Traveling with Pet Ashes Internationally: Regulations and Best Tips
Traveling with pet ashes internationally is a journey marked by emotion, whether it’s to bring your beloved pet to a meaningful place, accompany them as you move to a new home abroad, or as a way to honor a furry companion who passed away during a voyage.
This guide is designed to assist you in navigating the unique and often complex process of traveling with ashes of yourd dog, cat or any other beloved pet on an international scale.
From choosing the right urn, to the international and airline regulations for traveling with pet ashes, and customs tips, find everything you need to know below.
1. Choosing the Right Container for Traveling with Pet Ashes
Selecting the appropriate container is a crucial first step when preparing to travel with your pet’s ashes internationally. In this section, we’ll explore the key considerations when choosing the right container. These steps are designed to provide peace of mind during your journey and help you avoid potential disruptions or delays.
Select a container that is sturdy, secure, and leak-proof to prevent any mishaps during transit. Many funeral homes or pet cremation services offer specialized urns for this purpose.
Clearly label the container with your contact information and a description of its contents. This is especially important if you plan to place the container in your checked luggage. The label should indicate that it contains pet ashes to prevent any confusion or unnecessary security checks.
Whenever possible, keep the container with you in your carry-on luggage. This minimizes the risk of it being opened and inspected during baggage screening. Having the container in your possession ensures that it remains secure and undisturbed.
Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent any accidental spills or leaks during travel. Most containers come with secure closure mechanisms, but it’s essential to verify that they are properly sealed.
Keep a record of the container’s details, such as its size, material, and any unique markings, in case you need to identify it to airport or customs officials.
Double-check with the airline or mode of transportation you’ll be using to ensure they have no specific restrictions on the type of container you’re using. This will help you avoid any last-minute complications.
2. Preparing for Travel
Begin the process by researching the specific legal requirements for traveling with pet ashes internationally. These include:
- The requirements of the country of destination
- The requirements of the airline
- The requirements of the country of origin
Create a checklist of the necessary documentation, which may include a pet cremation certificate, a death certificate, and any permits required for the international transport of cremated remains.
We will take a look at the specific requirements in some countries further below.
If you’ll be staying in hotels or other accommodations during your trip, it’s a good practice to inform them about the presence of cremated remains in your possession to ensure they are handled with care.
3. Regulations about traveling with pets ashes Internationally
Each country has its own regulations for the international travel with pet ashes. When researching the rules, consider the following:
United States
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for ensuring security and safety when traveling. While their guidelines explicitly address the transportation of cremated human remains, it’s reasonable to assume that similar requirements apply to pet ashes.
In fact, I contacted the TSA to ask about the traveling with pet ashes to the USA while I was writing this article. They forwarded me to this article about transporting remains to the USA, so one can assume it applies to pet ashes as well.
According to TSA regulations, passengers are required to carry cremated remains in temporary or permanent containers designed to facilitate security procedures. If you have a cremation urn, you do need to ensure it is purely wood or plastic, and can be x-rayed.
You need to know that the TSA will not open your urn. They are not allowed to do so, any won’t do it even if you asked them to.
But, this also means that if they can’t verify that your urn contains only ashes through the X-ray check, you will not be allowed to enter the country with it.
In the referred article it mentions that when entering the United States with cremated remains there is no requirement for a death certificate. Again, we can assume it applies to pet ashes as well.
However, for the purpose of traveling within the United States, particularly on connecting or domestic flights, it is essential that the cremated remains are transported in a temporary container. These containers should be crafted from materials such as wood, plastic, cardboard, or non-lead based ceramics.
Canada
Canada does not have official regulations for importing pet ashes. But they do have guidelines about human ashes that you could take as a reference.
Their main requirement is that the ashes are transported in a leak proof container, and that it should be made of a material that allows the X-ray to scan its content.
Screening officers at the airport are not permitted to open a cremation container. They will not inspect the contents of the urn even if you open it yourself. This means that if they aren’t able to verify that the urn is a safe item through the X-ray check, you will not be allowed to bring it on the plane.
United Kingdom
Traveling with pet ashes in the United Kingdom is generally uncomplicated. There are no official requirements for pets’ ashes. Checking online forums reveals that many people have traveled with their pet’s ashes without encountering any issues.
In their guidelines for traveling with human ashes to the UK they only mention the documents you might need when leaving the country of origin. They don’t mention any specific requirements for entering the UK.
However, they do recommend using a non-metallic urn that allows for X-ray screening. If you are going to travel internationally with pet ashes to the UK, it would be advisable to follow that recommendation.
Australia
Official information in Australia does not address regulations for pet ashes. At least for taking back human ashes to Australia, there are no official requirements.
But Australia does have requirements for the urns for containing ashes, and the same criterias will possibly apply to urns containing pet ashes.
They specify that the urn must be devoid of impurities like soil, and containers constructed from wood necessitate notification to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry upon arrival.
Many individuals have traveled to Australia with their pet’s ashes without issues. They mention that border officials often focus on the type of container used, particularly whether wooden urns are treated. To ensure a smooth experience, it’s advisable to use a treated wooden urn and have documentation ready in case you’re asked to provide it.
European Union (EU)
The European Union does not require specific documentation for traveling with pet ashes within its member states. However, it’s essential to verify the latest regulations with the destination country as they may have specific requirements.
For more specific and up-to-date information on regulations for your destination, consult the official government websites and contact the relevant embassies or consulates.
4. Airline Requirements for Traveling with Ashes
It’s crucial to emphasize the need to check with the airline directly for their specific requirements when traveling with pet ashes internationally. Each airline may have its own set of regulations.
These airline-specific requirements can include:
- a copy of the death certificate
- a cremation certificate
- specific guidelines for the type of urn used.
It’s important to note that some airlines may not permit passengers to check the urn containing ashes in their checked baggage due to their individual safety and security policies.
These airline requirements are distinct from the customs requirements of each country. They should be addressed separately to ensure a smooth and compliant journey.
5. Customs and Border Control Tips
While most countries allow the transportation of pet ashes, it’s crucial to be aware of potential questions and challenges that may arise during your journey.
Upon arrival in a foreign country, you may be asked about the contents of the container holding your pet’s ashes.
Depending on the country, officials might open the container for inspection to verify that it contains only ashes and is not concealing any prohibited items.
Like mentioned above, in other countries, like the USA or Canada, customs officials will not open your urn. They are not allowed to do so, any won’t do it even if you asked them to.
This also means that if they can’t verify that your urn contains only ashes, you will not be allowed to enter the country with it.
For this reason, no matter where you are traveling, make sure to be traveling with an urn where you can easily look at the ashes from the outside. And that it’s made from a material that can be easily scanned by X-rays, like wood. This will save you a lot of trouble.
FAQ About Traveling with Pet Ashes Internationally
Can I carry pet ashes in my checked luggage?
Some airlines permit passengers to carry pet ashes in their checked luggage. However, it’s not advisable to do so since the urn might be opened for security controls. Especially if they can’t determine its content. In any case, it’s essential to check with the specific airline you plan to use, as policies may vary.
Do I need a death certificate for my pet when traveling internationally with their ashes?
Generally, for traveling with pet ashes internationally, a specific death certificate for your pet may not be required. At least not if you are traveling to the regions we mentioned above (USA, Canada, UK, EU and Australia).
However, it’s essential to check with the customs regulations of the country you are departing from. And the specific requirements of the airline you plan to use.
While a death certificate may not be mandatory, these authorities may have other specific requirements or guidelines related to the transportation of pet ashes.
Can I carry pet ashes if I’m on a connecting flight?
Yes, you can typically carry pet ashes on connecting flights, but it’s crucial to follow the airline’s specific guidelines. The international requirement about the types of urns allowed will most likely apply to domestic airports as well.
What materials should the urn for pet ashes be made of to meet TSA requirements?
To meet TSA requirements, the urn for pet ashes should be constructed from security-friendly materials. It’s recommended to use urns made of lightweight materials such as plastic or wood. These materials facilitate X-ray screening, ensuring a smooth security process when traveling with pet ashes by air.
Are there special urns for traveling with ashes?
Yes, there are urns designed specifically for travel. Travel urns are typically lightweight, secure, and made from materials that can pass through X-ray machines with ease. You can easily get this temporary travel urns on Amazon.
Can I travel internationally with my jewelry made of my pet’s ashes?
The ability to travel with jewelry containing your pet’s ashes depends on the materials used. Jewelry made of metal, such as lockets with internal compartments for ashes, may not easily pass through X-ray checks, similar to the considerations for urns.
However, if you have special pet cremation jewelry made of glass where the ashes are mixed with the glass during the creation process, it is more likely to meet security requirements. These types of jewelry pieces should generally pass through security screenings without significant issues.
Before You Go…
From selecting the right urn, adhering to the regulations of specific countries, to acknowledging the unique requirements set by individual airlines, make sure to have everything ready and in order foryour trip.
For more information and guidance on pet cremation and related topics, feel free to explore our dedicated resources. As pet owners, our collective experience is a testament to the profound impact our pets have on our lives. It’s our hope that this guide has illuminated the path for you.
Safe travels, and may the memories of your cherished pets continue to light your way.
