cats regulations

Cat Import Rules by Country: Quarantine, Vaccines, and Titre Tests at a Glance

By  ·   ·  2 min read

Need help moving your pet internationally? Get a free quote

Cat import rules vary more than most owners expect. Before booking any international move, confirm the current requirements directly with the destination authority. This table summarises the rules as of May 2026 - but regulations change, so always verify.

Quick Reference: Cat Import Requirements

CountryMicrochipRabies VaccTitre TestQuarantineImport PermitHealth Cert
AustraliaYesYesYes (180-day wait)10 daysVia DAFF pre-exportYes (govt endorsed)
New ZealandYesYesYes (180-day wait)Min 10 daysVia MPIYes (govt endorsed)
JapanYesYesYes (180-day wait)On arrival inspectPre-notification to MAFFYes
USAYesYes*NoNoNoYes (domestic)
CanadaYesYesNoNoNoYes
UK (from EU)YesYesNoNoNoAHC or health cert
EU (from UK)YesYesNoNoNoAHC within 10 days
GermanyYesYesNoNoNoAHC
FranceYesYesNoNoNoAHC
UAEYesYesNoNoYes (MoCCAE)Yes
SingaporeYesYesNoApproved group: noYes (AVS)Yes
MalaysiaYesYesNoNoYes (DVS)Yes
South AfricaYesYesNoNoNoYes
BrazilYesYesNoNoNo (for personal pets)MAPA format
MoroccoYesYesNoNoNoYes (endorsed)
MauritiusYesYesYes30 daysYes (MAIFS)Yes
IndiaYesYesNoNoFor personal pets: conditionalYes
KenyaYesYesNoPossibleYes (DVS)Yes
IsraelYesYesNoNoYes (IZSV)Yes
SpainYesYesNoNoNoAHC (from UK)

USA: Cats do not currently require rabies vaccination for entry from most countries. However, this is subject to change - always check current CDC and destination state rules.

Three Countries to Plan Months Ahead

Australia, New Zealand, and Japan are the destinations requiring the most preparation. For all three:

  1. ISO microchip must precede first vaccination
  2. Rabies vaccination required
  3. Blood sample sent to approved lab for titre test
  4. 180-day wait after titre confirmation
  5. Government health certificate and endorsement
  6. Mandatory quarantine (AU/NZ) or inspection hold (Japan)

Start at least 8-9 months before your intended travel date for these three destinations.

Sources: DAFF Australia; MPI New Zealand; MAFF Japan; European Commission; APHA UK; individual country government authority websites. Data current as of May 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Australia, New Zealand, and Japan require rabies antibody titre tests for all cats. A small number of other countries (including Mauritius) also require titre tests. Most countries do not - a current rabies vaccination certificate is sufficient.

Australia (10 days at Mickleham), New Zealand (minimum 10 days at Levin MPI), Mauritius (30 days), and a small number of Pacific island nations. Most countries do not require quarantine for cats from documented, vaccinated origins.

Yes. Post-Brexit, cats travelling from the UK to EU member states need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. The EU pet passport is no longer valid for UK-origin travel.
Dr. Sarah Okafor
Company-authored guidance reviewed against the sources named in each article. If you have a route question, get in touch.
Moving your pet abroad?

We coordinate the paperwork, the airline booking, and the quarantine so you don't have to.

Get a free quote
Topics
cats regulations planning
Useful links

Start your journey

Get Your Free Quote

Enter your pet's details and route

Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.

No obligation. Your details are kept private and only used to arrange your pet's move.

Sources

Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.

Get a free pet transport quote

Tell us your route and pet details. We will send you a step-by-step plan and tailored quote.

Request a Quote