10 Common Pet Relocation Myths (And What Is Actually True)

Myth 1: Pets Always Need Quarantine

Only a handful of countries mandate quarantine regardless of documentation – most notably Australia (10 days), New Zealand (up to 10 days), and Hawaii (120 days unless the 5-Day-Or-Less programme requirements are met). Most countries do not require quarantine for properly documented pets.

Myth 2: You Must Sedate Your Pet for the Flight

Veterinary guidance and IATA guidelines recommend against sedating pets for air travel. Sedated animals have impaired muscle coordination and thermoregulation. Most well-prepared, crate-trained pets manage travel without sedation. Discuss calming options with your vet – non-sedative anxiety-reducing supplements may be appropriate for some animals.

Myth 3: Any Vet Can Sign an International Health Certificate

International health certificates must be signed by a vet with specific government accreditation (USDA-accredited in the USA, an Official Veterinarian in the UK, a DAFF-accredited vet in Australia). Your regular vet may or may not have this accreditation. Check before booking the appointment.

Myth 4: If Your Pet Has an EU Pet Passport, You Can Go Anywhere

EU Pet Passports cover travel between EU member states and from the EU to listed third countries. They do not work for all destinations. Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the USA require different documentation. Post-Brexit, EU Pet Passports are not accepted for entry into Great Britain.

Myth 5: A Microchip Is Optional

In practice, a microchip is required for entry to the EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and many other countries. For all practical purposes, microchipping before travel is not optional for international moves.

Myth 6: Flying Is Traumatising for Pets

Studies on pet air travel suggest that most healthy, well-prepared pets experience moderate stress during travel but recover quickly after arrival. The stress of a well-prepared move is significantly lower than the stress of a poorly-prepared one. Good crate training, familiar scents, and a health check before travel are the most important mitigations.

Myth 7: The Cheapest Flight Is Best for Your Pet

Low-cost carriers often do not accept pets. Routes with many connections extend the time in cargo and increase the number of stressful loading/unloading events. A direct flight on a carrier with strong live animal handling capabilities is generally better for your pet than a cheaper multi-stop option, even at higher cost.

Myth 8: You Can Use Any Crate

IATA has specific crate size requirements (Regulation Live Animals 62nd Edition). The crate must allow the animal to stand at full height, turn around, and lie down. It must be well-ventilated on multiple sides, have a leak-proof floor, and be escape-proof. Airline staff can and do reject non-compliant crates at check-in.

Myth 9: The Process Is the Same for Dogs and Cats

Cats and dogs often have different import requirements at the destination. Japan, for example, has specific documentation differences between dogs and cats. Australia treats them similarly for quarantine but the paperwork process is the same for both. Always verify requirements specifically for your animal’s species.

Myth 10: An Agent Is Just an Extra Cost

For complex moves (Australia, New Zealand, Japan; multi-leg journeys; restricted breeds), an experienced IPATA-member agent reduces errors, handles airline bookings with carriers that have good live animal relationships, and often prevents expensive mistakes. For straightforward EU moves, a well-organised owner can often manage independently.

Information accurate as of May 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many airlines have restrictions on transporting brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, particularly in the cargo hold, due to respiratory risks. However, some airlines permit snub-nosed breeds under specific conditions. Restrictions vary by airline, aircraft type, season, and route. Small brachycephalic dogs may fly in cabin on some airlines where they do not qualify for hold cargo. Always check with the specific airline for your specific animal.

No. Many countries – including most EU member states, the USA, Canada, and most Middle Eastern countries – do not require quarantine for well-documented pets. Australia and New Zealand are notable exceptions and require 10-day quarantine regardless. Hawaii has strict requirements but an alternative programme.

This depends on the airline, the animal’s size, and the route. Small pets (under 6 to 8 kg combined with carrier) may travel in the aircraft cabin on many airlines. Medium and large pets travel as air cargo – a separate service from checked baggage. The process for air cargo pets is distinct from checked baggage and involves advance booking, separate documentation, and often separate check-in at a cargo terminal.