How to Move a Dog Internationally: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Moving a dog to another country is entirely achievable - millions of dogs relocate internationally every year. The process is more complex than booking a seat, but it follows a clear sequence. Get the steps right in the right order and your dog arrives safely.

Step 1: Microchip (If Not Already Done)

Your dog needs an ISO 15-digit microchip (134.2 kHz standard). This must be in place before any vaccination is recorded in the health documentation. A vaccination given before microchipping is not officially linked to your dog’s ID and may not be accepted.

If your dog is already microchipped, check the number with a universal scanner (some UK chips are 10-digit - these are not ISO 15-digit compliant for international travel).

Step 2: Rabies Vaccination

Once the microchip is confirmed, your vet records a rabies vaccination in the health documentation. Most countries require a current rabies vaccination - within the validity period stated by the manufacturer (typically 1 or 3 years).

For Australia, New Zealand, and Japan: The rabies vaccination must be done before a blood sample for the titre test. The titre test result must be confirmed at least 180 days before entry. This is the clock that determines your earliest travel date.

Step 3: Check Destination Country Requirements

Look up the official import rules for your destination country before any other steps. Rules vary by:

Titre test requirements
Import permit requirements
Quarantine
Breed restrictions
Entry port restrictions

Primary sources: USDA APHIS (USA), APHA (UK), DAFF (Australia), MAFF (Japan), EU TRACES portal. Avoid relying on third-party summaries - regulations change.

Step 4: Book Your Vet and Government Endorsement

Health certificates for international travel must be:

Issued by an accredited or Official Veterinarian (OV)
Endorsed by the government authority (APHA in the UK, USDA APHIS in the USA)
Issued within a specific window before travel (often 10 days, but varies)

Book your vet before you book flights. APHA endorsement in the UK takes 3-7 working days - factor that into your timeline.

Step 5: Choose Your Airline and Book Cargo

Research which airlines:

Accept your dog’s breed (some ban brachycephalic breeds)
Serve your destination with direct or minimal-connection routing
Have cargo space available (book as early as possible - large dogs compete for limited hold space)

Check the airline’s own live animal policy - not a third-party summary.

Step 6: IATA-Compliant Crate

Your dog needs an IATA-compliant crate:

Dog can stand without head touching the roof
Dog can turn around fully
Dog can lie in a natural position
Crate has water/food holders accessible from outside
Ventilation on 3 sides minimum

Introduce the crate weeks before travel - a dog comfortable sleeping in its crate is far less stressed during transit.

Step 7: Travel Day

Do not feed within 4 hours of the flight
Exercise before departure
Keep the check-in process calm
Include a worn item of clothing in the crate for scent comfort
Freeze the water dish so it melts slowly in transit

Step 8: Arrival and Clearance

Present all original documents to the border veterinary authority. Keep digital copies as backup. For quarantine countries, confirm the quarantine facility address and booking before travel.

Sources: IATA Live Animals Regulations 2024; APHA official pet travel guidance; USDA APHIS pet import requirements. Data current as of May 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most countries: 8-12 weeks minimum (microchip, vaccinations, health certificate, airline booking). For Australia, New Zealand, or Japan: 6-9 months minimum due to titre test waiting periods and quarantine. Start earlier than you think you need to.

Yes, for straightforward routes (e.g., UK to most EU countries, USA to Canada). For complex routes - quarantine countries, breed-restriction destinations, multiple connections - a specialist IPATA-member agent significantly reduces the risk of errors that could leave your dog stranded.

The core package: ISO 15-digit microchip scan record, current rabies vaccination, government-endorsed health certificate. Country-specific additions: titre test (Australia/NZ/Japan), import permit (Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia), breed documentation (restricted-breed destinations).