How to get a Pet Passport in 2022
Get a pet passport for your dog!
Flying and traveling with your dog
Sometimes traveling with a pet can be a handful and requires a little bit of extra planning. Surely you're wondering how you can fly or travel with your dog, and we can help you with that.
Can you bring your dog on a plane?
Typically in the US, small dogs are allowed in the airplane cabin as long as they are in a pet-carrier that fits under the seat. See "How can I fly with my dog within the United States?" below for more details.
How to Get a Passport for your Dog in 2022
If you want to get your dog a passport so that they can fly with you on a plane, you're in the right place. However, if you want to get a Pup Passport, which is a dog-friendly brewery passport in Portland and Seattle and drink beer with your dog, then you can learn more at Pup Passport's website.
The process to get a pet passport for your dog depends on if you are flying within the united states, traveling to a country outside of the US, or coming to the United States from another country. If you are immigrating into the US, please read more info here. You do not need a pet passport if you are flying within the united states.
What is a US Pet Passport?
The documents required will depend on which country you are traveling to. Each country you visit has different rules and requirements when it comes to importing pets including dogs, and these rules often vary depending on your pet's species (cat, etc - although we're only outlining dog requirements here). Basically, a pet passport is the official documentation to show that your pet is fit and healthy to travel with you.
Pup Passport
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How can I fly with my dog in the United States?
This is an easy one, fortunately, if you have a small dog. Large dogs may be a bit trickier. Generally speaking, if your pet carrier (with your dog inside) is able to fit under the seat in front of you, then your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that allow it. Larger dogs will have to be treated as a checked bag, in their carrier of course, and will be stowed under the cabin with the rest of the luggage. This understandably may make you uncomfortable, especially since there is no supervision under the cabin. We've been told that airlines typically keep an eye on pet carriers - so in essence they won't be thrown around like luggage, but unfortunately you'll have to be without your pet on the plane.
Again, this is only if you are flying within the US, for example from North Carolina to Oregon. Typically for this to be successful with your small dog, your dog must weigh no more then 20 to 30 pounds to be able to comfortably fit in a pet carrier. You can also call the airport help desk for recommendations about which terminals and airlines are most dog friendly, and where in the terminal your dog can go to relieve themselves. Many airports have pet relief stations in 2022.
That's it, no passport required! Passports are only used for traveling to another country with your dog. However we do recommend you call your vet to make sure your dog is fit for travel if they will be getting on a plane. Your vet may also recommend that you give your pup some medication such as Trazedone to help them calm down on the plane. Fortunately doggy Trazedone will usually cost you under $20, and is great to have just in case.
Airline Pet Travel Options
1. Checked Baggage Cabin (small dogs)
Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant carrier stowed under the seat.
2. Checked Baggage Cargo (large dogs)
Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
3. Manifest Cargo
Unaccompanied or very large pets will travel as manifest cargo in the hold. This mostly applies if you are shipping an animal and are not accompanying them on the flight and this is something that is arranged ahead of time.
4. Service/Comfort Animals
Registered service animals can travel in the cabin with a disabled passenger on many airlines.
5. Pet Friendly Private Jet Charter
If you have the means, you can fly on a private jet with your pup. However, you're looking at $35k for a one way ticket from New York to LA.
How do I get a Pet Passport in the US?
This section will outline the steps necessary to get a pet passport if you live in the United States and want to travel to another country. First take a look at our checklist summary below, and then we'll get into more details about getting a pet passport.
Basic requirements for a US Pet Passport in 2022
At a glance, you need to complete a handful of requirements in order to obtain a pet passport for your furry friend and to fly to most countries. The requirements vary by country, so we'll cover all the basics and a couple probably-needed items.
In order to get a US Pet Passport your pet will need the following:
- Rabies vaccination
- Health certificate
- USDA endorsement
And also possibly: - Pet microchipping
- Rabies titer test
- Tapeworm treatment
- Import license
Step 1: Book an appointment with the vet
In order to get a pet passport in the US, you will need to visit afederally accredited vet. That last part is important. Call your vet and ask if they are federally accredited. If your vet is not accredited, they should be able to refer you to one that is.
When you book your appointment, inform the vet that you want to get your dog a pet passport. Mention the steps above to get more details on which of those steps your vet can perform (it should be most, if not all, and will have additional steps and info based on where you want to travel). The appointment will include administration of required vaccinations and treatments based on which country or countries you are visiting such as the rabies titer test and tapeworm treatment. Once your pet has had a full health check and required vaccinations and treatments, the vet will provide you with an official health certificate. The health certificate will provide evidence your pet is fit for takeoff and travel. All countries require a rabies certificate and also proof of good health.
Most countries require that dogs, cats and even ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. It is also a requirement for dogs to return to the USA after travel. Cat’s generally do not need a rabies vaccine but depends on the destination country. Usually your pet has to be vaccinated at least 28 days prior to entering the destination country. Your dog will also need to be vaccinated within the past 1 to 3 years, again depending on the country. Your federally accredited vet will be aware of all the requirements and will be happy to discuss them with you in more detail. The USA doesn’t accept 3 years rabies vaccinations. The date of the vaccination must be less than 12 months prior to re-entering the USA.
Step 2: Apply for USDA endorsement stamping
Each pet leaving the United States is required to send relevant paperwork required for the destination country to the State USDA office for endorsement before you leave the US. After completing your visit with your vet, you need to contact your local USDA veterinary service center. You can find the closest one here. Additionally, the USDA has a list of different country regulations at the USDA website here.
Additional steps
Pet Passports in the United States allow you to travel with your dog to another country. Not to sound like a broken record, but this really does depend on the country you're visiting, the size of your dog, and what your vet recommends. For this reason, we recommend talking to your vet months in advance from your trip. It's probably a good idea to talk to your vet before you book your flight, or in the very least get travel protection on your flight since there is a chance the pet passport process will take longer than expected.
How long does it take to get a Pet Passport in 2022?
Getting a US pet passport for your dog can take a few weeks or many months. Your vet will have a better idea, and will depending on where you are traveling to. For example if the destination country requires a rabies titer test, your pet's bloodworksample is sent to a laboratory and can take a month to get yourresults. The whole process has to start over if your dog fails the test. This is why we recommend talking to your vet ASAP and get the details squared away now. We recommend talking to your vet first about your pet passport many months before you book your flight.
How much does a Pet Passport cost in 2022?
The price to obtain a US Pet Passport in 2022 is not set in stone. A pet passport can cost as little as $100 or as much as $1,000. The cost ranges drastically depending on which accredited vet clinic youvisit and which country you are traveling to. We recommend seeking an accredited vet clinic in the suburbs, since city-based vet clinics could cost 2 to 3 times more. This also depends on if your pet fails any of the tests, for example the rabies titer test, which will mean you have to redo that step. You can usually expect a vet consultation to cost you $100 minimum, especially if you are a new patient, however there are sometimes charity-based vet clinics that can do one or more of these steps for you if you qualify.
#1 Rabies vaccination – the average cost of the one-year rabies vaccination is around $20 to $30. A three-year shot will usually costs closer to $50. However your vet might be able to recommend local charities who can do this service for free depending on where you live and if you qualify.
#2 Health certificate – the average cost of a veterinary consultation can be between $40 and $150. We've found that inner-city vet clinics will cost you more, so you're better off looking for a clinic in the suburbs. This is another service that charities might offer for free.
#3 Pet microchipping – Getting your dog microchipped is a good idea regardless of if you are traveling or not. Typically this will cost around $50 on it's own. This is another service that charities might perform for free.
#4 Rabies titer test – This test is a bit more expensive and could cost $75 to $175 depending on the clinic.
#5 Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) – This one will only set you back around $20 to $30.
#6 USDA endorsement – the price starts at $40 and increases with the number of tests and animals. Contact the APHIS VS Area Office in your state for more information.
Why get a Pet Passport?
A pet passport is a requirement if you are flying to another country. Different countries have their own import and export laws and regulations that you must adhere to if you plan on traveling with your dog. This applies to all animals, not just dogs, and the rules are different per species, although we only cover the basics for getting a dog pet passport here. A pet passport is required if you plan on moving to a different country. It might be uncomfortable to bring your pet with you to another country if they are too big for an under the seat carrier, but there are ways to minimize the stress. One useful method is talking to your vet about doggy anxiety meds, which can help safely sedate them on their journey.
Is it easy to bring your dog on a plane in 2022?
Yeah, it's not too bad, if your dog is able to fit under the seat in a carrier. If you have a small dog then you're in luck. Dogs weighing under 30 pounds can typically fit under the seat and are allowed to board a plan as carry-on luggage. It might be a good idea to look into the size of travel-pet carriers, and ensure that they are airplane compliant carry-on size. If, however, you have a larger dog, then it might be a good idea to leave them at a local pet boarding service. That is, if you are just traveling for a vacation within the United States. There are lots of affordable pet hotels and pet boarding services that start at $35/day and can go up to $65/day depending on location and day. Weekends sometimes have a peak-service fee. If you want your dog to travel by plane with you and they are over 30 pounds, they can still go on a plane, but they will be considered a checked-bag, and will have to board cargo-hold of the plan, which is an unsupervised area. Pet carriers are almost always treated better than luggage, fortunately, so it's unlikely they will be tossed around by airline employees, but unfortunately we're aware that this isn't the most comforting answer or option. You can arrange to drive with your pet to the destination instead, which might be a better option.