It is very important to plan ahead when taking your pet on a plane or out of the country. Depending on the airline you are traveling with or your final destination, there are different requirements.
Step 1: Go to the airline’s website and find out what their specific requirements are. This includes minimum travel age, vaccinations, timing of health certificate relative to travel date, as well as any other specifics. Some airlines have restrictions based on weather as well.
Step 2: Go to www.PetTravel.com to do some research about your destination country. It’s a good idea to cross reference that with www.bringfido.com just to be safe. In order to avoid lengthy quarantines in Rabies-free areas, the planning often starts 9 months prior to travel.
Step 3: Contact your Veterinarian if you have some uncertainty on timing. Or just schedule your health certificate exam if you are certain about the timing and confident your Vet can accomplish everything your pet needs in one visit.
Step 4: Travel safe and have fun!
Other considerations – though we have had a higher incidence lately of certain viruses and parasites as compared to times of yore, Flagstaff is still kind of a bubble. It is important to consider what your pet may be at risk of contracting in the destination region or country. For example, heartworm disease has a low incidence in Flagstaff, but many places have an extremely high incidence and all it takes is one blood meal from an infected mosquito to transmit heartworm disease to your pet. Therefore, as a rule of thumb, we recommend all pets be up to date on vaccinations as well as on proper endo and ectoparasite prevention. Parasite coverage is most easily accomplished by having your pet on Interceptor Plus and Bravecto prior to travel.
