A Guide to International Travel with Pets

By Sneha Desai: Dog Mom to @kodathecanineyoda

Dreaming about taking your pup overseas? Here’s how we did it-and how you can too!

After traveling with Koda, our now 13-year-old rescue dog to Italy, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands, the question we get most often is, “How do you fly internationally with a dog?”

We’ll admit, it was intimidating to even think about taking Koda on an overseas adventure. But after our first trip, we quickly learned that with a little preparation and patience, the journey can be safe, smooth, and surprisingly fun for both your fur baby and you!

Here are some tips from our travels with Koda that can help you prepare for an international trip of your own.

Start Planning Early (Really Early!)

International pet travel isn’t something you can pull together at the last minute. Many countries have strict entry rules for pets, including vaccination schedules, waiting periods, and detailed paperwork. Your first step should be checking the aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel website. It lists all the requirements for your destination country, including necessary vaccines, documents, and any quarantine rules. The earlier you start, the less stressful the process will be!

Schedule a Vet Visit

Next, book an appointment with a USDA-accredited veterinarian (your regular vet may already be one-just ask!) to make sure your dog is healthy and up to date on required vaccinations. Most countries require proof of rabies vaccination and an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Many destinations also require a microchip for identification, and the health certificate may need to be endorsed by the USDA in a timely fashion before you fly. (Make sure to carry these documents on you while flying out!)

We love EaDo Veterinary Clinic in East Downtown Houston. Having a dedicated pet travel expert on their staff made the process so much easier- they handled the paperwork, leaving us free to focus on packing for our adventure.

(Typical cost for the exam and certificate ranges from $300–$400.)

Choosing the Right Airline and Flight

Each airline handles pets a little differently. Small dogs may be allowed in the cabin under the seat, while larger dogs typically travel in the cargo hold in a climate-controlled area. Since Koda weighs only 13 pounds, he travels in-cabin in his Large Sherpa Travel Pet Carrier, which fits perfectly under the seat.

When booking your flight, remember to ask about:

Breed restrictions (some airlines don’t allow short-nosed breeds)
Carrier requirements (exact dimensions and ventilation regulations)
Luggage allowance (airlines usually consider the carrier a carry-on item)
Reservation limits (how many pets per flight)

(Pet travel fee: usually $150–$200 one way)

Helping Your Dog Prepare

Koda is naturally calm, but even easygoing dogs benefit from practice. Introduce the travel carrier early; let your pup nap, eat, and relax inside so it feels familiar.

Avoid sedating your dog unless your vet specifically recommends it. Feed a light meal before flying, visit a pet relief area before boarding, remove collars for comfort, and tuck in a favorite toy. Because pets must remain in their carriers during the flight (unless they’re service animals), it helps to let them burn off some energy before takeoff so they can snooze midair.

Bon Voyage!!

So, you see, traveling abroad with your dog does not have to be complicated! Plan ahead and before you know it, your best friend will be trotting beside you in a brand-new place; tail wagging, nose sniffing, and ready to explore the world by your side.

Follow along for more tips on how to have a wonderful time with your dog once you get to your destination!