shutterstock_144611492 For many people their pets become members of the family, and many want to bring their pets along with them when they travel. As part of the process, they also want to ensure their animal companions are treated with all the care and comfort they receive at home when flying private jet charter. Flying with pets brings some very specific rules. Pet immigration rules are specific to each country worldwide.  To avoid unexpected hassles and avoid a stressful pet quarantine, owners need to be well-versed with these regulations. Planning in advance of traveling with your Stratos Jet Charters agent is vital to avoiding problems when entering a country with your animal(s). One key preparation is creating a “pet passport”, which is a collection of all identifying and required documents for entering a given country, before your trip begins.

Pet “passport” / international health certificate

An International Health Certificate (form USDA-APHIS 7001) or informally a “pet passport”, should be issued by your veterinarian as near to the date of travel as possible, no more than 21 days before the trip. The Health Certificate Should Include:

  • Name of Pet
  • Breed and Color Description
  • Age of Pet
  • Country of Origin
  • Name, Address and Phone of Owner
  • Vaccinations
  • Other Pertinent Information on Pet, such as Medical Conditions

The certificate should also state that the pet is healthy (no contagious diseases or illnesses) and free of parasites, and has records of the proper vaccinations. Individual countries may require additional documentation, especially for exotic animals. You should always do research or ask your air charter expert here at Stratos Jets about the rules of the country/countries you will be traveling to on your itinerary with your pet.

Some of the other various rules include:

BAHAMAS

If you’re bringing a dog or cat to the Bahamas, the government requires an import permit which must be with your pet as it’s coming into the country, and all of those permit conditions must be met. You’ll also have to pay a $10 fee for the application processing fee. And you’ll want to be sure to bring that veterinary health certificate. Learn more here.

CANADA

A current Canada Veterinary Certificate completed by a licensed veterinarian and dated within 10 days prior to entry into Canada must accompany your pet. Proof of vaccination is required.  This includes the date of vaccination, that the vaccine was licensed and its trade name and serial number. There isn’t a quarantine period for pets entering Canada, but there is an inspection fee. Learn more here.

EUROPE

Most countries in Europe now have veterinary health certificates that are specific to their country, so knowing in advance what to bring with you is critical. If there isn’t a specific health certificate for the country you’re visiting, use the International Health Certificate mentioned above.  The certificate is also referred to as the “United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals” in some instances. Learn more about bringing pets into the UK here.

HAWAII

Hawaii also has specific rules that differ from the mainland. The state requires that all animals shipped or brought into the state have health and rabies inoculation certificates dated no more than ten days before travel begins. All cats and dogs are subject to a 120-day quarantine.  However, if specific requirements are met your pet may qualify for a shorter (30 or fewer days) quarantine. Thus knowing the rules is paramount! As with most other jurisdictions worldwide, different rules apply for working and seeing-eye dogs. Learn more here.  Once again, there are a number of other rules and regulations you should be aware of in each country to ensure the wellbeing of your pet and your own positive travel experience. Your Stratos Jets representative can help guide you through this sometimes complicated process. If you would like more information on the regulations regarding flying with pets, or what other amenities we can offer your furry (or otherwise!) friend, please give one of our experienced jet charter agents a call at 888 593-9066, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We’d be happy to answer all of your questions to help ensure both you AND your pet enjoy your travel experience with us!