External parasites such as fleas and ticks need to be controlled before your pet can travel overseas. Many countries are stringent about external parasites entering the country via pets and bringing in diseases with them. Most countries require pets to undergo internal and external parasite treatments before travelling.

Pet dogs and cats are inspected upon arrival in the destination country. They are usually checked for signs of contagious diseases and external parasites. If your pet has fleas or ticks during travel, they could face extended quarantine time or veterinary treatment at your expense.

Most countries have an approved ectoparasite treatment process before import. Your vet will prepare your pet for export according to the importing country’s specifications. Ectoparasite treatments are usually recommended around 20 to 25 days before travelling so your pet is completely protected from parasites before departing. Some countries, like New Zealand, insist on two ectoparasite treatments before import.

Tick collars are usually not a recommended treatment method because they are ineffective and can be removed from the pet. Fipronil or permethrin-based treatments are generally accepted in most countries.

Approved external parasite treatments

Some commonly used ectoparasite treatments for dogs are EFFIPRO spot-on solution, My Flea Guard, Pestigon, Eliminall Fleatix, Frontline Spray, Certifect, Defend, Preventic Spot On, Fletic Spot On, Advantix Spot On, Fortreon, Bayvantic, Bio Spot Spot On, Ovispot Plus, Active-3 Spot On, Vectra 3D, Permoxin rinse, Defendog Spray, Ovitrol Plus Spray, Adams Flea & Tick Spray, First Shield Trio, Simple Guard 3, and K9 Advantix II. 

Cats can be treated with Frontline Plus Spot On, Broadline Spot On, Frontline Spray, Frontline Tritak, Bio Spot Spot On, Sergeant’s Gold Squeeze-On, Ovitrol X-Tend Spot On, Ovitrol X-Tend Spray, and Ovitrol Plus Spray.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions while administering the treatment. There is a wide range of products; however, ensure the importing country approves the product before application. 

There are many nuances to international pet travel; the process is long, and the steps are many. It is easy to forget a step or two when anxious about the relocation. An accredited pet travel company can help make the process easy and stress-free. Get in touch with Petraveller for more information on international pet transport and a free pet travel quote.