Travelling With Your Pet
Be Prepared
Traveling with your pet can be a lot of fun, and practical too (finding a pet-sitter isn't always easy). Pet owners should, however, be aware that each country has its own laws and regulations for importing pets (either for a short-term visit or for a long-term move).
It is the pet owner's responsibility to contact the country (or its consulate/embassay) to which they are travelling for importation requirements. Many governments have this information available on their official web sites - a call to the country's consulate to confirm that this information is up-to-date may be a good idea.
Besides regulations about bringing food and other items on your trip, most countries impose health requirements. For example, some countries require proof that your cat/dog has been vaccinated against diseases such as, rabies or parvovirus.
Once you have gathered information about the country's requirements for your pet, you may need to take the information to your regular veterinarian who can help you to:
a) Ensure that your pet has received all of the required (and suggested) vaccinations,
b) Ensure that you have all of the correct documentation (e.g., some governments require that pet owners travel with a animal health certificate),
c) Determine if your pet is healthy and ready for the voyage (e.g., car, train, airplane or ship) and any mandatory quarantine period (i.e., some countries require that pets be quarantined at a government facility for a period of time either before you leave Canada or when you arrive at your destination),
d) Provide you with necessary and approved medications or prescriptions for the length of your trip, or
e) (if you're moving to another country) Provide a copy of your pet's medical records for the pet's new veterinarian.
Whatever your travel plans, your veterinarian can help you and your pet to be prepared.