Moving Internationally with Pets

Key Takeaways

• Plan well in advance by making vet appointments, booking transportation, and understanding pet import rules.
• Prioritize your pet’s health and comfort by vetting your transportation & kennel bookings, managing your pet’s stress, and getting them up to date on all vaccinations. 
• Know your destination’s rules for pet import, including vaccinations, pet quarantine laws, and fees. 

71% of American households include a pet (APPA’s 2025 Industry Report). If you are part of that percentage, then you need to consider the needs of your cat, dog, bird, or scaled friend when moving—particularly if you plan to move out of the US. 

Moving internationally with pets often has unique requirements, such as specific vaccinations and paperwork. Some countries also require pet quarantine. Failure to complete these tasks can result in denied entry or hefty fees. Beyond prepping to adhere to pet import rules, you also need to tend to the physical and emotional well-being of your pet. Long travel, unfamiliar surroundings, and big changes can lead to stress and health issues.

Luckily, with a bit of patience, planning, and this guide, you can ensure moving abroad with pets goes off without a hitch. We cover everything from border documentation to post-move pet care recommendations for a successful move to another country. 

Start Planning Early

When should you start planning an international move with pets? We suggest 3 to 6 months in advance. This allows you to make all the necessary bookings for pet transport, pet-friendly lodging, vet visits, and more. Additionally, if you are frantically scrambling around at the last minute, your stress can negatively impact your pet.

Planning early is one of our favorite international moving tips, as it prevents last-minute hiccups, such as sold-out pet-friendly flights, denial of entry at the border, and more.

Research Country-Specific Import Requirements

Pet import requirements are commonly available on the country’s government website. Every country has different pet import requirements, but they commonly include: 

• Vaccinations & Treatment: This may consist of DHLPP for dogs and FVRCP for cats, as well as other country-specific treatments such as flea and tick control. 
• Rabies Titre Test (RNATT): Commonly required for rabies-free countries like Europe and Japan. This test must be done 3 to 4 months prior to travel. 
• ISO Microchipping: More countries than ever require pets to be microchipped. Internationally recognized microchips must comply with ISO 11784/11785 standards. Note that in some cases, required vaccinations may need to be administered after microchipping. 
• Quarantine: The rules and exemptions for quarantining pet varies by origin and destination. Generally, quarantine lasts 7 to 30 days. There are some countries with no pet quarantine requirements (Canada, Mexico, Japan, etc.). 
• Import Fees: Import fees and veterinary inspections upon arrival may be required; if so, they should be budgeted for. 

Gather Required Documentation

International Health Certificate

Shows that your pet meets import requirements and must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. This certification is overseen by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the US Department of Agriculture.

Import Permit

Outlines conditions for entry. Common in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore.

Other Documents

Includes country-specific customs forms and pet passports (where applicable).

Tip: Don’t rush through paperwork and double-check everything. Errors can result in additional fees, delays, or refusal of entry. 

Consult with a Veterinarian

Even if your pet is up to date with required vaccinations and treatments, making one last vet appointment is highly recommended. During this appointment:

Get a Wellness Evaluation

Your veterinarian should assess your pet’s fitness for travel, especially for young, elderly, or brachycephalic breeds.

Obtain Records & Medication

Get a copy of your pet’s medical records, prescriptions, and medications for the transition period. This may include pheromone collars or sprays to calm your pet’s moving anxiety, aids for carsickness, and more. Also, ask for a referral to a new vet in your destination country.

Choose a Transport Method

Many flights offer the option to book pets in the cabin or in cargo. Keep in mind that each airline has its own regulations and weight limits. In general, larger breeds of dogs don’t qualify to fly in the cabin—the weight limit for most major airlines is 20 lbs for in-cabin pets.

When choosing a flight for moving with pets, you should:

• Ensure that the flight is pet-friendly and understand which types of pets they accept. 
• Check reviews of passengers who have onboarded pets. 
• Learn about how pets are handled during layovers and extreme weather embargoes.

Select a Pet Relocation Service (Optional but Recommended)

A pet relocation service can greatly reduce moving stress by providing expert guidance and coordinating door-to-door transportation. Additionally, they can tackle paperwork, customs clearance for pets, and other logistics. 

However, if you opt for this route when moving pets internationally (or anywhere else), you should choose a pet relocation service that is accredited. Look for USDA-certified, RACA-authorized, or IPATA-affiliated companies. Additionally, you should check their reviews on their website, Google, the Better Business Bureau, and other relevant platforms. 

5 Key Questions You Should Ask a Potential Pet Relocation Provider

1. What services do you offer? (Paperwork? Boarding? Vet care? Etc.)
2. What is your health and vaccination policy?
3. What safety measures do you have in place?
4. Where will my pet be held? (Kennel size? Temperature control? Etc.) 
5. How long will it take for my pet to arrive at your new home? 

Crate and Crate-Training

Start your crate training with the crate you will use for travel. The crate should be IATA-approved and allow your pet to stand, turn, and lie comfortably. 

Due to risks, avoid sedatives (unless specifically advised otherwise by your vet). To naturally reduce your pet’s anxiety around crates:

• Keep your crate out in the open starting at least a few months before travel. 
• Make it inviting for your pet by leaving the door open (or removing it completely for training). 
• Pad it with familiar bedding and offer toys, treats, and food inside. 

Handle the Day(s) of Travel

Our top 3 moving day tips for moving with pets internationally include:  

1. Adding a toy to the crate that holds the smell of home for comfort. Additionally, you can also add a lightly worn piece of clothing since it holds your scent.
2. Having multiple copies of documentation on hand during moving day. This ensures that if a copy is lost, you aren’t scrambling. 
3. Asking questions—especially concerning your pet’s well-being. This may include inquiring about the airline’s cargo hold conditions, such as climate control, handling during layovers, and emergency procedures.

Arrival & Post-Travel Procedures

You need to prepare your pet for quarantine, if required. While some countries have no pet quarantine requirements, others require quarantine anywhere from 7 to 30 days. 

Once your pet arrives at their destination, give them lots of attention. You want to reassure them that they are safe and loved. Beyond this, you should also look them over for any physical injuries. If you boarded them, take photos of any abnormalities and contact the company that was responsible for your pet. 

However, even if your pet looks fine, you should still schedule a vet appointment soon after arrival. They can ensure your pet’s well-being and assess them for any unseen issues caused by travel, stress, or other factors. 

Tip: Locate pet supply stores and services early to ease settling in.

Breed-Specific & Age-Specific Considerations

Puppies and kittens may not be able to be imported until they’re a certain age. On the other end of the spectrum are senior pets, which pose a higher travel risk, particularly for long flights. 

The breed of your animal also matters—pittbulls, bulldogs, and mastiffs are commonly barred from entering countries. Additionally, snub-nosed breeds are at high risk for travel due to breathing issues. 

Seasonal & Weather-Related Planning

Both extreme heat and cold can add extra stress to pets during travel. It is essential to be mindful of seasonal challenges when scheduling a long-distance move. If temperatures are unsafe, you may need to leave your pet with a friend or family member until the conditions are safer. Alternatively, relocation services can help schedule flights during safer temperatures.

Budgeting for Pet Relocation

Relocating your pet to another country can be costly; therefore, it is essential to plan ahead. Common pet moving costs include microchipping, health certificates, crates, vet tests, boarding, flight, and service fees. You should also budget for a vet visit and any other type of support your pet may need post-move. 

Item	Average Cost
Microchip	$45
Vaccinations	$65 – $200
Vet Visits	$100 – $400
Crate	$50 – $300
International Health Certificate	Starting at $261
Import Permit	$200 – $500
Shipping a Pet	$500 – $10,000

Please note that costs may vary significantly depending on the destination country’s requirements, the distance traveled, and your pet’s individual needs. 

Moving with Pets Internationally: Final Tips

To keep international moving stress to a minimum, it is essential to plan ahead—especially if you have pets. Pets require early prep, vet visits, correct documentation, and lots of love and patience to make their long-distance move a success. 

If you need an extra hand to tackle your moving tasks, Oz Moving is always here to help. As top-rated international movers, we know how to make moving easy for both you and your pets! Contact us for an international moving quote today.

FAQs About Moving Internationally with Pets

Are there countries with no pet quarantine requirements?

Yes, there are countries with no pet quarantine requirements. This includes the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, South Africa, Japan, Mexico, and Argentina. 

What documentation do I need from my vet before moving abroad with my pet?

Recommended documentation to get before moving with your pet includes medical records, vaccine records, and microchip information. Check your destination’s requirements for the exact documents needed. 

What can I do to make my pet comfortable when moving internationally?

To ensure your pet’s comfort during international relocation, consult with your veterinarian. They may prescribe medication or a pheromone product to ease anxiety. In addition to this, ensure the crate your pet uses is large enough for them to turn, sit, and lie in comfortably. Consider putting a well-loved toy or a lightly worn piece of clothing inside to add a comforting scent. 

Do some countries have different vaccination requirements for pets than the USA?

Yes, some countries have different pet vaccination requirements than the USA. Check their government website for up-to-date information.