Things to consider before transporting a dog or cat
Humane World for Animals hears from many individuals who, on their travels, encounter dogs and cats in poor physical condition, for example, with skin diseases or untreated injuries. Concerned individuals should be mindful that these animals may, in fact, have someone who looks after them. Veterinary services are often not affordable or accessible, and animals continue to reproduce without solution. Those wishing to help an individual animal in need of veterinary care are encouraged to contact a local animal welfare/protection organization (you can search for organizations by location here) or a local veterinarian.
Tourists concerned about free-roaming animals may wish to support local organizations that are:
- empowering communities to be more engaged in understanding and caring for the welfare needs of the dogs and cats in their families,
- reducing barriers to pet guardianship by providing low-cost spay/neuter and other veterinary services,
- building an adoption culture, and
- working alongside the government for the establishment and enforcement of animal protection laws and the development of a comprehensive animal management program in the community.
The costs associated with international adoption and bringing a dog or cat out of a country are often cost prohibitive and logistically challenging. Humane World recommends that individuals wishing to bring an companion animal into their home do so in their own country, and seek alternative means of helping animals in a foreign country. In many parts of the world, the cost of international transport for one animal could instead be used to provide spay/neuter services for a number of animals or fund one of the other components of a sustainable and effective animal welfare program. In the U.S., millions of animals are put down each year for lack of homes. If you live in the U.S., please visit Adopt a Pet and Petfinder to adopt an animal closer to where you live.
Humane World has been developing culturally sensitive approaches to managing companion animal populations humanely and effectively, partnering with governments and local organizations so that our programs will be sustainable in the long term. Our goal is to help as many animals as possible and see that lasting change is made. Please visit our Companion Animal Welfare page to learn about our approach and programs.
Transporting a dog or cat internationally
Please be aware that costs for transport of a dog or cat can range from USD $150 to $2000 or more, based on accommodation and airline. In addition, some countries have strict quarantine policies.
To learn about quarantine policies, paperwork, vaccinations and other requirements, check with the appropriate agency (typically the Department of Agriculture) in your country.
- For the United States: As of August 1, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has new requirements controlling the entry or re-entry of all dogs into the United States. requirements for bringing or traveling with dogs into the U.S. go into effect. Visit the CDC website to determine what rules apply to dogs you are bringing into the U.S. Additionally, those traveling with dogs must also comply with USDA-APHIS requirements. If you're bringing dogs into the United States for commercial sale or adoption, additional requirements will also apply .
- For Canada
- For the United Kingdom
- For Australia
Be sure to visit a local, licensed veterinarian to obtain a health exam along with the needed health certificates and vaccinations for your animal’s air travel and importation. Local veterinarians will also know where kennels can be purchased. Kennels make take some time to acquire, depending on the country. Most airlines adhere to International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements for pet kennels for traveling. Please visit the IATA website for information about traveling with pets. Kennel specifications can be found here.
Contact your airline ahead of time to ensure that it permits the transport of dogs/cats (and reserve a spot) and what requirements are for boarding. Reservations are often needed for your dog/cat’s travel. Please check with your airline for the details of their specific policies. Keep in mind that there may be partner carriers (not just the airline with which you booked your ticket) and different airlines for different legs of your journey, so make sure you check with each of them. In some cases, there may be breed restrictions.
Should you wish to hire a professional company to ship your pet, the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) provides a directory of pet transport companies which have knowledge of the regulations and guidelines mentioned above.