How to Take Your Dog(s) When Fleeing America and the Trump Dystopia
Should the worst happen in November and Donald Trump wins the White House, thereby releasing the monstrous Project 2025 to unleash its horror onto all Americans, many of us will choose to escape by emigrating to other countries.
Leaping into action, you will need to sell the house, hire movers, gather paperwork, and investigate health care options in your new homeland.
But what about the dog?
Each country has its own regulations for bringing dogs, including quarantine requirements, vaccinations, microchipping, and documentation. To get accurate information, visit the destination country’s official government website or contact their embassy. But in the meantime, below, I’ve listed some helpful information to get you started.
To move or “import” your dog to another country, begin with this checklist.
1. In advance, have a USDA-accredited veterinarian provide you with an International Health Certificate (APHIS Form 7001). This certificate must be endorsed by a USDA veterinarian through the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS), which you can then download, print, and carry with you and your dog. KEEP MULTIPLE COPIES. Also, make sure your dog’s health can withstand the travel ahead.
2. Vaccinations—They must be current 21 days before entry: DHLPP (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, canine parainfluenza), rabies, and Bordetella. Puppies under three months of age must also be vaccinated for parvovirus, distemper hepatitis, and leptospirosis.
3. Ensure your dog is microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip.
4. Prove that your dog is on a parasite regimen and underwent an internal and external parasite treatment 15 days before travel.
Passport/Pet Passport: Some countries issue pet passports.
Import Permit: Some countries require an import permit.
Transportation: Contact airlines to understand their pet travel policies, including crate specifications, fees, and health requirements. Book a direct flight if possible. Ideally, arrange for your dog to travel in the cabin with you rather than putting him or her in a crate in cargo. If this is not possible, use an airline-approved crate that allows your dog to stand, turn around, and lie comfortably. Acclimate your dog to the crate before the trip. Ensure your dog wears a collar with identification tags and that the crate is labeled with your contact information and the destination address. Place familiar items like a blanket or toy in the crate to comfort your dog during travel. Provide enough food and water for the journey. Some crates have bowls attached. Exercise your dog before the trip to help them relax. Feed your dog a light meal a few hours before the flight. Arrive early at the airport to allow ample time for check-in and security procedures.
Once you are in your new country and the travel is behind you, help your dog settle into his or her new home by placing familiar belongings throughout. Locate a new veterinarian and make an appointment to establish a relationship so that should an emergency arise, you are not panicking trying to find medical help.
Below you will find dog importation requirements to the most popular countries for “ex-pat” Americans.
Costa Rica:
· The VEHCS Health Certificate
· All vaccinations
· Parasite treatment
· Import permit—If your dog is flying separately from you, arrange for a customs broker in Costa Rica to get the import permit, as the dog will be arriving as “cargo.”
Canada:
· Valid rabies vaccination certificate
· Transportation requirements must meet Canada’s “Humane Transportation,” which oversees the quality of the pet carrier the dog is housed in.
· There may be fees.
· Click here for the Import Animals/Pets portal: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/importing-food-plants-animals/pets
Portugal:
· Contact the Traveler’s Entry Point 48 hours before the animal’s arrival to avoid entry bans: secretariadodim@dgav.pt. Bringing your own microchip reader will avoid delays.
· EU Pet Passport that includes:
o Proof of rabies vaccination
o Blood test result bulletin
o Anti-rabies serology report
o Proof of Microchip
o CVI – International Veterinary Certificate. Health certificate authorized by USDA veterinarian (see above).
New Zealand:
· Apply for a permit at least 20 business days before entry. Permits cost NZ$268.24 as of July 1, 2023. The form is on the Ministry of Primary Industry (MPI) website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/
· On the MPI website, ensure your dog breed is allowed into the country.
· Health Certificate issued by USDA veterinarian.
· Blood lab reports
· Proof of microchip
· At the port of entry, your dog may be tested for leptospirosis, heartworm, Brucella Canis, or canine influenza.
The insane emotions that will engulf you as you abandon all that is familiar, then the effort of adjusting to a new land, language, and culture will all be made that much more possible with your loving dog by your side or in your arms.