International Travel Tips

Traveling Internationally With Your Guide Dog?
Check out the travel tips below:

Know Before You Go

  • A woman bends over her guide dog to browse through merchandise at a crowded marketplace.Since access and entry laws can vary widely, check out the laws concerning traveling with your guide where you plan to visit.  A good source for information is the embassy of the country or countries where you intend to travel.  There may even be a Consular Office near you, easily located through an internet search or directory assistance. 
  • Obtain and carry with you a copy of the applicable laws. If you can obtain copies in the languages of the countries you’ll be visiting, do that.
  • Carry with you, if you can, a translation of a brief explanation of what your guide dog does and how he or she assists you, as it can help to have a written document to show an authority that is unfamiliar with a guide dog.
  • You can also contact the US Department of Agriculture or the US Department of State in Washington, DC for advice.  Your state’s Department of Agriculture may also be of help.  In addition, your guide’s veterinarian can determine for you what kind of health certificate, either domestic or international, you will need and whether your guide’s inoculations, including rabies, are up-to-date.  This is important because international and domestic rabies requirements are different.
  • If you need an International Health certificate in order to enter the country you want to visit, your veterinarian can tell you where you can obtain it in your state.  You can also contact the Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service, part of the US Department of Agriculture, to request the contact address.  There is usually a fee to obtain this certificate.
  • You may want to review requirements with your airline in advance to ensure that you will have no problems at the last minute when you arrive at the airport.  Along with your passport and the appropriate health certificate, carry with you the identification card your guide dog school provides.
  • You may also want to check with your guide dog school or GDUI to see if another guide dog user has traveled to the country you want to visit.  Sometimes, finding out others’ experiences can help you avoid potential problems.
  • Some countries have quarantine regulations or require you to have had your guide dog micro chipped in advance of travel.  Make sure that you are cognizant of the necessary regulations. For example, even Hawaii requires a special blood test which must be sent to the state of Kansas for analysis.  You will want to allow sufficient time for the test to be completed and the results returned to you before you depart. 
  • Bring along enough dog food or identify places where you can purchase it when traveling. 
  • Bring with you any medications your guide may need or make sure you know where they can be obtained in-country if needed.
  • To find out about safe drinking water, consult travel advisories issued by the US Department of State or consult the embassy of the country you visit.  Remember as well that the safety of a water supply can vary from area to area in a given country and it is best to inquire. Accordingly, make sure you know how you will obtain bottled or filtered water.

While You Are There

  • Keep the name and address of an in-country veterinarian handy and make sure you know how you could get to the address if needed.  If possible, have this information before you go.
  • Carry your guide’s identification and a brief explanation of his services, as well as a copy of the country’s law with you when you are out in public.  Remember, laws change from country to country and you cannot always expect the same level of access. Should you need more advice or assistance, you can always contact the US Embassy in the country where you are visiting.
  • Sometimes travel, especially international travel, can be stressful or cause temporary discomfort for you and your dog.  If you notice any symptoms other than those associated with an unfamiliar routine, consider seeking veterinary assistance. As always, prevent your guide from scavenging, to avoid ingestion of harmful substances. 
  • Become aware of unfamiliar traffic patterns when working your dog and remember that in some countries, drivers drive on the opposite side of the road. 

When You Return Home

  • You may wish to consider taking your guide to your veterinarian for a check-up, just to be sure there are no health issues resulting from your travels.
  • Share your experience traveling abroad with other guide dog users.  You never know, your stories and suggestions could help someone else. Bon voyage!


Written for Guide Dog Users Inc. by:
Dr. Denise M. Decker
March 2010