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Changing Rules for Pets Crossing the Border
Changing Rules for Pets Crossing the Border
- posted: Oct. 09, 2024
Our pets are part of our families, and sometimes, where we go, they go, too. This often means crossing country borders with our furry friends. Recently, the rules have changed for traveling to the United States, particularly with dogs. Our vets at Cypress Street Animal Hospital in Vancouver, BC, offer advice on taking your dog or cat across the border.
What Are the New Rules?
According to the CDC, dogs entering the United States “must have a microchip, appear healthy, and be at least six months old.” The animal must also have an up-to-date rabies vaccine. Below are good general points to follow.
Does My Pet Need a Health Certificate From a Vet To Cross the Border?
In most cases, your pet will need a health certificate to cross international borders. This document, also known as a veterinary certificate or pet passport, certifies that your pet is healthy and fit to travel. The requirements can vary depending on the destination country, but generally, you'll need:
- A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel
- Proof of rabies vaccination
- Documentation of any other required vaccinations or treatments
Check with the departure and arrival country's animal health authorities for the most up-to-date requirements.
Does My Pet Need a Microchip To Travel?
This is a new requirement for the United States and may be necessary for travel to other countries. Microchipping provides a permanent form of identification for your pet, which can be crucial if you become separated from your animal. Microchipping offers peace of mind even if it's not required for your destination. If your pet gets lost in an unfamiliar place, a microchip greatly increases the chances of reunion.
Vaccination Requirements for Pets at the Border
Vaccination requirements can vary depending on the countries involved, but rabies vaccination is almost always required for dogs and often for cats. It's recommended that your pet is updated on other core vaccinations such as distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis for dogs, and feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia for cats. Pay attention to the timing of vaccinations and carry your pet's vaccination records when traveling. A licensed veterinarian should sign these.
Quality Care From Our Veterinarians Near You
Cypress Street Animal Hospital serves the Kitsilano area of Vancouver, West Vancouver, and more. We’re more than just a pet hospital. Our affordable veterinary clinic is here for pet wellness exams, vaccinations, health certificates, and microchipping. If you’re in the downtown Vancouver or Richmond, BC area, call us at 604-734-2500. We’ll gladly provide you with more information to keep your pet happy, healthy, and current on legal requirements.
Changing Rules for Pets Crossing the Border
- posted: Oct. 09, 2024
Our pets are part of our families, and sometimes, where we go, they go, too. This often means crossing country borders with our furry friends. Recently, the rules have changed for traveling to the United States, particularly with dogs. Our vets at Cypress Street Animal Hospital in Vancouver, BC, offer advice on taking your dog or cat across the border.
What Are the New Rules?
According to the CDC, dogs entering the United States “must have a microchip, appear healthy, and be at least six months old.” The animal must also have an up-to-date rabies vaccine. Below are good general points to follow.
Does My Pet Need a Health Certificate From a Vet To Cross the Border?
In most cases, your pet will need a health certificate to cross international borders. This document, also known as a veterinary certificate or pet passport, certifies that your pet is healthy and fit to travel. The requirements can vary depending on the destination country, but generally, you'll need:
- A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel
- Proof of rabies vaccination
- Documentation of any other required vaccinations or treatments
Check with the departure and arrival country's animal health authorities for the most up-to-date requirements.
Does My Pet Need a Microchip To Travel?
This is a new requirement for the United States and may be necessary for travel to other countries. Microchipping provides a permanent form of identification for your pet, which can be crucial if you become separated from your animal. Microchipping offers peace of mind even if it's not required for your destination. If your pet gets lost in an unfamiliar place, a microchip greatly increases the chances of reunion.
Vaccination Requirements for Pets at the Border
Vaccination requirements can vary depending on the countries involved, but rabies vaccination is almost always required for dogs and often for cats. It's recommended that your pet is updated on other core vaccinations such as distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis for dogs, and feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia for cats. Pay attention to the timing of vaccinations and carry your pet's vaccination records when traveling. A licensed veterinarian should sign these.
Quality Care From Our Veterinarians Near You
Cypress Street Animal Hospital serves the Kitsilano area of Vancouver, West Vancouver, and more. We’re more than just a pet hospital. Our affordable veterinary clinic is here for pet wellness exams, vaccinations, health certificates, and microchipping. If you’re in the downtown Vancouver or Richmond, BC area, call us at 604-734-2500. We’ll gladly provide you with more information to keep your pet happy, healthy, and current on legal requirements.
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Vancouver, BC V6J 1C6, Canada
