Pet Quarantine

From LoveToKnow Dogs

If you plan to travel internationally with your pet, you're going to need the facts about pet quarantine.

What is Pet Quarantine?

Pet quarantine is the term used for isolating companion animals for a defined period of time when they enter a new country during travel. This period may last as little as 30 days or as long as six months.

The purpose of this quarantine period is to determine if pets may be carrying dangerous parasites and/or zoonotic diseases which could be transmitted to the indigenous population, both humans and animals. Any pet found to be affected will be denied entry into the country.

Pet quarantine rules applying to dogs are largely designed to prevent the spread of the deadly rabies virus, especially into regions where the virus has not yet infiltrated the population.

Requirements for International Travel

Every point of entry has specific rules, regulations, and charges regarding pet quarantine, and those rules change quite frequently. It's best to check no earlier than six months ahead of time with the country you plan to visit to get the most current information possible.

In general:

  • Your pet must arrive at its destination in an approved travel carrier.
  • Your pet will need an international veterinary health certificate, complete with your pet's vaccination record. This certificate will also likely require USDA certification.
  • Most destinations outside of the continental USA require you to use a USDA-APHIS 7001 form, but countries in the European Union now require you to use the EU form 998 Veterinary Certificate instead.
  • Your pet's vaccinations must be current at the time of the trip, especially the rabies vaccination. This means vaccinatins were received not more than twelve months prior nor less than thirty days prior in order for your pet to have had enough time to build up full immunity.

Quarantine Facilities

Pet quarantine facilities are definitely not comparable to the type of doggie day care centers you might be expecting.

Quarantine stations are usually fairly sparse, consisting of concrete stalls with floor drains, and chain link gates. You will need to provide any luxuries you want your pet to have during his stay, including bedding and toys.

Food is another issue. You can opt to have your dog fed whatever brand of dog food that is served at the facility, or you can provide the brand your pet is used to. Keeping your pet on familiar food will help lessen his stress and decrease his chances of a digestive disturbance.

In case you are wondering, yes, you will be allowed to visit your pet during its quarantine period.

Cost of Quarantine

It isn't possible to list the cost of quarantine for each point of entry because regulations vary so much but a general list of charges include:

  • Your veterinarian's charge for the examination, health certificate, and any shots/treatments needed.
  • A fee for all necessary transportation forms/paperwork.
  • A transportation fee from the point of entry to the quarantine facility. You can avoid this charge if you or someone at your pet's destination is able to transport him directly from the airport to the quarantine station.
  • You will need to pay the boarding charges for your pet's stay in quarantine and any additional veterinary charges that might be incurred.

About Microchip Identification

All countries require some form of identification for your pet, usually a ID number tattoo and identification tags, but many are now requiring all pets entering their borders to be microchipped.

A microchip is a small electronic device, no bigger than a grain of rice, that can be injected under the skin in your pet's shoulder area. The device is programmed with your pet's corresponding ID number, and it can be read when scanned with the appropriate equipment. To be of any use, this number must be registered with the chip's manufacturer.

The newest generation of microchips are now able to hold valuable vaccination records too, making the entry process a bit more streamlined.

Conclusion

Pet quarantine is not an easy process for you or your dog, but it is a necessary part of most international travel. If you are planning on traveling with your pet to a foreign land, give yourself plenty of time to gather that nation's quarantine regulations and make all the necessary preparations for your pet to enter the region.

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