07/19/2025
🐾 What Happens to Pets if Their People Are Deported?
At Second Chance Animal Rescue, we care deeply about the wellbeing of animals—and the people who love them. As some families in our community face the risk of deportation, we've seen many conversations around what happens to homes, jobs, and children. But we also want to ask: what happens to their pets? Can pets travel internationally with their families? What steps need to be taken? And if travel isn’t possible, what can be done to keep them safe?
💡 Here's what we’ve learned:
✅ Bringing Pets Across Borders
Traveling with pets is possible, but it requires preparation.
-Health Certificates: Most countries require a current veterinary health certificate (issued within 5–10 days of travel) stating your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccinations.
-Rabies Vaccine: Required and often must be administered at least 30 days before travel.
-Microchips: Not always required, but highly recommended.
-Check Airline and Country-Specific Requirements: Each destination has its own rules, so verify in advance.
❤️ If You Can’t Take Your Pet
If deportation or detention happens suddenly, it’s important to have a care plan in place for your pet—just like you would for a child or dependent.
-Identify a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor who could take your pet in an emergency.
-Write down feeding, medical, and care instructions.
-If you don’t have someone, contact local rescues before an emergency happens. If you or someone you know needs help finding a safe place for a beloved pet, please take a look at our free rehoming program:
👉 www.secondchancenorman.com/pc-rehome
This post is about pets—loyal companions who don't understand borders or paperwork. 🐾 As some families face the heartbreak of being separated from their homes, we’re thinking of the animals they may have to leave behind. They need our care, our compassion, and our community now more than ever. 💙
