Transporting pets internationally is no easy task — especially when your furry friend is more than just a pet, but a beloved family member. Whether you’re relocating permanently, sending your pet to join family abroad, or taking a vacation, the process of moving a pet from Can Tho, Vietnam to the United States involves careful planning, paperwork, and understanding of airline and government regulations.
This article will walk you through the key steps, legal requirements, and expert tips to ensure a safe and smooth journey for your pet from Can Tho to the USA.
1. Is It Possible to Ship Pets from Can Tho to the USA?
Yes, it is absolutely possible. While Can Tho does not have direct international flights to the USA, most pet shipments from Can Tho are routed through nearby major airports such as Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. From there, pets are flown to various destinations in the United States.
International pet transport is typically done via air cargo or accompanied baggage, depending on the airline, the size of your pet, and other factors.
2. Which Pets Are Allowed to Travel to the USA?
The USA allows the import of dogs, cats, and certain other small mammals, birds, and reptiles — but strict regulations apply, especially for dogs.
Key highlights:
- Dogs must meet CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) requirements, including being free from rabies.
- Cats do not require rabies vaccination under federal law, but many states in the USA do.
- Certain dog breeds may be restricted by specific airlines (e.g., brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs).
- Exotic pets may require additional permits from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
3. Pre-Departure Checklist
To ensure your pet can travel from Can Tho to the USA, here’s a comprehensive list of requirements:
a. Microchip Identification
While not mandatory for the USA, having a microchip is strongly recommended for identification and tracking purposes. Some states and airlines require it.
b. Rabies Vaccination
- Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to arrival in the U.S.
- The rabies certificate must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
c. Veterinary Health Certificate (Export Health Certificate)
- Issued by an authorized veterinarian within 7-10 days before departure.
- Should confirm the animal is in good health, free of infectious diseases, and fit to fly.
d. Import Permit (if required)
While most personal pet imports do not require an official U.S. import permit, pets coming from countries considered “high-risk” for rabies (Vietnam is currently listed) must follow stricter guidelines, such as arriving at a CDC-approved port and having a CDC Dog Import Permit.
e. Booking Air Cargo or Pet Travel Service
Pet owners can choose to book their pet as:
- Accompanied baggage (if you’re flying with them),
- Manifest cargo (unaccompanied), through an international pet relocation service.
4. Choosing a Pet Relocation Service
Shipping a pet from Can Tho to the U.S. can be complicated — especially for first-time pet owners. Many people choose to work with professional pet relocation companies who handle everything from pickup at your home in Can Tho, veterinary paperwork, crate preparation, and customs clearance in the U.S.
Look for providers that:
- Are IATA-certified,
- Have experience with U.S. pet import rules,
- Offer real-time updates and tracking,
- Understand Vietnam’s export and U.S. import regulations.
5. Transporting Your Pet to Ho Chi Minh City
Since Can Tho does not offer direct international pet shipments, pets are usually driven from Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City (around 3–4 hours by car) by pet transport professionals. This part of the trip must also be safe and comfortable — with regular water breaks, ventilation, and minimal stress for the animal.
6. At the Airport and During the Flight
Kennel and crate requirements:
- Must comply with IATA Live Animal Regulations.
- Must be large enough for the pet to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably.
- Secure locks, proper ventilation, and clear labeling are essential.
Feeding before the flight:
- Avoid feeding your pet a large meal within 4–6 hours of the flight.
- Hydration is more important — provide water before and during the trip (ice packs or water bottles fixed to crate walls).
7. Arrival in the USA
Upon landing, pets will be examined by U.S. customs and CDC officials. If all documents are in order, your pet will be released after clearance. In some cases, pets may be subject to quarantine, especially if paperwork is incomplete or travel conditions are not met.
Always ensure that someone is available to pick up your pet at the destination airport, or arrange for a local pet transport service in the U.S. to complete the journey.
8. Cost of Pet Transport from Can Tho to the USA
Cost varies depending on:
- Pet size and weight,
- Airline cargo rates,
- Crate specifications,
- Route and transit times,
- Use of professional relocation services.
In general, expect to spend anywhere from 30 to 70 million VND (USD $1,200–$3,000), especially if you hire full-service providers.
Final Tips for Stress-Free Pet Relocation
- Start the process 2–3 months in advance to avoid delays.
- Double-check regulations on the CDC’s website.
- Prepare your pet with crate training ahead of time to reduce anxiety.
- Ensure your pet’s name, contact info, and medical history are attached to their crate.
Related Resources
For more details on international pet transport and caring for pets abroad, check out:
- Ultimate Guide to Pet Relocation – Asiapata
- International Pet Shipping and Travel Services – Indochinapost
