International Travel

The MSPCA-Angell has four USDA-accredited veterinarians and an International Travel Team who can assist existing Angell clients only when traveling internationally with your pet.

Please note: We are no longer accepting new clients solely for the purpose of arranging pet travel. If you are not currently an Angell client, please work with a professional pet travel agency for assistance.

International travel with a pet requires significant preparation on the owner’s part, so begin your research as early as possible. Some countries require that you start the process at least 6 months in advance and have a USDA-accredited veterinarian examine your pet and complete your paperwork.

Travel requirements for pets are rigorous and governed by the USDA and other countries’ requirements. These requirements and travel costs are significant, and the cost to meet all criteria is often subject to change and can range anywhere from $900 upwards to $2,000 per pet.

Support for Angell Clients Includes:

• Performing a full health exam to ensure your pet is fit for travel

• Updating vaccinations and providing the required proof

• Completing and signing international health certificates

• Drawing and submitting any necessary bloodwork

Outside of help from Angell, you must also work with a professional pet travel company. We recommend that clients work with a pet travel company to coordinate travel logistics. While we don’t endorse specific providers, a quick web search should help you find a service that meets your needs

ALERT! Traveling to Australia or New Zealand

• Before contacting Angell for assistance, you must first work with a professional pet travel agency to coordinate travel logistics. While we don’t endorse specific providers, a quick web search should help you find a service that meets your needs.
• Due to the complexity of international travel, especially to certain destinations, the planning process can be extensive and may take up to 6 months to complete.
• Angell’s International Travel Team can help with your pet’s medical documentation and requirements, but only after you have secured a travel agency to manage the logistics.
• Please do not contact Angell about travel arrangements until you have partnered with a qualified pet travel service.

PLEASE NOTE: Starting August 1, 2024, new rules will come into effect. Please use the CDC’s DogBot to determine which rules apply to your dogs based on your travel dates. It’s essential to plan for future travel to ensure that your dog meets the necessary requirements in time to enter the United States!

Get Your Pet Travel-Ready

1. Contact the USDA Live Animal Export Health Certificate Review Service. E-mail VSPSNY@aphis.usda.gov or call 518-218-7540. (The USDA prefers email communication to phone calls.) Information on international travel with pets can also be found on the USDA website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export. You may need to schedule an appointment with the regional USDA Office in Albany, NY.
2. Speak with a representative at the consulate or embassy for the country of destination to obtain and ensure you fully understand all the requirements for bringing your pet into that country.
3. Contact your airline. Each airline has its specific requirements regarding pet travel. The decision to allow your pet to board the plane ultimately comes down to the airline; as such, all requirements must be met.
4. Contact the MSPCA-Angell. Once you have satisfied the above requirements, please complete this online form to schedule an appointment with Angell. A team member will get back to you within 5 business days to schedule an appointment for you and your pet. Please be aware the Angell International Travel Team is only available to existing Angell clientele. Appointments are minimal, and arrangements must be made no less than 8 weeks or more before travel. Remember that some countries require you to start the process at least 6 months before travel.
5. International Health Certificate Agreement. We require all Angell clients traveling internationally to read and sign the International Health Certificate Agreement.
6. Questions? Please email angellinternationaltravel@angell.org for help. You are ultimately responsible for knowing the requirements for each area above and how they impact your specific travel plans. Please note that if you are coordinating your travel outside of the United States, it will likely be more convenient for all involved if we assist you via email.

Travel Appointment Checklist

1. Travel dates, including flight departure and arrival dates
2. Full address in the country traveling to/from
3. Layover locations and duration
4. Vaccination records
5. Microchip ID number and date given
6. Any pertinent medical history