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.