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We are heading to Great Britain and the EU for a few months next year, and have been struggling with what we will do with our 10 year old female Havanese Dog, Bella. Should we bring her along, or find a relative or friend willing to take care of her for several months. It is a tough call. She is a bit neurotic, and may be traumatized by the flights, but she will also be upset at having new caretakers for an extended period.

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We have been looking into the requirements for bringing pets along as slow travelers and expats, and they are generally similar regardless of destination. Here is a quick rundown for Great Britain, the EU, Thailand, Columbia, and Mexico.

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To bring a pet from the US into Great Britain as a US citizen, you must follow the UK government's Pet Travel Scheme (PETSs):

Documentation: Obtain a UK animal health certificate (AHC) from a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel, and get the health certificate endorsed by the USDA within 10 days of travel.

Pet Identification and Health

• Microchip your pet with an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip (before the rabies vaccination).

• Vaccinate your pet against rabies after microchipping at least 21 days before travel (The vaccine must be up-to-date at the time of travel).

Additional Requirements

• Dogs must receive tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before arrival in Great Britain (And the treatment documented in the AHC).

• Pets must enter through approved ports of entry (e.g., London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, or Edinburgh airports) that accept pets.

• Pets typically must travel as manifest cargo unless they are certified service animals.

Important Considerations

• Pets may be put into quarantine for up to 4 months if these requirements are not met (At the owner's expense)

• Certain breeds (like pit bulls) are restricted in the UK.

Some people use a pet broker to assist with customs clearance upon arrival. And remember to check with your airline for any additional requirements they may have for traveling with your pets.

Check out the latest UK Government Pet Travel guidance to confirm requirements and any recent updates.  Here is the full guide (it's a bit long).  USDA APHIS also has a webpage with information about the traveling with pets to the UK.

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US citizens wanting to travel to the EU with pets typically need to meet the requirements of the EU Pet Travel Scheme:

Documentation: You must obtain an EU Animal Health Certificate. This is the primary document required for US pets entering the EU24. It must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service). The Certificate must be obtained within 10 days before your arrival in the EU, and confirm the microchip, rabies vaccination, and other necessary details.. It is valid for 4 months of travel within the EU or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first.

Pet Identification and Health

• Microchip: Pets must have an ISO-compliant microchip for identification.

• Rabies Vaccination: Must be up-to-date and administered after microchipping, at least 21 days before travel (The vaccine must be up-to-date at the time of travel.  

• A rabies titer test is required if you're traveling through a country considered "unlisted" before entering the EU.

• If traveling to specific countries like Finland, Ireland, Malta, or Norway, dogs must receive tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours (1–5 days) before entering. The treatment must be documented in the AHC.

• Other Vaccinations: Ensure all routine vaccinations are current.

Additional Considerations

• Number of Pets: You can travel with up to 5 pets without additional requirements.

• Entry Points: Pets must enter the EU through an approved Border Inspection Post (BIP) or entry point where pets are allowed.

• Some EU countries may restrict certain breeds of dogs (e.g., pit bulls). Check the regulations of your destination country.

• Non-Dog/Cat/Ferret Pets: For other pets like birds, reptiles, or rabbits, check the national rules of the specific EU country you're visiting.

For Expats staying in the EU for more than 90 days, you may need to register your pet with local authorities in your country of residence. Check specific national rules of the EU country you're staying in, as requirements can vary. Once are in the EU, you should obtain an EU pet passport from an authorized vet for future travel between EU countries as long as the rabies vaccination remains current

You can check the European Commission's pet travel guidance for the most up-to-date information.

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To bring a pet into Thailand, you need to meet several requirements:

Documentation

• Import Permit: Obtain this from the Department of Livestock Development before travel. It's valid for 60 days, and mist accompany your pet during travel.

• Veterinary Health Certificate: Must be issued within 10 days of arrival, in English, and endorsed by the government of the exporting country.

• Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Required if coming from a non-rabies-free country.

• Passport Copy: A copy of the pet owner's passport is required.

Pet Identification and Health

• Microchip: Pets must have an ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784 or 11785)13.

• Vaccinations:

• Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days and no more than 1 year before entering Thailand. A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required.

• Other Vaccinations include Dogs vaccinated for distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. And cats vaccinated for feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis. These vaccinations must also be administered at least 21 days before travel.

• Parasite Treatment: Your pet must receive internal and external parasite treatments (e.g., deworming and flea/tick prevention) within 14 days of travel. The details must be documented on the health certificate.

Additional Requirements

• Age Restriction: Puppies and kittens must be at least 4 months old for export.

• Health Inspection: Pets may be subject to inspection upon arrival.

• Quarantine: Pets that do not meet import conditions may be quarantined at the owner's expense or denied entry. Officials have discretion to quarantine pets for up to 30 days if deemed necessary at the owners expense.

Entry Points

• Pets can enter through Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok or Phuket Airport. Upon arrival, pets will be inspected by a quarantine officer

• Breed Restrictions: Some breeds of dogs (e.g., pit bulls) may face additional restrictions in Thailand. Verify this with Thai authorities if applicable.

• Multiple Pets: If importing more than two pets, additional documentation or special approval may be required.

Remember to check with Thai authorities for the most up-to-date information, as requirements can change. Contact the Thai Department of Livestock Development (DLD) or the nearest Thai embassy/consulate for the latest requirements. Here is the website from USDA APHIS regarding transporting pets to Thailand.

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To bring a pet into Colombia, you need to meet the following requirements:

Documentation

• Obtain an international health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. The certificate must state that your pet is in good health, free from contagious diseases, and fit to travel. In the United States, this certificate must be endorsed by the USDA.

• Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Valid and administered at least 21 days before travel

• Vaccination Records: For other required vaccinations

• An import permit is not required for most personal pets, but it is always a good idea to check with the Colombian consulate or the ICA in case there are updates.

Pet Identification and Health

• Microchip is recommended but not mandatory

• Vaccinations for dogs: Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Coronavirus (except from Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru)

• Vaccinations for cats: Rabies, Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Calicivirus

• Your pet must be treated for internal and external parasites (deworming and flea/tick treatments) within 15 days before travel. The treatments must be documented in the health certificate.

Additional Considerations

• Age Restriction: Puppies and kittens under 4 months are exempt from rabies vaccination but may require home quarantine4

• Entry Points: Pets can enter through El Dorado International Airport in Bogota or José María Córdova International Airport in Medellin

• Several dog breeds are prohibited, including Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers, among others. Exotic pets (e.g., birds or reptiles) have stricter requirements and typically need an import permit.

Important Notes

• No import permit is required for personal pets entering with their owners

• Pets arriving in cargo hold must register with the Colombia Agriculture Institute

• Pets must be inspected by an ICA officer upon arrival in Colombia. Bring a printed copy of all documentation, including the health certificate and vaccination records. A small fee may be charged for the inspection.

Remember to check with Colombian authorities for the most up-to-date information, as requirements can change. Consult the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) or contact your nearest Colombian embassy/consulate. Here is the website from APHIS regarding travel requirements to Colombia.

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Mexico has simplified its pet import requirements, especially for travelers from the US and Canada. Here are the key points for bringing pets into Mexico:

Documentation

• Obtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian. The certificate must be issued within 10 days before travel. State that the pet is healthy, free of infectious or contagious diseases, and fit to travel. Include the pet’s species, breed, sex, age, color, and identification (e.g., microchip number, if applicable). Confirmation recent parasite treatments.

• If traveling from the U.S., the certificate does not need USDA endorsement, but it must follow the format required by Mexico.

• Pets must have proof of the following vaccinations. Dogs vaccinated for rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. Cats vaccinated for rabies, feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Rabies vaccination must have been administered at least 30 days before entry and must be up-to-date.

• Pets must be treated for external parasites (ticks and fleas) and internal parasites (worms) within 6 months of travel. The health certificate must confirm the treatments and their dates

Pet Limits

• Up to 2 pets (cats, dogs, or one of each) per person allowed without fees

• Additional pets may incur import fees (approximately 1620 MXN per pet)

Entry Requirements

• Pets must be transported in clean carriers without bedding, toys, or accessories. A small amount of dry food and water for one day is permitted

• Pets will be inspected by SENASICA officials upon arrival. pets showing signs of illness or lacking documentation may be quarantined or denied entry.

Health Checks

• Pets should be free of infectious diseases, parasites, and open wounds

• If parasites are found, treatment at owner's expense may be required

Additional Considerations

• For pets from countries other than the US or Canada, additional documentation may be needed

Here is the website from USDA APHIS regarding transporting pets to Mexico.

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If your pet is traveling through (transiting) a country in the European Union (EU) on the way to a third, non-EU country, you will also need a transit health certificate for your pet for the EU.

The transit health certificate will be the same as if your pet’s final destination was the EU country.

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Check specific airline requirements for pet travel. The airlines with the best ratings for transporting pets from the US to the EU appear to be:

• Delta Airlines: Allows pets in the cabin on Transatlantic flights with no maximum weight limit, just a maximum kennel size.

• Air France: Permits dogs up to 8kg (17lb) in the cabin and larger dogs up to 75kg (165.3lb) in the hold.

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Allows one pet per person in the cabin, with a weight limit of 8kg including the carrier.

• Lufthansa: Permits small pets in the cabin and larger animals in the cargo hold. They are noted for being one of the most affordable options for pet travel.

• American Airlines: Offers both in-cabin and cargo options for pets.

These airlines are frequently recommended for their pet-friendly policies, allowing pets either in the cabin or as cargo, and providing clear guidelines for pet travel. It's important to note that specific requirements and restrictions may apply, so it's advisable to check with the airline directly when planning your trip.

USDA APHIS also has some suggestions for safely transporting pets on planes.

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Your pets may be subject to CDC requirements when reentering the US.  

Your dog will NOT be allowed to enter the U.S. if they are not vaccinated against rabies and have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies in the past 6 months. You must follow CDC’s dog importation requirements, or your dog will not be allowed to enter the United States.

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So we are thinking about if the effort required and the stress of the flight will be worth it.

Maybe Bella will sit this trip out.

We will let you know.

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