Which Vaccinations Does Your Pet Need for International Travel?

Every country that allows pet imports has a list of required vaccinations. Getting these right – and getting the timing right – is one of the most important steps in any international pet move.

The Universal Requirement: Microchip First

Before any vaccination counts toward an international move, your pet must be microchipped. The vaccination record is only valid if the vaccine was given after the microchip was implanted. This is a specific rule for countries with titre test requirements, but it is good practice for all international travel.

ISO 11784/11785 standard microchips are accepted everywhere. Some older chip standards may not be readable by foreign scanners – check your microchip type.

Rabies Vaccination: Required Almost Everywhere

Rabies vaccination is required for entry into almost every country in the world. The specific requirements vary:

• Single current vaccination: Most countries require a valid rabies vaccination (given within the past one to three years depending on vaccine type). No titre test needed.
• Rabies titre test countries: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Mauritius, Bahrain, Oman, and several others require a rabies titre test confirming the vaccination has produced sufficient antibody levels. These countries also impose a waiting period after the test.

Core Vaccines for Dogs

The standard core vaccines for dogs that most countries reference:

• Distemper
• Parvovirus (CPV)
• Infectious Hepatitis (Adenovirus)
• Leptospirosis (required specifically by some countries, notably the UK, Philippines, and several Caribbean nations)

Your vet’s vaccination certificate should list each vaccine, the date given, and the brand/batch number.

Core Vaccines for Cats

Standard core vaccines for cats:

• Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1)
• Feline calicivirus (FCV)
• Feline panleukopenia (FPV)

Feline leukaemia (FeLV) is required by some countries. Rabies vaccination for cats is required by all countries that require it for dogs.

Country-Specific Additions

Australia and New Zealand: Titre test required. Two rabies vaccinations with a thirty-day gap, titre test thirty days after the second vaccine, 180-day wait before entry.

Japan: Same as Australia/New Zealand process plus formal AQS advance notification.

Gulf States (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar): Most require a titre test. Requirements vary slightly by country – confirm with the specific Ministry before travel.

EU countries: For pets from third countries (non-EU), a valid EU-format health certificate and current rabies vaccination is the baseline. Some EU countries have additional requirements.

USA: Rabies vaccination for dogs (current, given at least thirty days before arrival if first vaccination). No titre test required. Recent CDC changes added restrictions on dogs vaccinated outside the USA – check CDC current rules.

Timing Your Vaccinations

Leaving vaccinations to the last minute is the most common mistake. Many vaccines need to be given at a minimum number of days before travel. A titre test (if required) adds three to seven months to the minimum preparation window.

Speak to your vet at least six months before your move to confirm your pet’s vaccination status and plan any boosters or primary courses needed.