Several situations arise where one needs to transport animals from one location to another. It is necessary to follow the basic considerations and requirements while transporting these animals to make sure that hey remains safe and secure during the travel. Interestingly, there are animals category specific rules as well that need to be followed while transporting animals in different countries. This is why you need to be well aware of Animal Transportation before embarking on a trip with animals.
Most countries require a CVI or a certificate if veterinary inspection issued by the local accredited veterinarians. This is an essentially a health certificate that certifies the animals have been inspected and all regulations have been satisfied in relation to their transportation either domestically or internationally. Every country has specific laws related to transporting animals. Similarly, states, territories and public modes of transportation also have their own rules and restrictions when it comes to transporting animals. These regulations are quite helpful in protecting people, animals as well as ecosystems by making sure that the spread of diseases, invasive or injurious animals and pests is under control. The CVI or the health certificate is often demanded by officials at the destination point as well. With the recent rise in disease from animals spreading to the human population some countries require transported animals to be placed in quarantine before or upon arrival. This helps reduce the outbreak of a deadly disease like swine flu, nipah virus and so on.
In order to have an uneventful journey while transporting animals across state lines or international borders, experts suggest sticking to the regulatory timeframe while carrying out the travel prerequisites. For example, According to the regulations in Japan, there should be a gap of at least 180 days between the animal’s arrival in the country and the rabies titer test. In case you feel to meet the requirements, you might have to look for alternative arrangements like pet lodges, pet sitters, postponing your trip, etc. In order to help people with pets to travel easily, the AVMA has come up with the Basic Timeline. This essentially helps pet owners make sure that they follow all the rules before their departure date arrives.
Since the health certificate needs to be issued by an accredited veterinarian, make sure that you locate one with the help of the National Veterinary Accreditation Program. Once the appointment is scheduled with an accredited veterinarian in your vicinity, they check whether the animal is healthy enough to be traveling and other health requisites are in place like tests, vaccinations, identification, certifications, etc. Since each country as its own set of rules for arriving animals make sure that you mention your destination point to the veterinarian who is carrying out the health checkup of the animals. In most cases, the veterinarians will also keep copies of the forms and CVI certificate for record keeping as well as to help in the CVI process. When you finally embark on your trip with your animal in tow, do not forget to make sure that it has access to plenty of water and proper meals while in transit and when they arrive at their destination.
