Bringing your canine friend along on your trip makes traveling a lot more fun. But it takes a little more effort than just booking the airfare and setting off on your trip. Safeguard your trip by securing all the necessary documentation for your dog, including a pet passport. Call the airline ahead of time to discuss travel plans, because some airlines allow pets to fly in the main cabin.

Pet Travel Schemes (PETS)

Originally developed in the United Kingdom, Pet Travel Schemes (PETS) is a pet passport program used by a group of participating countries, including the United States and nations in the European Union. American dog owners looking to travel abroad must first take the dog to a veterinarian certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The vet will provide the owner with the pet passport, composed primarily of all the necessary forms and devices needed for travel.

Vaccinations

To secure the pet passport, the dog must receive a rabies shot and/or a certificate denoting an up-to-date rabies vaccination. The vet will also fit the animal with an electronic microchip or tattoo that properly identifies the dog. Some countries also request proof of treatment for ticks and tapeworm. If owners follow the requirements of PETS, dogs can skip the quarantine period implemented at the airport during entry or re-entry to a country. The PETS policy and requirements typically apply to cats as well.

Restrictions

Regardless of vaccinations, pets cannot travel if younger than 4 months old. Although the rules vary among countries, some nations do not permit dogs to enter if vaccinated for rabies fewer than 21 days before. Some countries also stipulate that dogs must be treated for tapeworm between 24 and 120 hours before travel.

State Regulations

Whether you're traveling domestically or internationally, rules of entry and exit for dogs vary by state. For instance, in addition to proof of rabies vaccinations, some states require that owners provide a certificate of good health issued by a vet, as well as valid registration tags, before entering. To fly out of some states, owners must fill out the United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals, or the APHIS Form 7001.

Disclosure Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

About the Author A travel writer since 2002, Leah Rendon has written countless articles for online pop-culture magazines and various travel-related websites, including Eurobooking and World66. Gosford also has experience in copywriting, having developed a series of articles related to network marketing. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in theater arts.