By Ship
With the exception of service dogs, pets are welcome on only a small number of cruise lines, and typically only on ocean crossings, not leisure cruises. Some lines permit pets in private cabins, while most confine them to onboard kennels. If you're considering a cruise with your dog, contact the cruise line well in advance to understand their specific policies, which ships have kennel facilities, and what health documentation is required. If your dog must use the ship's kennel, make sure it's protected from the elements and plan to visit them frequently.
By Train
Amtrak allows small dogs and cats in carriers on many of its routes, for a pet fee, as long as the trip is under seven hours and the pet remains in their carrier. Policies vary by route, so always check directly with the railroad before booking. Most trains do not accommodate larger dogs. As with air travel, confirm requirements well in advance.
Get a Health Certificate
If your dog will be traveling by plane, train, or ship, or crossing into another state or country, you will most likely need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), commonly called a health certificate. This is an official document signed by a licensed veterinarian certifying that your dog has been examined and is healthy enough to travel, free from contagious disease, and up to date on required vaccinations.
Here's what to know:
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Most airlines require a health certificate issued within 10 days of your departure date, not your return date, so if you're on a longer trip, you may need a certificate for the return journey as well. Check your airline's specific requirement before scheduling your vet appointment.
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For interstate travel (traveling between U.S. states), a health certificate is required in many states. Some states are stricter than others, and requirements can vary, so it's worth confirming the rules for any state you'll be entering, especially if you're road-tripping across multiple states.
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For international travel, requirements are significantly more involved. Many countries require an official USDA-endorsed health certificate, which must be signed by an accredited veterinarian and then endorsed by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This process can take several weeks, so begin researching and preparing well in advance of your trip. Some countries also require additional testing, treatments (such as tick treatments), or import permits before your dog can enter.
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For cruises and train travel, check directly with the carrier. Some cruise lines require a health certificate for dogs traveling in onboard kennels, and requirements vary by ship and destination.
Important: Health certificates have a short validity window, typically 10 days for most domestic air travel. Make sure you're scheduling your vet visit close enough to your departure that the certificate will still be valid when you travel, but not so close that you're scrambling at the last minute.