Pet Travel Documentation Checklist: Everything You Need in One List

Documentation errors cause more pet border refusals than anything else. This checklist is designed to be printed, ticked off, and taken with you. Work through it systematically – not all items apply to every route, but use it as a complete master list and cross out what does not apply to you.

Universal Requirements (All International Pet Moves)

• Microchip certificate / implant record – showing chip number, implant date, chip position
• Rabies vaccination certificate – current, within validity period, post-microchip implant date
• Official veterinary health certificate – issued within 10 days of travel (or the period specified by destination)
• National authority endorsement – APHA (UK), USDA APHIS (USA), DAFF (Australia) countersignature on health certificate where required
• Vaccination history – complete prior vaccine records (useful even when not mandated)

EU Entry (from non-EU countries including UK)

• Animal Health Certificate (AHC) – issued within 10 days
• Tapeworm treatment record (dogs) – 1 to 5 days before entry
• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
• Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days if first vaccine)

Australia / New Zealand

• Import permit – from DAFF (Australia) or MPI (NZ), confirmed before travel
• Rabies titre test result – from OIE-approved laboratory, meeting 0.5 IU/mL threshold
• 180-day wait confirmation – date calculations showing wait period elapsed
• Health certificate – issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by national authority
• Quarantine booking confirmation – Mickleham (AU) or Auckland (NZ) facility
• Airline booking confirmation for live animal – not just a note, a confirmed booking

Japan

• Import notification – submitted to Japan AQS at least 40 days before arrival
• Two rabies vaccines with correct timing relative to each other and titre test
• FAVN titre test result – from approved laboratory
• 180-day wait – from blood draw date
• USDA-endorsed health certificate (for US pets) or equivalent national endorsement
• Japan AQS pre-arrival confirmation

Birds and Exotic Animals

• CITES export permit – from origin country
• CITES import permit – from destination country
• Avian health certificate – Newcastle Disease, Avian Influenza, psittacosis declarations
• Quarantine booking at destination country facility

Practical Document Management

• All originals in a clear document folder in hand luggage
• Photocopies of everything (one set)
• Digital scans stored in cloud / emailed to yourself
• Your vet’s emergency contact number accessible
• Destination country’s border veterinary authority phone number written down
• Microchip number noted independently (in case chip fails to scan)
• Your contact number written in permanent marker on the crate

Before Leaving Home

• All documents dated and checked (no expired certificates)
• All dates cross-checked against each other (microchip before vaccine; vaccine before titre test; 180-day period elapsed)
• Chip scanned at pre-travel vet appointment and confirmed readable
• Airline booking confirmed with live animal reference number
• Crate checked: all bolts present, door latch secure, water bowl attached

Adjust this checklist for your specific route. When in doubt, include more documentation rather than less.