Dogs are wonderful companions to humans so it should not be a cause of wonder when humans bring their dogs even when they travel to other countries using any mode of transportation. Most likely, these pet owners have already established a relationship with their dogs and so they are not comfortable traveling to other places and leaving their dogs behind.

So why not go on a vacation with your dog? Whether it is a business or pleasure trip, no one can stop pet owners from bringing their dogs, even if they are traveling by air, land or sea.

People who are planning to spend their vacation in Brazil but could not afford to leave their pet dogs with a sitter should not worry because traveling with pets is already common nowadays. Thus, almost all modes of transportation have provisions and rules for pet travel.

Brazil is an ideal area for those who love the fine sand of white beach, enjoy the wilds of the Amazon and the picturesque attraction of the Iguau Falls. A tame vacation can take you to Brazils dynamic culture and music. But do not get carried away yet because there is still one problem you have to solve; how to travel your pet dog by plane.

The cities of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are the most common arrival areas for international flights to Brazil so query should be focused on the immigration and custom rules in these areas.

Brazilian law provides for strict regulation on the entry of animals to Brazil. The same law requires that your pet dog has an International Health Certificate. However, pet dogs with Health Certificates are only allowed entry in Brazil if they enter the country not later than thirty days from the issuance of the Health Certificate. Brazilian consulate officials must also legalize the Health Certificate seven days after its issuance.

Not only that because it is also required that the Health Certificate of your pet dog must be stamped or marked by the Department of Agriculture of the United States. Such Certificate must certify or confirm the good health of the dog, the vaccines it has been given as well as the fact that there were no diseases in the area at least forty days before the date of the flight.

The pet dog owner should also pay a $20 consular fee for every document processed and the payment should either be in cash or money order only since personal checks will not be accepted. The Brazilian consulate will mail you the documents but you have to send a stamped envelope with your address.

While the Brazilian authorities are understandably strict on the entry of pet dogs to their country, the pet owner should also make sure that the dog will not be able to get any disease in Brazil by asking the dogs veterinarian about the possible diseases in Brazil. Also make sure to treat the dog for fleas as you would not want him to scratch all over while traveling. This is also part of being a responsible dog owner because a dog that has fleas can infest other animals as well as hotels and even cars in your area of destination.

If the Brazil trip is geared towards the outdoors then it is best to make sure that the pet dog is in good shape especially if he has to do a lot of hiking during your vacation. However, avoid strenuous walking for small dog breeds of less than one year and for large breed dogs that are less than a year and a half. Inform the veterinarian about the itinerary of the vacation and ask him for advice as to whether the dog is fit for such a trip.