Traveling with pets requires that various fees are considered in advance. These costs include initial veterinary requirements, final vet exams, additional treatments or shipping costs and country-specific regulations. It’s essential that these aspects are factored into your plans to ensure an enjoyable trip experience for both yourself and your animal companion.
Initial veterinary requirements should always be the top of your budgeting priority list. While the cost may depend on your pet’s type and vaccination status, a visit will always involve visiting a veterinarian. Dogs, cats and ferrets usually must receive rabies vaccines which typically costs on average $25 per vaccine; birds, reptiles and amphibians do not require this vaccination but still must visit their vet for examination in order to receive health certificates for travel purposes.
As well as these charges, a USDA endorsement fee must also be paid in order to travel. This fee is assessed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the USDA, and its amount varies based on where you’re going; for instance if moving to London the fee will be around $38.
Dependent upon your destination, depending on which vets you need to see for a final vet exam and any necessary treatments before traveling with your pet. Some countries also require verification of microchip information which requires making a special appointment with an ISO microchip scanner-equipped veterinarian to read it.
Make sure that your budget accounts for any shipping/driving costs associated with transporting your pet from vet appointments and your destination, plus any travel accessories/food costs. Also take into consideration any pet-friendly hotels/accommodations needed during their journey.
Costs associated with getting a health certificate for travel for your pet can quickly add up if multiple treatments and visits to the vet are necessary to get them ready to travel. By planning ahead and working with professionals, however, you can significantly lower costs associated with this document.
Preparing to relocate with pets should begin at least six months in advance, working closely with both your local veterinary office and USDA to confirm all requirements and reduce delays, extra expenses and potentially trips into quarantine. Enroll in pet insurance prior to moving; Pawlicy Advisor makes it simple to compare plans and find coverage tailored specifically to each animal – click below now to start!
