Blog: Traveling with Pets: New Rules from the CDC

As of August 1, 2024, new rules for traveling abroad with your pet will go into effect. The CDC has released a detailed list of their new regulations, which you can view here. Additionally, the PetLink Team has summarized what you need to know before you go:

Schedule an Appointment with your Vet

As part of your pre-travel plans, schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. They’ll need to assess if your pet is healthy enough to travel and provide you with destination-required documentation. Requirements for your pet entering another country may include the following:

• Microchips for identification (before going to your vet, make sure you login to PetLink to check that your contact information is up to date!).
• Updated vaccinations, permits, and health certifications (required for dogs in some countries).
• Updated blood tests.

You may also require medication to ease your pet’s travel experience. Ask your vet about using tranquilizers or sedatives on your pet during travel.

Research Your Preferred Airline’s Pet Travel Policies

Different airlines will have different rules for pet travel. While some may allow small dogs and cats to be stowed under your seat, others may require that all-size animals be checked into the cargo hold. It’s worth checking how your preferred airline allows your pet to travel before booking a flight.

Note: Some U.S.-specific carriers won’t allow pets on a plane from May until September, as they are the hottest months for the U.S. and could carry significant risk to your pet.

The most important thing is to consider your pet’s comfort during active travel time. Here is how you can prepare your pet for traveling:

• Research effective pet carriers for airline travel (you can find something that could work for you and your pet on com).
• Make sure to acclimate your pet to the new travel carrier before traveling.
• Choose flights with little to no layovers.
• If you have a dog: take them out once before leaving for the airport and again before getting on the plane.
• If you have a cat: play with them vigorously and allow them to use the litterbox before crating them.
• If your pet may be brought into the main cabin, try to check-in as late as possible to reduce your pet’s stress levels in the airport.
• If your pet must go to the cargo hold, check-in early so that your pet can go to the quiet part of the plane faster.

Illness or Death of a Pet During Travel

Even if you take precautions, traveling can potentially be deadly for pets. If a pet passes away on a flight, public health officials are required to test the remains of a deceased pet. They do this to make sure the pet didn’t die of a disease that can spread to humans. When they go through these tests, it is not only a cost to you, but your pet’s remains will likely not be returned to you.

Advice from the CDC: “Make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel by air. If you have any doubts, consider leaving your pet with a trusted friend, family member, or boarding kennel during your trip, or taking another mode of transportation.”

Read Up on the Requirements for Dogs and Cats Arriving in the U.S.

There are no requirements for cats and dogs leaving the U.S., but there are a few for dogs and cats who come back.

• Dogs that enter or are re-entering the U.S. must at least appear healthy, but some states will require a vaccination and/or health certificate.
  • For extra details on dog-specific regulations, you can read the CDC’s article on what they look for when someone is bringing a dog into the United States.
  • The CDC has temporarily suspendedthe importation of dogs arriving from countries that CDC considers high risk for dog rabies, including dogs that have visited a high-risk country in the past 6 months.
• Cats aren’t required to have any specific health certifications, but the CDC recommends that all cats be vaccinated for rabies regardless of whether they are traveling or not.

A Quick Note on Nautical Travel

Different cruise lines have different rules about whether a pet or service animal can travel with you and what documentation is required. If you are planning to travel with your pets internationally on a cruise ship or other maritime vessel, you will be required to meet federal entry requirements to enter or re-enter the U.S. with your pets. It is worth reviewing the CDC’s list of countries that are marked high-risk for dog rabies.

The PetLink team wishes you safe and happy travels for you and your pet!