Taking Your Pet Abroad

By Siri Lise Doub

If you’re considering an extended stay overseas it may relieve you to know that you don’t have to leave your pet behind. As more and more people relocate internationally, countries are relaxing their entry requirements for animals.

Each country puts forward different restrictions, but as a general rule your pet will need a recent rabies vaccination, an International Health Certificate, and proof of routine immunization. Also, be prepared to present original documents signed in blue ink (for authenticity) upon arrival. Since requirements can change without notice, be sure to contact the appropriate consulate for details well in advance of your anticipated departure. (Have the appropriate documents handy when you return home as well. The U.S. also requires proof of a recent rabies vaccination.)

France. You are allowed to import as many as three dogs and cats (including only one puppy or kitten) into France. Contact: French Embassy, (202) 944-6000, and Ministry of Agriculture in France, (011) 33-1-49-55-84-83.

Thailand. You must have a health certificate in English signed or further endorsed by a veterinary surgeon stating the number, species, and breeds you are importing. Contact: Thailand Agricultural Affairs office, (202) 338-1543, fax (202) 338-1549.

Belize. A health certificate (signed by a veterinarian), issued not more than 48 hours prior to shipment, must accompany your pet. The animal may be placed under official quarantine for no less than 30 days after date of entry. Only then can you obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. In Washington contact: (202) 332-9636; in Belize contact: Animal Health Section, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Belmopan, Belize; (011) 501-8-22241.

United Kingdom. Since the British Isles are rabies-free, most rabies-susceptible animals require a license and are subject to a six-month quarantine, for which arrangements should be made in advance. This costs pet owners from $1,500-$2,000 depending on the size and type of animal, making England the most expensive country to which to take a pet. Contact: (202) 588-6500 to receive an information package or Head of Animal Health (Disease Control) Branch A, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Government Buildings, Hook Rise South, Tolworth, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 7NF; (011) 44-77-181-330-4411.

Ireland. Because the Republic of Ireland shares a long border with Northern Ireland (still part of the U.K.), it’s impossible to control the movement of pets across it. Therefore, you can take a pet from England to Ireland (e.g., in your car by ferry) and vice versa with no documents or restrictions. It also means that you must quarantine your pet for at least six months if you bring it into Ireland from anywhere other than the U.K. Unlike England, Ireland has only one approved public quarantine premise: Lissenhall Quarantine Kennels and Catteries, Lissenhall, Swords, County Dublin; (011) 353-1-840-1776. Contact this office for details on costs and arrangements.

Mexico. If you have proof that your pet’s shots have been updated and your pet has a health certificate from a veterinarian, you’ll have no problem importing him into Mexico. Contact: Embassy of Mexico, (202) 736-1000.

Spain. A week before departure, simply take your pet’s rabies and health certificates to the embassy to have them stamped. A maximum of two pets may accompany you. Contact: Agricultural Department, (202) 728-2339.

Portugal. All pets entering Portugal must have certificates attesting to good health issued at point of origin by a licensed veterinarian. Contact: Embassy of Portugal, (202) 332-3007.

Poland. Requirements in most Eastern European countries are relaxed, although authorities in Warsaw examine paperwork more carefully than those in other Eastern European capitals. To ship your dog or cat to Poland you need an official certificate from a veterinarian (and a copy). Contacts for permits: Ministry of Agriculture and Food Economy, ul. Wspolna 30, 00-930 Warsaw or (202) 232-4528 in Washington for a faxed copy of the necessary form.

Germany. Dogs and cats not more than three years old may enter Germany provided each animal is accompanied by an international or bilingual certificate of health issued by a licensed veterinarian who certifies that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies within the last 12 months. Contact: Embassy of Germany, (202) 298-4000.