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A Complete Guide to International Travel with Pets

A Complete Guide to International Travel with Pets

By -Published On: February 18th, 2025-Categories: Little Know Facts-

Traveling with a pet can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when crossing international borders. Whether you are relocating, taking an extended vacation, or embarking on an adventure with your furry companion, preparation is key. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about international travel with pets, including regulations, health requirements, and travel tips.

Understanding Pet Travel Regulations

Each country has its own set of rules regarding pet entry, which can include:

  • Import Permits: Some countries require an official permit for pet entry.

  • Breed Restrictions: Certain breeds, especially dogs, may be banned in specific regions.
  • Quarantine Requirements: Some destinations mandate quarantine periods upon arrival.
  • Microchipping: Many countries require pets to be microchipped for identification.

It’s crucial to check the official website of the country you are visiting or consult an experienced pet travel agency to ensure compliance.

Health and Vaccination Requirements

Before embarking on international travel with pets, make sure to:

  • Obtain a Health Certificate: Most countries require a veterinary health certificate issued within a specific timeframe before travel.

  • Updated Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination is commonly required, along with other immunizations depending on the destination.

  • Check for Parasite Treatment Requirements: Some countries mandate flea, tick, and worm treatments before entry.

Always consult with your veterinarian at least a few months before your trip to avoid any last-minute issues.

Choosing the Right Airline and Pet Carrier

When flying with pets, airline policies vary. Consider the following:

  • Cabin vs. Cargo Travel: Smaller pets may be allowed in the cabin while larger pets must travel in cargo.

  • Airline-Approved Pet Carriers: Ensure your carrier meets size and ventilation requirements.

  • Comfort and Safety: Line the carrier with absorbent padding and ensure proper ventilation.

Preparing Your Pet for Travel

A well-prepared pet will have a smoother journey. Tips for getting your pet ready include:

  • Acclimating to the Carrier: Let your pet get used to their travel crate before departure.

  • Keeping a Familiar Scent: Place a blanket or toy with your scent inside the carrier.

  • Avoiding Food Right Before Travel: A light meal a few hours before departure can prevent discomfort.

Arriving at Your Destination

Once you arrive, ensure a smooth transition by:

  • Following Local Regulations: Check if your pet needs a post-entry inspection.

  • Providing a Comfortable Space: Help your pet adjust to the new environment.

  • Monitoring Health: Watch for signs of stress or illness.

Proper planning and adherence to regulations ensure a smooth international travel with pet’s experience. Prioritize your pet’s comfort, health, and safety to make the journey enjoyable for both of you. Pin Paws provides multiple pet health solutions to help prepare your pet for international travel. Contact our Member Services Team at (844) 746-7297 today for more information.

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Pet parents can select accident and illness coverage with the option to add-on preventative wellness care.

Pin Paws Pet Care is budget friendly. Click below to personalize your pet’s insurance plan today.

comprehensive plans you can customize

Pet parents can select accident and illness coverage with the option to add-on preventative wellness care.

Pin Paws Pet Care is budget-friendly. Click below to personalize your pet’s insurance plan today.

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© 2018 - 2025 Pin Paws, LLC • All Rights Reserved.

1For policies issued by IAIC, coverage for these conditions is subject to a 6-month wait period. Please review your policy for complete details.

2Covered only if related to an illness, injury, or medically necessary

3Grief Counseling services are provided through an agreement with TELUS Health, an unaffiliated third-party service provider. Grief counseling services provided by TELUS Health are separate and apart from the insurance provided by MetLife. Not available to NY residents.

4 Covered only if recommended by a vet for illness, injury, or prevention

5Reimbursement options include: 70%, 80% and 90% and a 50% option for MetGen policies and a 65% option for IAIC policies only. Pet age restrictions may apply.

6Accident and optional Preventive Care coverage begins on midnight EST of the effective day of your policy compared to a wait time of 2 to 15 days for many competitors; Illness coverage begins 14 days from the effective day of your policy compared to 14 to 30 days for many competitors. Based on a March 2023 review of publicly available summary information. Competitors did not furnish copies of their policies for review. If you have questions about a particular competitor’s policy or coverage, please contact them or their representative directly.

Health Coverage for Your Furriest Family Members

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Contact Us

(844) 746-7297

© 2018 - 2025 Pin Paws, LLC • All Rights Reserved.

1For policies issued by IAIC, coverage for these conditions is subject to a 6-month wait period. Please review your policy for complete details.

2Covered only if related to an illness, injury, or medically necessary

3Grief counseling services are provided through an agreement with TELUS Health, an unaffiliated third-party service provider. Read More

4 Covered only if recommended by a vet for illness, injury, or prevention

5Reimbursement options include: 70%, 80% and 90% and a 50% option for MetGen policies and a 65% option for IAIC policies only. Pet age restrictions may apply.

6Accident and optional Preventive Care coverage begins on midnight EST of the effective day of your policy compared to a wait time of 2 to 15 days for many competitors; Read More

Our Pin Paws team will be out of office for the Christmas break from December 23rd to December 29th to enjoy some much-needed time with their loved ones, both two- and four-legged. We’ll be back and ready to assist you on December 30th. If you need immediate assistance or have found a lost pet, please call our 24/7 hotline at 844-746-7297. Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a wonderful holiday season!

Our Pin Paws team will be out of office for the Christmas break from December 23rd to December 29th to enjoy some much-needed time with their loved ones, both two- and four-legged. We’ll be back and ready to assist you on December 30th. If you need immediate assistance or have found a lost pet, please call our 24/7 hotline at 844-746-7297. Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a wonderful holiday season!

How Does the Pin Paws Family Plan Work?

The Family plan from Pin Paws Pet Care, backed by MetLife Pet, provides coverage for all your furry family members. You’ll enjoy the advantages of a typical MetLife Pet Insurance plan, but with a single policy and a shared deductible for up to three dogs or cats.

The benefits of the Family Plan are as follows:

  • Enroll up to three pets under one policy
  • Customizable plan options
  • Policies can be a mix of cats and dogs
  • Optional Preventive Care coverage

  • One annual limit shared across all pets in the family plan

  • One annual deductible per policy
  • No per-pet coverage limits

Multiple Pet Discount

Get a discount when you group up to three dogs and cats together on the same plan for easy savings.

Shared Deductible

Add up to three dogs and cats onto the same policy, and hit your deductible faster.

Combine Cats & Dogs

No need to manage multiple plans. Group your cats and dogs into a single plan for simplicity and ease.

Flexible Coverage

A shared annual limit lets you allocate more coverage where needed, while protecting your other pets.

How Pin Paws Pet Care Can Help You Save

Our customizable pet insurance plans can reimburse up to 90% of your vet bills.
Here’s an example of how Pin Paws Pet Care can help a pet parent save.

Skin Allergies

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$250 Total Vet Bill
$2,500
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $2,250

Growth or Tumor

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$160 Total Vet Bill
$1,600
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $1,440

Heart Disease

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$250 Total Vet Bill
$2,500
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $2,250

Diabetes

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$290 Total Vet Bill
$2,900
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $2,610

Broken Bone

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$240 Total Vet Bill
$2,400
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $2,160

Severe Trauma

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$1,000 Total Vet Bill
$10,000
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $9,000

Poisoning

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$300 Total Vet Bill
$3,000
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $2,700

Cruciate Ligament Tear

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$500 Total Vet Bill
$5,000
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $4,500

Dental Cleaning

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$50 Total Vet Bill
$500
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $450

Spay or Neuter

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$60 Total Vet Bill
$600
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $540

Vaccination

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$6 Total Vet Bill
$60
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $54

Parasite Prevention

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$21 Total Vet Bill
$210
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $189

Skin Allergies

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$250 Total Vet Bill
$2,500
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $2,250

Growth or Tumor

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$160 Total Vet Bill
$1,600
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $1,440

Heart Disease

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$250 Total Vet Bill
$2,500
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $2,250

Diabetes

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$290 Total Vet Bill
$2,900
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $2,610

Broken Bone

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$240 Total Vet Bill
$2,400
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $2,160

Severe Trauma

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$1,000 Total Vet Bill
$10,000
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $9,000

Poisoning

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$300 Total Vet Bill
$3,000
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $2,700

Cruciate Ligament Tear

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$500 Total Vet Bill
$5,000
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $4,500

Dental Cleaning

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$50 Total Vet Bill
$500
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $450

Spay or Neuter

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$60 Total Vet Bill
$600
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $540

Vaccination

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$6 Total Vet Bill
$60
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $54

Parasite Prevention

What You Can Save 6

. .
You Pay
$21 Total Vet Bill
$210
Piggy Bank
Pin Paws Pet Care Covers $189

Cost info sourced from How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost? and Average emergency vet costs what to expect.

What’s Not Covered Under Pin Paws Pet Care?

To help make insurance premiums affordable for all pet parents, there are some exclusions- as with every pet insurance company. The following are not covered under any Pin Paws Pet Care policy:

  • Pre-existing conditions*
  • Microchipping
  • Breeding or conditions related to breeding
  • Obedience training
  • Grooming costs and routine nail trims
  • Non-prescription food
  • Organ transplant

  • Illness or injury that arises out of racing, coursing, commercial guarding, law enforcement, or organized fighting of your pet

  • Health/travel certificates
  • Elective surgeries

  • Cosmetic or aesthetic procedures

*Pet insurance companies typically don’t fully cover pre-existing conditions, which are generally illnesses, injuries, or symptoms that occurred prior to the coverage date and/or any applicable waiting period. However, MetLife Pet may actually cover certain pre-existing conditions when switching providers. These include conditions that were covered by a previous insurance provider for group policyholders.

What’s Not Covered Under Pin Paws Pet Care?

To help make insurance premiums affordable for all pet parents, there are some exclusions- as with every pet insurance company. The following are not covered under any Pin Paws Pet Care policy:

  • Pre-existing conditions*
  • Microchipping
  • Breeding or conditions related to breeding
  • Obedience training
  • Grooming costs and routine nail trims
  • Non-prescription food
  • Organ transplant

  • Illness or injury that arises out of racing, coursing, commercial guarding, law enforcement, or organized fighting of your pet

  • Health/travel certificates
  • Elective surgeries

  • Cosmetic or aesthetic procedures

*Pet insurance companies typically don’t fully cover pre-existing conditions, which are generally illnesses, injuries, or symptoms that occurred prior to the coverage date and/or any applicable waiting period. However, MetLife Pet may actually cover certain pre-existing conditions when switching providers. These include conditions that were covered by a previous insurance provider for group policyholders.

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