Dog vaccinations needed for traveling in the USA and Europe

Taking your canine buddy along on a trip adds an extra layer of enjoyment to traveling, but you’ll need to do a bit more than just pack your pooch’s treats and toys before heading off. Whether you’re planning to cross state borders for a short trip or fly to Great Britain for a vacation, you’ll need to make sure that your pet is up to date on his or her shots. Find out what your destination’s policies are regarding vaccinations to make traveling with Fido as hassle-free as possible.

Dog vaccinations for traveling within the USA

Whether your dog is a service animal or an emotional support animal, or simply a furry pal you can’t bear to leave behind when you travel, vaccinations are mandatory even when you’ll just be crossing state lines. Policies may vary from state to state, but getting the core vaccines for rabies, canine parvovirus, canine hepatitis, and distemper is generally a good idea. You can breathe easier knowing your pet is less likely to catch these diseases, and better enjoy the attractions and dog-friendly vacation rentals in your destination.

Pet vaccination requirements for traveling to Alaska

Before booking a flight to explore the Final Frontier’s wonders with your doggo, get a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for proof that your pet has a current rabies vaccination; it’s a requirement for all animals at least 3 months old entering Alaska. Once there, embark on fun adventures, from kayaking in Prince William Sound and hiking along scenic trails at Chugach State Park in Anchorage to sampling craft beer at dog-friendly breweries in Denali Park. Stay in a Fairbanks getaway cabin in late fall or winter and watch the northern lights with your dog from the deck.

Dog vaccinations needed for visiting New York

If you’re visiting the state of New York from elsewhere in the USA and plan to stay less than 30 days, you won’t need to show a CVI. However, you might still need proof that your dog’s rabies shots are current. Prepare for loads of fun with your furry friend in the Empire State. Try some synchronized dog paddling in Mirror Lake near Lake Placid, or let Fido run free in NYC’s Central Park during the official off-leash hours between 9 PM and 9 AM. Pet-friendly vacation homes are plentiful in NY, from trendy apartments in Manhattan to secluded cottage rentals in the Catskills.

Vaccinations required for traveling to Europe with your dog

Before you act on that dream of getting your dog into a group photo with Queen Elizabeth’s corgis, you’ll need to look into what you need to do when planning a vacation with your pet in Europe. Whether you’re thinking of visiting a European Union country or a non-EU nation, it’s imperative for your dog’s vaccines—the anti-rabies vaccine in particular—to be current. Once you have the documentation to prove this, traveling from the USA to Europe with your pet in tow becomes less stressful. And with the plethora of pet-friendly vacation home rentals on the continent, finding a comfortable place to stay is no problem at all.

Pet vaccinations for traveling to the United Kingdom

There are a few things to do before embarking on a British holiday with your pet. Traveling with your dog to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—and to most other EU countries—requires proof of rabies vaccination and a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian; make sure the vaccine is administered at least 21 days before arriving in the UK. Book a summer rental in Bournemouth and play on dog-friendly beaches on the Dorset coastline, or stay in a pet-friendly apartment in London and take your dog—don’t forget her leash!—to the walkways of Tower Bridge. Or try a cottage rental in Scotland and explore some castle ruins.

Dog vaccines you’ll need to travel with your pet to Norway

Drinking in the sight of stunning fjords on a cruise ship, marveling at sculptures in Oslo‘s Vigeland Park, and hiking the scenic trails in Hardangervidda National Park are just some of the fun activities awaiting you and your dog in Norway. Before leaving the USA for your Norwegian adventure, make sure your pet’s anti-rabies vaccination is valid and that he or she has received an anti-echinococcus treatment, which prevents intestinal parasites. Pet-friendly lodging in Norway include farmhouses for rent with more than enough outdoor space for your dog to run around and explore, as well as seaside condos with balconies where you and your pooch can watch the fishing boats coming in.