What are your vacation plans, do you intend to travel with your dog? Have you wondered about how do I get my dog a US passport? Many pet owners are not aware that they need a US passport for their furry friends.
Don’t be like me that got confused when I was asked to present a passport for my Fido at the airport. I was embarrassed because I should I have make proper research before bringing my dog along.
Kennels and pet sitters cost a lot of money, as a pet owner, you probably know (or at least have some idea) about these especially if you’re planning a long trip.
Travelers prefer to take their cat or dog along with them on the trip. This pattern helps travelers reduce expenses, at the same time gives them the chance to spend some quality time with their furry friends.
What is a US Passport?
Just as you require a passport to travel, your animal companion needs one too. All pets traveling to and from the United States need a passport.
Keep in mind that a “pet passport” in the U.S. refers to the extra documents you need to travel to other countries with your pet.
For those people whose pet was born and raised in a country the U.S. considers to be rabies-free for six months before your departure date, this rule doesn’t apply to them.
U.S citizens must visit a vet certified by the Department of Agriculture if they plan to visit a vet before their trip.
The pet passport, necessary forms, and devices needed for traveling will be given to the pet owner by the vet.
These are the documents you will require if you travel with your pet.
Rabies Vaccination
Rabies remains a deadly risk in some of the world’s most populated countries and affects humans and animals. A rabies checkup for your pet is required some days before you travel by some states.
The U.S. enforces some stringent vaccination rules for dogs, cats, and ferrets Your animals must be vaccinated for rabies 30 days before entry If they are older than three months of age. Check your departure and destination state before you travel.
I have seen pet parents argue that their pets are vaccinated against rabies. However, since they don’t have proof, they end up leaving their dogs behind.
Therefore, I want you to keep the dog’s vaccination card handy before your departure date.
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection
The Veterinary issues a signed document (or health certificate) stating they have inspected the animal for diseases and overall health. Check with your state to ensure yours don’t expire before the trip because these documents are usually valid for only a certain time.
The last thing you want to experience is getting your pet bounced because of an expired certificate. Few weeks before you travel, I visit my vet for this certificate, especially if I have not traveled for a long while.
Acclimation Certificate
This document details the regulations for hot and cold weather extremes while they wait to be placed in plane storage and while on the plane. Call your airline to find out if you need this type of document.
Depending on where you’re traveling to and from, you may require other documents. I don’t forget to make this call because of the health hazards that may occur during our flights.
While different airlines give me their requirements, I still have to check with the airlines about some other factors. For instance,Confirmation of Feeding (food and water before the flight), a Live Animal Checklist (instructions for the airline handlers), and tranquilizer consent forms (from a veterinarian) could be needed.
If you’re flying for that trip, a few other qualifications could come up. There are three different ways you can bring your pet with you on the airlines:
First, your pet can travel on the plane with you (in your cabin or the cargo). Either way, the airline considers your pet as excess/accompanied cargo, and you’ll be charged accordingly.
The next way is to book a separate flight for your pet. The airline will charge you at a cargo rate higher than excess baggage.
Some shippers act as a third party that takes care of every plane-related hurdle. They are a licensed commercial pet shipper. As they cover much of the process, commercial pet shipping costs a good amount extra.
United Airlines bans several breeds of pets from flying, for example, several different breeds of dogs as well as large rabbits, piglets, and chickens cannot travel with you. Also, if your pet has health problems, he or she shouldn’t be stored in the cargo. Although several airlines allow you to travel with your pet with some of these requirements.
The next you want to travel with your pet, try to get the documents I have listed. While some airlines have varying requirements before you fly with your pet, the documents I have here can be your guide.
FAQs
Does my dog need a passport?
All pets traveling to and from the United States need a passport. As you plan for your passport, your animal companion needs one too.
How much does a dog passport cost in the USA?
A complete USA Pet Passport in 2020 can cost anywhere between $38 and $1,110. The Veterinary clinics you visit, the country you are visiting, and the species of your pets determine the price you pay.
How quickly can I get a dog passport?
You can obtain your pet passport in 3 weeks to a month if needed, although some people allow ample time to get their pets a passport. How do I get a pet passport? The process of getting your pet passport is best through your vet.
How do I get my dog a US passport?
A Federal Accredited vet enables you to get a pet passport in the USA. If your vet is not accredited, they should be able to refer you to one that is. Inform them earlier that you want to get your pet a passport.
This way, they can be fully prepared for your visit.