PadsPass: It’s Not Just for International Travel

Traveling with a pet within the U.S. or Canada often feels simple — until it isn’t. Many pet parents assume “domestic travel” means the rules are the same everywhere, but requirements can change depending on where you’re going, how you’re traveling, and who’s checking your paperwork.

That’s where PadsPass helps. It keeps everything in one place and flags what’s needed before you’re turned away at a border, airport, or check-in desk.

Here’s why that matters.

Domestic travel isn’t one-size-fits-all

Even within the same country, pet travel requirements can vary by:

• State or province

• Driving vs. flying

• Airline or carrier policies

• Destination-specific regulations

  
  

PadsPass helps by organizing your pet’s records and showing you what applies to your specific trip, not just generic advice.

Example 1: Mainland U.S. — New York to Florida

You might assume traveling from New York to Florida with a dog is straightforward — and often it is — but there are still differences depending on how you travel.

Driving

When driving, there is no routine checkpoint at state borders. However:

• Most U.S. states, including Florida, require dogs to be vaccinated against rabies

• Proof is not always checked — until it is

  
  

If you’re stopped or questioned (for example, after an accident, at a lodging check-in, or during an animal-related incident), officials may ask for proof of rabies vaccination.

Requirements aren’t always posted clearly, and enforcement can vary by situation.

Having documentation easily accessible can make the difference between a quick resolution and a stressful delay.

Flying

Flying introduces another layer:

• Airlines may require a recent health certificate

• Proof of rabies vaccination

• Forms issued within a specific time window before travel

  
  

Each airline sets its own rules — and they don’t always match state guidance.

PadsPass helps by storing vaccination records, tracking dates, and making sure you can quickly show what an airline or official asks for.

Example 2: Mainland U.S. to Hawaii

Hawaii is the clearest example of why “domestic” doesn’t always mean “simple.”

Even though Hawaii is a U.S. state, it has strict animal import requirements, including:

• Rabies vaccination documentation

• Blood tests

• Waiting periods

• Paperwork that must be approved in advance

  
  

Missing a step can result in:

• Delays

• Mandatory quarantine

• Or being denied entry

  
  

PadsPass is especially useful here because it helps you:

• Track complex, multi-step requirements

• Keep vet-verified records together

• Avoid missing deadlines months ahead of travel

Example 3: U.S. to Canada — same continent, different country

Traveling from the U.S. to Canada with a pet — even just driving across the border — involves federal requirements, not just state ones.

For dogs, Canada requires proof of rabies vaccination, and border officials may ask to see documentation in a specific format. Additional requirements can apply depending on your pet’s age and whether you’re traveling temporarily or relocating.

If you’re flying, airline policies add another layer, often requiring health documentation issued within a specific time window before travel.

PadsPass helps by keeping vaccination records, vet confirmations, and key dates organized and ready, so you’re not scrambling at the border or airport.

Why PadsPass helps with domestic travel

PadsPass doesn’t replace airline or government rules — it helps you keep track of them. By storing health records, vaccination details, and key dates in one place, it makes it easier to respond when requirements change by destination or travel method. Instead of guessing, you’re prepared.

Domestic pet travel often feels easy — until one missing document causes a problem. PadsPass helps reduce surprises by keeping your pet’s travel information organized and ready, so you can focus on the journey, not the paperwork.