Everything to know about obtaining pet passports
Want to travel all around the world or move to another country? Want to bring your cat or another pet along? You will need a Pet Passport.
After everything you went through together, there’s no way that you’ll leave your fluffy friend behind.
Well, same as you, it’ll need a passport to cross the border. If you don’t know how to get it, don’t worry. This article will teach you everything you need to know about pet passports.
That said, depending on where you’re planning to go, you might need additional documentation. Each country has its own set of rules and requirements you’ll have to fulfill. So, moving long-distance with a cat is possible, but you’ll have to look into what you’ll need to do it. In essence, a pet passport shows that your pet is healthy and that it can travel. Let’s see how to get it in the US.
How to get a Pet Passport in the USA?
Book an appointment with your vet
The vet is the first stop on your journey. However, before you make an appointment, make sure that it’s federally accredited. When you call them, tell them about the purpose of your visit so they can prepare for it.
They’ll ask you about which countries you plan to visit and administer the required vaccinations and treatments accordingly. Once it’s all done, your pet will get an official health certificate. And when you have it, you can go to the next step.
Pet Passport USDA embossing/stamping
If you want to take your pet outside the US, you must send all the relevant paperwork to the State USDA office first. You can visit their site to learn about the regulations in the country you want to go to, or call them and ask for assistance. Either way, you’ll learn what exactly you need to do to prepare your feline or pet for the travel.
What are the basic requirements for a pet passport?
If you did everything by the book, your pet might be able to get the passport right away. To check this, take a look at the basic requirements. Your pet will need the following:
- Rabies vaccination
- Health certificate
- USDA endorsement
Rabies vaccination will be a must for most countries if you have a dog, cat, or a ferret. Dogs will also need it to come back to the country once you’re done with your travels. Also, it’s important to mention that to enter most places, your pet will need to be vaccinated at least 28 days before you get there. We already explained the process of getting a health certificate and USDA endorsement, so we won’t talk about them again.
Standard requirements for entering other countries
The next thing we want to tackle in our guide on everything you need to know about pet passports is the additional requirements that other places around the world might have. Naturally, if you want to move to the other side of the world with your cat and have an easy and stress-free experience, you’ll need to learn about them. So, here are some of the most common things you might expect.
Pet Microchipping
In the US, you don’t have to microchip your pet to get a passport. On the other hand, in the EU and UK, So, if you’re planning to get there, you’ll need it.
Doing this to your pet may sound scary to you, but it isn’t. It’s a quick process that you can get done in your local vet clinic. And although it isn’t a must, it’s recommended you do this. If your cat or dog goes missing one day, you’ll be able to get it back a lot more easily if it has a chip.
Pet Passport Requirement Rabies titer test
A rabies titer test, or rabies blood test as it’s sometimes called, is another typical requirement. A vet will take a sample of your pet’s blood, and they’ll send it for testing to make sure it has a sufficient amount of rabies antibody. If you need to get it, give yourself at least two months to do it. You’ll have to wait 28 days after the vaccination, and the results often need up to a month to get back. Moreover, you’ll need to get it done between 30 and 180 days before your travel day. Plan carefully to avoid any nasty surprises later.
Import license for pets
To enter some counties with your feline friend, you’ll need to have an import license or permit. Most of the time, you can apply for these online, and you won’t have to go through a lot of hustle to get them. However, that doesn’t mean you can leave it for the last day. Inform yourself about the process at least a month before you move, so you have enough time to do it. Then, all you should do is learn how to introduce your cat to a new home, and you’re all set.
How much does a pet passport cost in the US?
You can expect to spend anywhere between $40 and $1,100 to get a passport for your cat. The cost will vary depending on the clinics you go to and the countries you’re planning to visit.
Here’s a list so you can calculate what figure you’ll need to pay:
- Rabies vaccination: Between $15 to $20. Some charities offer it for free.
- Health certificate: Anywhere between $25-$250. Again, you can get it for free.
- Pet microchipping: $25-$60. Some charities will do it for free.
- Rabies titer test: $80-$150
- USDA embossing: $38
- Import permit: It depends on the country you’re going to.
How long does it take to get everything sorted?
The process can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months from start to finish. It all depends on the country you’re visiting or moving to. The more additional documents you need, the longer it will take.
To make sure you’ll get there in time, start your research as soon as possible and follow the tips to keep cats healthy in the meantime. On top of that, we advise you to inform your vet about your travel plans. They’ll be of great help here, so it’s good to engage them early.
And that’s everything you need to know about pet passports. We hope you have found some valuable information here, and we wish you happy and safe travel.
