-date information.  Don’t let your trip be spoiled because you do not have the necessary paperwork or vaccinations required and your pooch has to be quarantined for up to 6 months.

Common Vaccination Requirements

-Rabies vaccine.

• The most common vaccination requirement for dogs in most countries is the Rabies vaccine.
• In the United States, some vets offer a 1 year and a 3 year rabies vaccine.
• Not all countries accept the 3 year version, so you will need to get a rabies booster for your dog.
• This vaccine must normally be administered within 30 days of travel.  Other vaccinations sometimes required are for hepatitis and leptospirosis.
• While some countries simply require a standard health certificate and rabies certificate issued by a veterinarian, licensed in the state of origin.
• other countries may require that your pet be examined by a federally-accredited veterinarian and that a United States Interstate and International Certificate for Health Examination for Small Animals (AHPIS form 7001) be issued by that veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA.
• Again, it is extremely important that you contact the local Embassy to get each country’s requirements and time-table for such exams and vaccinations.

Special Requirements

Some countries in Europe have special requirements for dogs being shipped into their country.

Some countries like Sweden, Britain and Norway have been completely rabies free for many years.  Because of this they are very strict about importing dogs into the country.

There is also a possibility that your dog will need a special blood test after receiving a rabies vaccine.  This is a test that you will need to ask for at least six months before traveling.  There are only certain labs that can perform this particular test.  Usually tick and tapeworm treatment are required, as well as micro chipping.

Certain European countries have special regulations for dogs coming in. Britain, Sweden and Norway have been rabies-free for years, so they have strict rules for importing animals into the country.

Dogs need to pass a blood test after receiving their rabies vaccine. You need to ask for this test at least six months before traveling.  As mentioned some countries are very strict and if you don’t comply they can quarantine your dog for up to six month.

Check with Airlines

Always to be sure to check with your airline to see if they have special requirements that the country you are traveling to does not require. M Don’t forget you will also need an airline approved crate that is large enough for your dog to be comfortable.

Last but not least remember that some airlines have embargos on flying dogs when the weather is too hot or cold.

Transporting you dog can be a good experience if you will take the time to get everything required in order before the last moment..  Just remember to allow yourself the proper time to get the required documentation and vaccinations.