If you have a furchild that you like to take everywhere with you, you'll be pleased to know its possible and relatively easy to bring pets in and out of Cambodia, no matter what the breed or species.
Before travelling to Cambodia with a pet, you may first wish to consider a few factors, such as whether they can handle the stress of the journey and the heat of South-East Asia. The journey shouldn't be a problem for many pets, and your ball of love will hopefully adapt easily to its new environment, but in some cases ' depending on the breed, age and medical history ' it can be kinder to leave them with a loved one at home. Fortunately, however, there is a veterinary clinic in Phnom Penh called Agrovet, which is run to a high standard by Europeans, so you needn't worry about whether you'll have access to quality veterinary care in Cambodia.
The simplest way to transport your pet is for them to fly on the same airplane as you as checked baggage (not cargo), then you can just pick them up from the baggage collection at either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap International Airport, and start your life together in the Kingdom of Wonder. Just be warned that there aren't direct flights from many western destinations, such as between the UK and Cambodia, so your journey is likely to entail at least one flight transfer. Try to do some research before you book to find the most convenient flight route that minimises travel time and layovers. And make sure that your connecting flight is also on an airline that allows pets. For example, Vietnam Airlines may transport pets for the long-haul flight, but Cambodia Angkor Air will not allow pets for the final leg of the journey.
After you have booked your flights to Cambodia, contact the airline(s) directly via email or phone and give them the details of all the flights you will be taking, including the reference numbers, so that they can book your pet on them with you. You should do this at least 24 hours before departure, and don't forget to request a confirmation email that you can print and present in the event of any issues.
After checking in your furry friend, they will be weighed in their travel carrier and you will be charged a fee in accordance with the total weight. If everything goes to plan, this should be the only additional cost you'll need to pay after your veterinary bill.
Alternatively, if you feel nervous about transporting your pet on your own, you could hire the services of a pet relocation company, which should help you through the entire process. Just be aware that this can end up being considerably more expensive and some hidden costs may pop up down the line.
Once you have both boarded the plane, you are unlikely to be stopped in transit or in Cambodia, so long as your pet looks to be in good health. If they are showing signs of any illness when they arrive at the airport, you may be required to take them to a vet for examination.
Requirements for dogs and cats
When travelling with your pet to Cambodia, it is your responsibility as the owner to make sure you adhere to all updated requirements, so do check with your vet and an airline representative beforehand.
Firstly, it's important that your dog or cat is microchipped and is up-to-date with all its vaccinations. If you have a cat, it will need to be vaccinated against calicivirus, herpesvirus and panleukopenia at least 21 days before you leave. And if you have a dog, it should be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis and parvo as a precaution. Although treatment for ticks and tapeworm is not required in Cambodia, it is also still recommended.
In addition, your pet will need to have a rabies injection between a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 12 months before you are due to travel. A serological test should then be done 30 days after the vaccine has been administered. Do note that puppies and kittens should not be vaccinated for rabies before they are three months old.
Once your furchild is on top of all its inoculations, you will need to obtain a veterinary certificate from an accredited vet less than 10 days before your departure to show that your pet is in good health. This document is separate to the pet passport, which your vet will also need to issue for Felix or Fido to travel.
When the time has arrived for you both to begin your Cambodian adventure, you will be required to put your pet in an IATA-approved carrier at the airport. This must have hard edges and have a metal door on one side. It must also have enough room for your furball to stand up and do a twirl, and you should place a pet pad or blanket on the floor of the carrier so they can lie down comfortably. A copy of your passport as the owner, as well as your photo, should also accompany your pet.
Other animals
If you have another type of pet ' be that a bird, tropical fish, reptile, or a small mammal, such as a rodent or a rabbit, you will need to make sure it meets all requirements specific to the species, including a health certificate.
Furthermore, if your pet is not a typical domestic pet, it's best to verify that it is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This may particularly be the case if it is a turtle or a parrot. And, if it is a protected species, you will need to apply for additional permits before travelling to Cambodia.
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