Basic Vaccinations a Pet Needs Before International Travel

Arranging for the relevant documentation and paperwork is one of the most labor-intensive aspects of international pet travel. While you may not require much in the way of paperwork when travelling with your pet domestically, each country has its own set of laws and restrictions which you must comply with to complete an international relocation successfully. Since nobody wants to transport or grant entry to a sick or ill animal internationally, travelers are required to carry proof of vaccination, which is also known as a pet passport or vaccination record. To help ease your journey, we’ve compiled a list of basic vaccinations every pet should have before an international journey.

Pet Vaccinations Required for International Travel

While different countries impose different rules regarding pet travel, there are a few basics which will remain consistent. For example, a rabies vaccination is a basic requirement which will be mandatory regardless of your destination. The vaccination must be at least 30 days old but no more than a year old as a rule of thumb; While you may have gotten your pet rabies shot may be valid for 3 years, some countries enforce this rule to minimize the risks associated with such a move.

A rabies vaccine will be a basic requirement for dogs, cats, and other household pets. However, depending on your destination. Your cat/dog may require additional immunizations to comply with import laws. It is recommended you check these requirements and laws and get your pet vaccinated in a timely manner. Here are a few extra vaccinations which can be included in the import requirements. Even if they aren’t needed, a bit of extra protection against infectious diseases is hardly something to object to.

For Dogs:

• Rabies
• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
• Leptospirosis
• CIV (Canine Influenza Virus) 

For Cats:

• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
• FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) 

Additional Requirements for International Pet Travel

Different countries have different laws regarding vaccination, but regardless of the rules, it is wise to be prepared before embarking on a long-distance pet relocation. Alongside the basic and mandatory vaccines, here are a few pet travel essentials you will need on your journey, be it for safety or convenience reasons.

1. Chip - A pet microchip is permanent proof of ID and is a mandatory requirement when travelling overseas. Both the airline and your destination country will list a pet microchip as a mandatory import requirement, and it is an excellent safety device which helps identify your pet if they get lost, wander off, or is mixed up with a similar-looking pet. Pet microchips are standardized across the world; just make sure you have an ISO 11784/11785 chip and you’re good to go.
   
   
2. Rabies Titer Test  - Some countries require more than proof of vaccination against rabies. Depending on whether you're travelling from a country which is classified as a "high rabies" country, you may need to produce the results of a rabies titer test. This test checks for the level of antibodies in a given blood sample through titration and ensures your pet is adequately immune to rabies before travelling. You may/may not require this test depending on your country of origin & destination.
   
   
3. Import Permit & Documentation - Along with a pet passport, you will require an import permit and an export permit before flying with your pet overseas. Depending on your destination country, you may be required to get such a certificate endorsed by the appropriate (or approved) veterinarian. Along with this, you will require a health certificate/fit-to-fly certificate. Such a certificate is completed by a vet after a checkup, to ensure your pet is healthy and fit to fly before an airplane journey.  
   
   
4. Parasite treatment - While not prescribed by all countries, some countries require you to treat your pet against internal and external parasites before an international move. This is done to prevent the introduction of parasitic infections into a country. Such treatment is supposed to be administered to a pet shortly before travel (roughly 24-72 hours before departure), so make sure to check if your destination country requires this treatment as an import requirement.