Pet Transport Timeline Planner: Month-by-Month Countdown to Travel Day
International pet transport is not complicated – but it is time-sensitive. Almost every problem that causes last-minute stress comes from leaving something too late. This timeline works backwards from travel day so you can map out exactly what needs to happen when.
12+ Months Before Travel (Required for Australia, NZ, Japan, Hawaii)
- Check whether destination requires rabies titre test
- If yes: microchip your pet NOW (must precede vaccination)
- Give primary rabies vaccination
- Give booster vaccination (timing specified by destination rules)
- Book titre test blood draw (at least 30 days after last vaccination for most destinations)
- Send blood to approved laboratory
- Confirm positive result (0.5 IU/mL or higher)
- 180-day wait begins from blood draw date
6 Months Before Travel
- Apply for destination country import permit (if required – Australia, Japan, Kenya, Pakistan, etc.)
- Research approved airlines for your route and pet size
- Start crate training if not already underway
- Buy IATA-compliant crate (sized correctly – measure your pet)
- Book your vet check with an Official Veterinarian (OV)
3 Months Before Travel
- Confirm your pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations required by destination
- Book flights – confirm pet booking directly with airline (not just a note in the online booking)
- If using an IPATA agent, select and brief them now
- Book Mickleham/Auckland quarantine slot if Australia/NZ bound (DAFF/MPI arranges this after permit)
- Confirm crate dimensions accepted by your specific airline
1 Month Before Travel
- Schedule OV appointment for health certificate (remember: issued within 10 days of travel, but book the appointment now)
- Confirm import permit is issued and correct
- Arrange tapeworm and/or parasite treatments (check timing windows for destination)
- Notify airline cargo department of your booking details
10 Days Before Travel
- Health certificate issued by OV
- APHA/USDA endorsement if required (allow 3 to 5 working days)
- Tapeworm treatment (if 1 to 5 days before travel window)
- Check crate: all bolts present, door secure, water bowl attached
48 Hours Before Travel
- Final vet check (some airlines require a fitness-to-fly letter)
- Place familiar bedding in crate
- Attach water bowl, absorbent mat, contact details label
- Print all documents – original certificates plus two copies each
- Do not wash bedding (familiar smell matters)
- Light meal the evening before, then fast 4 hours before travel
Travel Day
- Arrive at airport early (live animal check-in takes longer)
- Documents accessible in a folder, not in checked luggage
- Confirm with airline that pet booking is confirmed in the system
- Hand over pet to cargo/check-in as directed
- Share your arrival contact details with the cargo team
On Arrival
- Collect pet from cargo claims or live animal facility
- Border vet check – have documents ready
- Check for any distress or injury before leaving the airport
- Offer water and gentle attention before returning to full routine
Use this as a template and adjust for your specific destination’s requirements. When in doubt, do each step earlier rather than later.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most destinations, 3 to 6 months is sufficient. For high-complexity destinations like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or Hawaii, start 9 to 12 months before your intended travel date. The 180-day titre test waiting period alone requires starting the process at least 7 months out.
Check whether your destination country requires a rabies titre test. If it does, start the vaccination and titre test process immediately – everything else can be done closer to travel, but the 180-day wait cannot be shortened.
The health certificate itself is issued within 10 days of travel – so yes, it must be done close to departure. But you need an Official Vet (OV) appointment booked well in advance, especially in peak summer months when OV slots fill quickly.