First Time Moving Your Pet Internationally? A Step-by-Step Guide

Moving a pet internationally for the first time can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot of information online, some of it contradictory or outdated. This guide gives you the framework to approach it methodically.

Step 1: Check your destination’s import rules

Before anything else, go to the official government veterinary authority website for your destination country and look up live animal (specifically dog or cat) import requirements. Don’t rely on forum posts or travel blogs as your primary source - these go out of date. The official sources are:

  • Australia: DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)
  • New Zealand: MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries)
  • USA: CDC (for dogs) + USDA APHIS
  • UK: APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) / DEFRA
  • EU: European Commission DG SANTE
  • Singapore: NParks / AVS
  • Japan: MAFF Animal Quarantine Service

For other countries, search “pet import [country name] official” and look for government domains (.gov, .go.jp, .europa.eu, etc.).

Step 2: Check whether your breed is permitted

Some countries ban specific breeds. Before investing in vaccines, vet visits, and planning, confirm your breed is not on a restricted list. Check the destination country’s breed-specific legislation and the airline’s restricted breeds list.

Step 3: Build your preparation timeline

Work backwards from your planned travel date. Key variables:

  • Does the destination require a titre test? Add 4+ months (titre test + 30-day wait for results + 3-month wait post-titre for many destinations)
  • Does the destination require a 21-day post-vaccination wait? Add 3-4 weeks after first rabies vaccination
  • When does the health certificate need to be issued? Usually within 10 days of travel

Create a calendar. Mark each date. Do not assume you have time to spare.

Step 4: Choose your airline and route

Find out which airlines accept your pet on your specific route. Check cargo policies (not just their general pet page - check the specific origin-destination route live animal acceptance). Look at whether you want to route direct or via a hub, and what the temperature restrictions are at the hub in your travel month.

Step 5: Book cargo and quarantine (if needed)

For quarantine destinations, book your quarantine space before booking your flight. Quarantine facilities have limited capacity. Confirm the booking with the facility, then book the airline cargo.

Step 6: Get your pet’s documentation in order

With your timeline confirmed and your vet briefed, work through: microchip check, vaccinations, titre test (if needed), health certificate timing. Do not leave the health certificate to the last minute.

Step 7: Travel day

Arrive early at the airport. Have all documents in a folder, originals on top. Confirm your cargo drop-off process with the airline. Brief check-in staff that you have a live animal. Once through, your pet is in the airline’s care until you collect at the destination cargo hall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start with your destination country’s import rules. Look up the official government veterinary authority for your destination and confirm: (1) whether your breed is permitted, (2) what vaccinations and tests are required, (3) whether a titre test is needed, and (4) whether there’s a mandatory wait time after the titre test. Then work backwards from your travel date to create a preparation timeline.

For simple routes (e.g., within the EU, UK to France, USA to Canada), experienced pet owners can often manage documentation themselves. For quarantine destinations (Australia, NZ, Singapore, Japan) or routes with complex multi-country transit requirements, an IPATA-accredited agent is strongly recommended.

For simple routes: 4-8 weeks minimum. For titre test destinations (Australia, Singapore, Hawaii, UK entering EU): at least 3-4 months. For Japan: at least 7-8 months. Start earlier than you think you need to.

IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association) is the global trade association for pet transport professionals. IPATA members operate to a defined code of conduct and professional standards. Using an IPATA agent gives you a verified baseline of professional competence for international pet moves.

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