FAQ
Questions and answers
How the planner works, where the rules come from, what we store and what we do not cover.
Is this an official government service?
No. Pawhopper is an independent service that structures what the official government pages say. Every requirement links to the page it comes from, and we are not affiliated with any authority. The authority you are travelling to or from has the final say.
Where do the rules come from?
Only from official government sources: the ministry or agency of the destination, and of the country you are leaving. Never forums, blogs, airlines or commercial pet-transport sites. Each step shows the exact sentence it was built from and a link to the page.
How do you keep the rules up to date?
Every rule file has a “checked” date and a re-check date. A script re-reads the live official pages and flags any quote that no longer appears word for word, or any rule file that is past its re-check date. Pages that block scripts are checked by hand. See “How we verify rules”.
What if the official wording is unclear?
We say so. A step whose wording is ambiguous is marked “the official wording is ambiguous”, with the question explained, and we do not guess. “Not covered yet” is also a valid answer on this site.
Do you store my pet’s details?
Not on our server. The trip and pet details you enter live in the web address of your plan. If you tick “remember my pet’s details”, they are saved in your own browser only. There are no accounts. See the privacy page.
Does the plan guarantee my pet will be allowed in?
No. It tells you what the official sources ask for and works out the deadlines from their waiting periods. Authorities can change rules without notice, officers decide at the border, and your vet may need to add steps for your pet’s situation. Always confirm with the authority and your vet before you book.
Which countries and pets do you cover?
Dogs and cats travelling with their owners (a few routes also cover ferrets). The countries page lists every place with entry and exit rules and how complete each one is. Pets being sold or rehomed, assistance dogs, and other species are not covered yet.
Why does the plan show a date range for some steps?
Most steps have a window: not before one event and not after another. For example a blood test can only be taken after the first rabies vaccination, and must be done a minimum time before travel. The range is that window. “By” a date means there is no earliest date.
Why are some countries marked “short summary, under review”?
Some governments publish only a short page of rules. We show what it says and nothing more, and mark it for review so you know to ask the authority what else applies. We never fill the gaps ourselves.
How do I report a mistake or request a country?
Use “Report a mistake” in the footer or on any plan or country page. There is no email address: reports go straight to the people who maintain the rules.
Still stuck? Ask us.