Traveling with your dog or cat can be an exciting adventure, whether you're exploring other states or embarking on an international journey. There are, however, differences to consider between local and international trips.
TL;DR
Let's delve into the essentials of pet travel from Denver, touching on various things to consider, including accommodations, transportation, the role of USDA-APHIS pet travel health certificate for dogs and cats, and more. Here is an overview, as featured on @splootvets! Read on to learn more.
I. A Note About Pet Boarding & Pet-Friendly Hotels for Travelers
In some cases, pet boarding may be worth considering — especially for very young pets, senior pets, really far destinations with multiple stops, or for larger pets who may not be allowed to fly in-cabin.
A well-chosen pet boarding facility in Denver will give your pet plenty of rest and engagement while you are away. Here are our top picks for Denver:
- The 7 Best Dog Boarding Establishments in Denver, CO
- The 4 Best Cat Boarding Establishments in Denver, CO
If, instead, you are bringing your dog or cat along for the trip, make sure to make the needed arrangements regarding the pet-friendly hotel you will stay in — OR arrangements regarding the dog or cat boarding services you will need at any point in your itinerary.
Note: Regardless of the destination, both pet-friendly hotels and pet boarding establishments may require certain vaccinations or a clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian. Make sure to take note of these requirements in advance.
II. Local Pet Travel from Denver
For local pet travel within the United States, the requirements are generally less stringent compared to international travel. Here are the main things to take into consideration:
a. State Requirements for Local Pet Travel
While traveling within the U.S., being aware of state regulations concerning pet entry is crucial. Some states may have specific requirements for interstate pet travel, such as the health certificate for dogs or cats, updated pet vaccination, etc.
Here are a few examples of pet travel requirements for popular local destinations from Denver.:
- Nevada - recent health certificate for the dog or cat, current rabies vaccination
- California - current rabies vaccination for privately owned dogs
- Florida - current rabies vaccination for both dogs and cats
- New York - recent health certificate for the dog or cat, current rabies vaccination
Note: The above examples are meant to illustrate the differences in state requirements concerning pet travel, as of the writing of this article. For the most updated information, check the state’s official website.
b. Airline Considerations When Flying with a Pet Locally
A health certificate for dogs and cats is required when going on a local flight from Denver, as confirmed by the Denver International Airport.
In addition, make sure to check the airline’s specific pet policies. Here are a few things that pet parents need to know when flying with a dog or cat:
- Whether or not dogs and cats are allowed to fly in-cabin
- Size or weight restrictions for pets to fly in-cabin
- The process of making reservations for your pet
- The pet fare — and whether or not it’s refundable
- The approved carrier for in-cabin flying
c. Considering Other Modes of Transportation
When traveling with a pet and opting for other modes of transportation (e.g. car, Amtrak), it is still highly recommended to secure a health certificate for a dog or cat, as well as other pet travel documents required by transportation providers and by the destination state.
If you are opting to go on a road trip with your pet, feel free to check out these guides:
- Learn more - How To Prepare for a Road Trip With Your Pet
- Learn more - How to Pack For a Road Trip With a Dog
III. International Pet Travel from Denver
For international pet travel from Denver, there are a variety of requirements that pet parents must complete. We recommend preparing in advance, around 3 - 6 months in advance. This leaves enough time to take care of all the needed paperwork and travel arrangements.
a. Destination Country Requirements
Each country has its own set of requirements for pet travel, including vaccinations, pet microchipping, and so on. It's essential to research and understand the requirements of the destination country months before your intended departure date.
Here are a few example requirements for popular destination countries from the United States:
- Mexico - USDA-APHIS pet travel health certificate, proof of updated rabies vaccination
- Canada - USDA-APHIS pet travel health certificate for dogs, proof of updated rabies vaccination
- United Kingdom - USDA-APHIS pet travel health certificate, proof of updated rabies vaccination, pet microchip (check the required ISO standards for pet microchipping here)
- Italy - USDA-APHIS pet travel health certificate, proof of updated rabies vaccination, pet microchip (check the required ISO standards for pet microchipping here), the dog or cat must be over 3 months old, EU Pet Passport (once in Italy) for traveling within Europe
Note: These are intended to illustrate the differences in requirements for traveling dogs and cats, as of the writing of this article. Make sure to check the country’s official website for the most updated information on required paperwork and microchipping.
b. Getting a USDA-APHIS Pet Travel Health Certificate for Dogs & Cats
For international travel, a standard health certificate may not suffice. You'll generally need to visit a Category I USDA-accredited veterinarian to obtain a USDA-APHIS pet travel health certificate for a dog or cat. There are two main stages involved:
- The veterinarian will examine your pet, verify vaccinations, and issue a pet travel health certificate.
- After the veterinarian issues the pet health certificate, it will be sent to USDA APHIS for endorsement. APHIS will review the certificate to ensure it meets the requirements of the destination country. After which, it is a valid USDA APHIS pet travel health certificate.
c. Airline Considerations When Flying with a Pet Internationally
Aside from destination country requirements, pet parents would also need to look into airline pet policies for international travel. Make sure to know the following:
- Whether or not dogs and cats are allowed to fly in-cabin (some airlines may allow in-cabin pet reservations for domestic flights only — make sure to check!)
- Size or weight restrictions for pets to fly in-cabin
- The process of making reservations for your pet, encompassing all flights for connecting flights
- The pet fare — and whether or not it’s refundable
- The approved carrier for in-cabin flying
Can You Bring a Dog or Cat in Denver International Airport?
As with most airports, pets may be required to stay in their carrier while in the airport’s terminals. However, there are several indoor and outdoor relief areas for pets in the Denver International Airport; these are situated near the A Gates, B Gates, and C Gates, as well as outside of Jeppesen Terminal.
Does Denver Airport Require a Pet Health Certificate?
As mentioned earlier, it is best to secure a pet health certificate when traveling with a dog or cat from Denver, even if the destination is within the United States. This is stated by the Denver International Airport, from which a large number of local flights also depart.
As for international travels from Denver, getting a valid USDA-APHIS pet travel health certificate is required, along with any other additional paperwork required by the destination country.
How Do Pets Travel on International Flights?
While some airlines will allow pets to fly in-cabin, other airlines may require them to be flown in the cargo area. Unless necessary (and there are NO OTHER OPTIONS), we do NOT recommend transporting dogs or cats in a plane’s cargo area. This applies even more for international flights which tend to be longer or have connecting flights.
Final Thoughts on Traveling with a Dog or Cat from Denver
Whether you're planning a local getaway or an international adventure with your pet from Denver, understanding the differences between local and international pet travel is essential.
While local travel may require checking with airlines and state regulations, international travel involves careful planning, USDA APHIS documentation, and meeting the specific requirements of the destination country.
If you have any questions about your pet’s health, contact us at Sploot Veterinary Care. We can also help with your pet’s microchipping and any needed dog or cat vaccinations for your trip.
Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
