Name: PSS International Removals
Price range: $$

Moving abroad with your pet takes more than careful packing and a confirmed travel date. While PSS International Removals can help plan and manage the safe shipment of your belongings overseas, pet relocation comes with its own rules, timings and welfare considerations. It’s vital you speak to experts to get the latest advice on current rules and procedures in the country you are relocating to.

To help explain what owners need to know, we spoke with Andy Symons from Transfur Animals, our trusted pet relocation partner, for expert advice on moving cats and dogs abroad. He has over 30 years of experience relocating dogs and cats all over the world. There’s no one we would trust more in helping our furry family members move abroad!

Key takeaways

Moving abroad with pets takes careful planning, paperwork and expert advice.
Country rules vary, including requirements for microchips, rabies vaccines, health certificates, and import permits.
Australia, New Zealand and Japan often require extra planning due to quarantine rules.
Your pet’s age, breed, health and anxiety levels should be considered before travel.
Crate training, route planning and vet appointments can make the journey safer and less stressful.

Important Things to Know Before Moving Abroad With Your Pet:

Get ahead of the game (8 to 12 months is plenty of time), especially if you’re planning to move to a high-risk country that requires mandatory rabies titre tests and quarantine bookings, such as Australia, New Zealand, or Japan. Here is a helpful guide on how far in advance to start planning a pet relocation.
Every country has its own specific rules: microchips, rabies vaccines, health certificates, and import permits can vary widely. The most reliable sources of information are likely to be your own country’s government website and the relevant embassy.
The travel method you choose really matters. Whether you fly, drive, or hire a pet shipper depends on a range of factors, including your pet’s age, health, breed, route, climate, and total travel time. Flying, driving, and hiring professional pet shipping services are among the most common ways to move pets overseas.
Planning veterinary appointments is crucial. First, you need to microchip your pet, then get the necessary vaccinations and blood tests (if needed), and finally, obtain the health certificate within a few days of departure.
For the most part, healthy dogs and cats can make the move if owners plan ahead, follow the rules to the letter and help their pets settle in when they arrive.

Our partner is a specialist pet travel company focused solely on cats and dogs, with a strong emphasis on safe, carefully planned journeys and animal welfare throughout the relocation process.

PSS International Removals are pleased to work with Transfur Animals due to their personal approach. You deal with their team throughout the process, which helps make the experience feel clearer and more reassuring for both you and your pet. They promise to keep you informed at each stage of the journey.

If you are looking to move pets other than cats and dogs, we recommend checking their social media page and reviews before selecting your pet relocation company.

Our partners can also explain the parts of pet travel that many owners naturally worry about, including airline handling, stopovers, quarantine arrangements and what happens while your pet is in transit. Where available, they can provide access to airline tracking information during the transfer, giving you extra peace of mind while your pet is on the move.

It is completely natural to feel anxious about your pet’s journey, especially if they will be travelling separately from you. Our partner has a helpful guide on whether pet relocation is safe and what owners should know, explaining the safety measures, planning, and care involved in moving pets overseas.

This guide will take you through the whole process, whilst offering you some expert advice from the owner of Transfur Animals, Andy Symons.

First Steps: Is An International Move Right For Your Pet?

Before even considering the logistics or paperwork, you need to step back and ensure an international move is actually in your pet’s best interests.

So, What Should You Consider?

Let’s take a look at the key factors to weigh when deciding whether it’s a good idea to take your pet with you.

Breed rules are worth checking early, especially if you own a restricted or snub-nosed breed, as they may face airline limitations. Transfur Animals has a useful guide on which dog breeds are banned from international travel to read before you book flights or begin the paperwork.

Factor	Concern Level	What To Consider
Age	High if over 10 years	Older pets may struggle with long flights, temperature changes, and the stress of new surroundings
Chronic illness	High	Heart disease, epilepsy, severe arthritis, or ongoing treatment needs may complicate travel
Brachycephalic breeds	High	Snub-nosed dogs (Pugs, French Bulldogs) and cats (Persians) face breathing difficulties, especially in cargo
Anxiety levels	Medium-High	Highly anxious animals may suffer significantly during separation and transit
Species	Varies	Dogs and cats are relatively straightforward; exotic pets face much stricter regulations

Climate & Environmental Changes

Moving a Siberian Husky to Dubai or a Persian Cat to Singapore could be a serious gamble with your pet’s health. Before embarking on such a move, make sure you check out the climate where you’re heading and consider the following:

Temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year.
How easy (or not) will it be to get your pet to a cooler area for rest and exercise?
Are there local bugs, diseases, or wildlife hazards your pet isn’t used to dealing with?

Housing & Pets

Places that people like to move to as expats can be nightmare destinations for pets, for example:

Sydney: Even more reason to be selective about where to live: strata buildings can be tricky when it comes to pets.
Berlin: On the surface, pretty pet-friendly, but watch out for breed bans if you have a certain type of dog.
Toronto: Try not to fall for the lure of high-rise living if you’ve got a big dog, as some condo corporations can be super picky.

Check in with your landlord early on and make sure they’re okay with pets – get it all in writing before you commit to a lease.

When Re-homing Makes Sense

There are times when re-homing with friends, family, or a reputable rescue might be the kindest thing to do for your pet. Moving a pet internationally can be challenging, and in some cases, rehoming may be a kinder alternative to putting your pet through the stress of international travel. Consider rehoming if:

Long trips, which involve loads of flights and hanging around in airports for ages, are likely to affect your pet’s well-being.
Places with super-tough quarantine rules if your pet has a pre-existing condition.
Pets that are getting older and, therefore, may not be suited to the stress of a big move
A dog or cat breed that may not be able to cope with the new climate

Talking to Your Vet – The Fit To Fly Consultation

It’s a good idea to get your vet on board at least 6 to 12 months before you head off – and it’s not the same as getting that final health certificate for the trip. This initial consultation is all about working out whether your pet is up to the journey. Some of the things to discuss include:

How’s your pet’s overall health and fitness level?
Are their vaccinations up to date, and what other shots will they need in the destination country?
Are there any breed-specific risks we need to be aware of?
What can we do to get your pet ready for this big adventure?

Pet Import Rules in Your Destination Country – Better Sort the Facts Out

Pet import rules are actually the law, not something the airline has anything to do with. Many countries require pets to meet specific legal requirements, such as registration, up-to-date vaccination records, and sometimes breed restrictions or regulations about pets in public spaces. If you’re not careful and don’t comply, you could find yourself waiting months for your pet to finally get out of quarantine, or, worse, have to take them all the way back home to get it all sorted. It’s worth remembering that these rules are in place for a reason: to keep your pet safe and healthy and to prevent the spread of animal disease to other countries. Using a specialised pet relocation company helps make this process much easier for you.

Get Your Info From Official Sources, Not Forums

What you need to be relying on are:

USA: Check out the USDA APHIS Pet Travel site – it’s your best bet
UK: DEFRA is the place to start
Australia: Go to the Australian Department of Agriculture for the latest
New Zealand: The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has heaps of good info
EU: European Commission pet travel regulations – this is the place for a comprehensive look at EU rules

And don’t forget to check out your country’s embassy website and consulate as well – they’ll have the lowdown on what you need to do to get your pet into the country you’re heading to

What You Need to Know

When looking over the rules of your destination country, make sure you’re on the lookout for:

Banned breeds: make sure you know what breeds are off-limits
Age minimums: Most countries require your pet to be a certain age before they’ll let them in – that’s usually around 12-16 weeks
Microchip standards: Look for ISO 11784/11785 compliant chips – that’s the global standard
How many pets can you bring? Many countries set a limit on how many pets are allowed per traveller. Check this restriction in advance to avoid extra charges or complications, especially if you have multiple pets.

Rabies Classifications Matter

You need to know what your home country’s rabies classification is, as this affects what you need to do to get your pet over to the other side.

Classification	Examples	Typical Requirements
Rabies-free	Australia, Japan, New Zealand	Often, a simpler entry into other rabies-free nations
Controlled/Low-risk	Most EU countries, the USA, and the UK	Standard rabies vaccination is usually sufficient
High-risk	Many African and Asian countries	Blood tests, extended waiting periods, and possible quarantine

As of January 2026, the United States is cracking down on imports from high-risk rabies countries, requiring that you fill out a CDC Dog Import Form and get some extra paperwork in order.

Get Your Destination Ready – Create a Checklist

Get a rabies vaccine at least 21 days before you fly into Europe
Get a rabies titre test at least three months before flying to New Zealand
Get your pet a tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before arriving in Great Britain

Rules Change, Recheck Before You Head Out

Regulations can change overnight, thanks to disease outbreaks or other factors. Always head on over to the official government website and check the requirements at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip. What was good to know six months ago might be outdated.

Getting Your Pet Ready – Microchips, Vaccines, and Documents

When speaking with Andy, one thing that is often overlooked when preparing for an international move with a pet is the time needed to organise your pet’s paperwork and veterinary treatments. “Sadly, many individuals do not carry out any research and find themselves in a predicament,” he says.

Most countries will have a pretty standard set of requirements for pets: a permanent ID in the form of a microchip, a rabies vaccine, and, in some cases, a blood test to confirm your pet has immunity. Having your pet microchipped and up to date on vaccinations is essential for international travel. Vaccinations are usually a non-negotiable part of moving abroad with pets. If you don’t get these just right, you could see your travel get delayed by months.

Health checks are one of the most important parts of preparing your pet for an international move, as it can affect whether your dog or cat is allowed to travel at all. Transfur Animals has a guide to key pet health checks you should not miss before travelling abroad, which is really helpful because it covers topics such as vet assessments, vaccinations, parasite treatments, microchipping, and blood tests.

When preparing documentation, always include microchip details in all identification documents.

3.1 Getting a Microchip

The usual microchip for pets is a tiny ISO-compliant chip (a 15-digit number under the ISO 11784/11785 standard) that’s implanted under the skin, linking to your pet’s vaccination and health records.

Key point to remember: Get the microchip implanted before giving your pet a rabies vaccination. Many countries won’t recognise earlier rabies vaccinations given before the microchip was implanted, even if the vaccine is still effective.

Before you travel, make sure your vet can scan the microchip with a compatible reader, verify that the details on all paperwork match, and confirm that the destination airport can scan the microchip.

Even with a microchip, it’s a good idea to have a collar tag with your international phone number and email address, especially if your pet is travelling alone or stuck in a layover.

3.2 Vaccines, Blood Tests, and Treatments

A rabies shot is a must for any dog or cat entering most countries. But the rules are different depending on where you’re headed:

For the EU, you need to have a 21-day wait after the rabies shot before entering the country
For the US/Canada, you’ll just need to prove you’ve got a valid rabies shot, and the timing varies by state or province
For Australia & New Zealand, you’ll need a rabies titre blood test, and it needs to be done at least 180 days for Australia and 3 months for New Zealand before the dog is able to travel. If you are specifically moving a dog from the UK to Australia, Transfur Animals has a moving to Australia with your dog checklist, covering key steps such as microchipping, import permits, vaccinations, rabies blood tests, quarantine bookings and approved flight routes.

As well as the rabies Vaccination, your vet should also check what other core vaccines are necessary for your pet –

Species	Core Vaccines
Dogs	DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza), leptospirosis, Bordetella
Cats	FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia), feline leukaemia

Tapeworm treatment is a must for dogs entering certain countries within a pretty tight timeframe:

Finland, Malta, and Norway all require the treatment to happen within 24 – 120 hours of arrival
Don’t forget, it’s got to be administered and then recorded in your pet passport or animal health certificate

Blood tests (Rabies Titre/RNATT): if your destination wants the full works – a rabies neutralising antibody titre test – get that sorted well in advance. The process is a bit of a saga:

You’ll need to get a rabies serology test carried out at your vets
The sample then gets sent off to an approved lab – in the UK, APHA Weybridge
It generally takes a couple of weeks for the results to come back. You will need a result of 0.5 IU/ml or better.
The waiting period properly starts when the blood sample is received at the testing laboratory

In places like Australia and Japan, your pet is not allowed in until 180 days have elapsed after the successful titre test, further stressing the importance of planning ahead

Documentation practices:

Keep all of your vaccination records, vet bills and lab results in one handy folder
Make sure dates are all put in the same way, and that microchip numbers are written just the same right across all your documents
Don’t make any corrections or cross things out on official certificates, as if you do, they may reject you at the border

3.3 International Health Certificates and Pet Passports

It’s super important to know the difference between these documents because they’re not exactly the same.

Document Type	Used For	Validity
EU Pet Passport	Travel within the EU and from certain listed countries into the EU	Long-term document, updated with each vaccination
Animal Health Certificate (AHC)	UK pets entering the EU; third-country travel	Typically valid 10 days for entry, then up to four months for onward EU travel
International Health Certificate (IHC)	Most non-EU destinations	Varies by country

For travel from the UK to an EU country: Since Brexit, UK pets require an export health certificate (Animal Health Certificate) issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of entering the EU.

For the USA, Canada, Gulf states, and beyond, these countries require a country-specific health certificate form; we recommend contacting Transfur Animals for more information.

Practical tips:

Pre-book certificate appointments several weeks ahead, especially during busy seasons (summer, Christmas)
Confirm exact time windows—many airlines require certificates issued within 5–10 days of departure
Original signatures and stamps are mandatory; scanned copies are often rejected at border control
Some countries require blue ink signatures specifically

Route Planning: Choosing How Your Pet Will Travel

Once your veterinary requirements are in order, you need to determine how your pet will physically get from Point A to Point B. The best option depends on the continent, distance, pet’s size, health, temperament, and your travel plans. Your pet’s size will influence your travel options, costs, and whether your pet can travel in the cabin or must go in the cargo hold. Investing in a high-quality crate is crucial for your pet’s comfort and safety during the move.

The benefit of choosing Transfur Animals is that they prioritise your pet’s comfort and safety. Where possible, they “only work with airlines that have their own or reliable, trusted en route transit facilities,” Andy says.

This is arranged with the airlines themselves by Transfur

Prioritise:

Non-stop or single-stop itineraries when possible
Routes through moderate climates (avoiding extreme heat or cold)
Pet-friendly airlines with strong animal handling policies and safety records

Be sure to confirm pet travel policies, requirements, and procedures with your chosen airline before booking, as these can vary widely. International pet shipping fees can vary significantly depending on your destination, so factor these costs into your planning.

4.1 Flying Versus Driving (And Ferries)

Flying is typically the only realistic option for intercontinental moves—such as the UK to Australia, USA or similar distances. When properly managed, pet flights are safe for healthy animals.

Travel Option	Best For	Key Considerations
Cabin travel	Small pets under 7–8kg, including carrier. (The UK does not permit this currently)	Limited to certain airlines (Lufthansa, KLM, Air France); fees vary airline to airline
Cargo/hold	Larger pets, most international routes	Climate-controlled; IATA/airline approved crates required.
Driving	Within-continent moves (EU, North America)	Multiple short legs; owner control; suitable for anxious pets
Ferries	UK–France, UK–Ireland, Baltic routes	Pet cabins or on-board kennels; book early in peak seasons

Flying pros and cons:

Fast transit times can reduce the overall stress that comes with travel.
On the other hand, separation from your pet during travel may be nerve-wracking.
Temperature and noise in the hold are controlled, but may still be alarming for your pet
Many airlines refuse to transport snub-nosed dogs due to breathing risks.

When driving is the way to go:

For routes within the EU or across North America, driving makes sense.
Pets who are fine in the car but start panicking in new environments may be better suited to a road trip.
Large dogs often do better with multiple short drives rather than one long flight.
You also get to stop off at pet-friendly places along the way and keep an eye on your animal at all times.

Ferries work pretty well for routes like Dover to Calais or Holyhead to Dublin. Some companies even offer special pet cabins or kennels on board. Book those pet spaces early, as they fill up fast!

Airline-specific policies: Every carrier is different on things like crate size, check-in times, official government orders during hot or cold periods, and whether pets travel as checked baggage or cargo. Don’t just look at the general website; confirm with them directly.

4.2 When To Use A Professional Pet Relocation Company

A trusted pet relocation company will understand the specific requirements for different destinations and can offer clear advice whenever you need it. Andy also recommends checking Google reviews and social media channels before choosing a company, so you can get a better sense of their experience, service and how they support pet owners throughout the process.

Transfur Animals has an “Our Stories” page that shares customers’ personal pet relocation stories.

Things to Consider:

Places like Australia, New Zealand, the UAE or South Africa, where the move is super complex
Pets that need special permits and temperature-controlled shipping
If you are a family moving abroad and dealing with young kids at the same time
If you don’t speak the language in your destination country, having a professional on hand can be a big help

What to look for in a relocation company:

They should be members of IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association). Transfur Animals are approved members.
Check the reviews – especially ones that are specific to your route
Make sure you get a clear, itemised quote showing exactly what the costs will be. Here is the link to get a free quote with Transfur Animals.
Good communication and a way to track the move are also essential

Important note: You still need to handle the initial vetting; vaccinations, blood tests, and microchipping must all happen on schedule.

Travel Crates, Training, and Day-Of-Travel Prep

Your pet’s travel crate is not only for their safety, but a bit of a “bedroom” too. It has to meet the airline’s rules while also feeling like a safe, comfy space for your pet. Rushing this step is a common mistake among pet owners.

5.1 Choosing The Right Crate

Crate sizing is all about following the IATA Live Animals Regulations. To get the right size, you need to measure your pet accurately. For example:

Length: From their nose to the base of their tail
Height: From the floor to just below the top of their ears or head (whichever is higher)
Width: Across their shoulders at the widest point

It’s got to allow your pet to stand up properly, turn round comfortably, and lie down naturally.

What to look for in an airline-approved crate:

It’s got to be a rigid plastic or fibreglass shell.
A metal door with secure fasteners is a must.
There should be ventilation openings on all four sides.
Absorbent bedding that won’t shift around during the flight is important.
No wheels are allowed on the crates during transport.
Good ventilation is key, even if the crates are stacked close together.

Labelling requirements:

You need to put up “Live Animal” stickers on multiple sides.
Upright arrows show the direction the crate should be facing.
Your pet’s name.
Owner contact details (make sure they include an international phone number, an email address, and the destination address).
Feeding and medication instructions, if applicable.
Securely fixed water bowls; some owners use frozen water that melts slowly during the flight.

Check with your airline to see if they have any specific requirements for crate brands or models. Some carriers don’t allow wire crates or certain manufacturers.

5.2 Crate Training And Preparing Your Pet

Ideally, you want to start crate training 4-8 weeks before you travel. Research shows that this can reduce cortisol stress levels by 40-60% during transport.

Here’s a simple crate-training progression:

First, put the open crate in a quiet room where your pet hangs out
Feed your pet just inside the crate door
Gradually move the food bowl further inside the crate
Practice closing the door for short periods while giving treats and praise
Build up to longer periods with the door closed
Simulate travel by putting the crate in your car for short trips

Comfort items: Use your pet’s favourite bedding in the crate, along with an old t-shirt that carries your scent. If your airline allows it, include a favourite toy, but check the rules first, as some carriers don’t allow loose items.

Before travel day, try to avoid introducing brand-new foods or making radical changes to your regular routine in the 48 hours leading up to your trip to reduce the risk of nausea.

Keep to your normal feeding and walking schedules as much as possible; consistency will be a big help.
Make sure to pack enough food for any unexpected delays, plus your pet’s regular food for the first week in the new country, which will give you a bit of a safety net.

Regarding sedation, the general rule of thumb from most veterinary groups is to avoid it for air travel. Sedating your pet to the point where they’re really out of it can make breathing difficult at high altitudes and mess with their balance & body temperature regulation. If your vet does decide that a mild anti-anxiety med is warranted, it’s a good idea to get a plan in place well in advance. Under no circumstances should you give your pet human medication or any kind of sedative that your vet hasn’t specifically prescribed.

Preparing For Departure: The Paperwork, Packing, and Insurance Nitty-Gritty

The final 2-4 weeks before you leave are spent making sure everything is in order, packing a kit to make life easier for your pet on the journey, and sorting out financial protection, just in case.

Documents to Keep Handy

Pop all the originals and copies of the following into a waterproof folder that you’ll keep with you at all times:

Their Pet Passport or International Health Certificate
Vaccination records showing all the vaccinations your pet needs, with the dates they were done.
Rabies certificates with the microchip number clearly noted.
Blood test results (titre test), assuming that’s what’s required.
Import permit if your destination needs one, it’s always a good idea to double-check.
Your airline or ferry booking confirmations with the pet reservation details.
Written permission if someone else is going to be in charge of your pet.
A record of your pet’s medical history and any prescription medications in their original packaging.

Your Pet’s Travel Kit

Pack a compact bag that’s easily accessible throughout the journey, so you can grab what you need at a moment’s notice:

A small stash of your pet’s regular food (sealed and clearly labelled, of course).
Collapsible water and food bowls – they take up less space in your luggage.
A spare leash and collar with your pet’s ID clearly visible.
Poo bags or a portable litter box – you never know when you might need them.
Pet-safe wipes for cleaning up any accidents.
Prescription medications with clear dosing instructions.
A couple of your pet’s favourite toys (if the airline is okay with that).
A recent photo of your pet in case they get lost.

Pet Travel Insurance – Don’t Leave Home Without It

Consider getting pet insurance that covers:

Overseas vet bills if your pet needs emergency treatment.
Trip delay and rebooking costs – things don’t always go to plan.
Loss or theft during transit – it’s not a nice thought, but it’s better to be prepared.
Quarantine fees if there are any issues with the documentation.

Take a close look at the fine print; many policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions or brachycephalic breeds. If your pet has ongoing health issues, make sure you disclose that when you apply.

Final Ticks Off the To-Do List

Double-check your flights’ check-in times for travelling with animals, it’s usually about 30-60 minutes before standard passengers
Pre-book airport transfers at both ends to make life easier. Uber now offers a pet service.
Make sure the authorities’ contact numbers are saved in your phone.
Confirm that your pet is listed on your flight reservation.

Arrival And Helping Your Pet Settle In

The move isn’t over when you’ve cleared customs. It’s essential to make sure your pet has arrived safely and to take steps to help them adjust to their new environment. Those first hours and weeks in your new country are critical for helping your pet feel safe and get used to the new routines, weather, time zones, and local laws.

Arrival Day Chaos

Depending on where you’re headed:

Document verification: Border officials will be checking your health certificate, vaccination records, and microchip against your pet’s ID. If you are arriving in the EU from a non-EU country, additional health regulations and documentation are required.
Microchip scan: They’ll scan your pet’s microchip to make sure it all matches up.
Customs fees: Some places will charge you for import duties or inspection fees. For pets arriving from a non-EU country, specific customs and border control procedures apply.
Quarantine transfer: Countries like Australia and New Zealand will transfer your pet to an approved facility.When entering the EU with your pet, you must contact the competent authorities at the point of entry.

If everything is in order, most places (such as the EU, USA, and Canada) will let you take your pet home right away.

Setting Up a Safe Space

Try to get a quiet spot ready for them to settle into in the early stages of arriving:

Their crate or bed is in a place where they can feel safe.
Fresh water and their familiar food bowls.
Litter tray (for cats) in a private spot where they can do their business.
A few favourite toys and comfort items to make them feel at home.

Helping Your Pet Get Used to the New Place

Stick to your pet’s old routine as closely as possible.
Gradually shift to local time over a week or so if there’s a big time difference.
Keep cats indoors to begin with, until they seem confident and are fully registered with the local microchip service.
Keep dogs on a leash during outdoor time until you get the hang of local hazards and your pet seems comfortable in their new surroundings.
Avoid overwhelming them with too many new faces, other animals, or environments in the first week.

Find a Local Vet

Within the first 1-2 weeks:

Track down a local vet and get them to check out your pet.
Transfer your pet’s medical history and vaccination records.
Ask about any local health risks – tick-borne diseases, heartworm, poisonous plants, and so on.
Update your pet’s microchip registration with your new address and phone number.
Get some tags made with your new contact details.

Country-Specific Considerations and Timelines

As a rough guide – and not a substitute for actual legal advice – here’s a ballpark idea of what you might need to do for some of the more popular destinations, using approximations of what might be required in 2026. Remember to always check with the official government websites for the latest dos and don’ts. You can always contact Transfur Animals, too, if you have any queries.

The EU and Schengen Area

If you are resident in the EU, you’ll can use a European Pet Passport. If you’re coming from outside the EU, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) will be required.
Make sure your pet’s had its rabies jab at least three weeks before you set off.
You’ll need to clear customs at designated traveller points, with checks being carried out on dogs, cats and ferrets.
If you’re heading to the UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway, you’ll need to give your pet a tapeworm treatment before you can let them in.
And if you’re coming from outside the EU, there may be a few extra hoops to jump through depending on your country’s rabies status.

The USA and Canada

The USA: They’ll need proof of your pet’s rabies vaccination, and as of January 2026, you will need a CDC dog import form if you’re coming from certain countries. The rules do vary depending on whether you are coming from somewhere with a low risk of rabies.
Canada: In Canada, a rabies certificate is valid for three years if your pet is over three months old, and if you’re coming from a low-risk area, there’s no need to quarantine.
State by State: It’s worth noting that Hawaii has its own set of rules that are pretty strict – similar to those found on other islands that are considered to be rabies-free.

Australia and New Zealand

These two countries being rabies-free means they have some of the toughest rules:

Requirement	Australia	New Zealand
Lead time	8–12 months	8–12 months
Rabies titre test	Required, 180-day wait	Required, minimum three months wait
Approved countries	Limited list only	Limited list only
Quarantine	Mandatory 10-30 days at approved facility	Mandatory 10 days at approved facility
Specific vaccinations	Multiple required	Multiple required
Banned breeds	Yes (Pit Bulls, others)	Yes

Importing pets into these countries requires a whole heap of paperwork and advance bookings for quarantine spaces. As mentioned above, Transfur Animals has a great blog advising you to move your pets to Australia.

Middle East And Asia Examples

UAE (Dubai): You’ll need an import permit, plus specific vaccinations and a rabies titre test for some countries of origin. Professional help can be a lifesaver here.
Singapore: You’ll need to obtain an import licence.
Japan: Your pet will need two rabies vaccinations, plus an RNATT test with a 180-day waiting period. The microchip needs to be fitted before the first vaccine, and you’re looking at anywhere between 12 hours and 180 days quarantine, depending on how well you comply.

Your Last Checklist Before You Move with Your Pet

Use this checklist in the last 1-3 weeks before you fly to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything important.

Documentation Sorted

All vaccinations have been done and completed with the right dates.
You’ve had a microchip fitted, and it’s been scanned and confirmed to be readable.
Any rabies titre test you needed has been done and came back okay.
You’ve booked a health certificate appointment within a timeframe that works for the destination country.
The health certificate itself has been completed, signed and vet-endorsed if necessary.
You’ve got an import permit if you need one.
Double-check that all documents match up and are in order – microchip number, pet name, dates all need to be the same.

Travel Plans Locked In

You’ve booked your flights or transport with your pet on board, noted on the reservation
You’ve checked the airline or ferry pet policy in detail to make sure nothing has changed
You’ve bought and assembled a travel crate that meets IATA requirements
The crate is labelled with your contact details and ‘Live Animal’ stickers
Your pet is comfortable spending several hours in the crate – this is a big one

Life Admin Tidy-Up

You’ve got written permission from the landlord or housing provider.
You’ve looked up and saved the local vet’s details.
Your pet’s insurance has been updated for the new country.
You’ve arranged a backup carer in case your flight is delayed.
You’ve got the details for updating your pet’s microchip ready to go.
You’ve got tags with your new local phone number ready to swap on arrival.

Travel Day Itinerary

You’ve packed a travel kit for your pet with food, water, bowls and any meds they need.
Your document folder is easily accessible (and not in checked luggage).
You’ve got a pet-friendly airport transfer booked.
You know exactly what time to check in (usually a bit earlier than usual).
You’ve noted down where the relief areas are at the departure airport.

Keeping it Together

Keep your own stress levels down on moving day. Pets pick up on their owners’ emotions. If you’re calm and confident, your pet is more likely to stay settled throughout the journey.

Enjoying Your New Life with Your Pet

Arriving in your new country is just the beginning of your next chapter together. As pet owners, it’s natural to want your furry companion to feel comfortable and secure in their new surroundings. The adjustment period can be challenging for pets and owners, but with a little planning and a lot of love, you can help them settle in and thrive. At PSS, we want all of our customers to have the smoothest moving process possible, and that includes your pets!

If you ever feel uncertain about any aspect of international pet relocation, don’t hesitate to reach out to a specialist company such as Andy at Transfur Animals.

These professionals can offer valuable guidance on everything from health checks to navigating local customs. The well-being of both you and your pet is our top priority. With patience, preparation, and a little help from the experts, you and your pet can enjoy a happy, healthy life together in your new country.

If you are thinking about moving overseas with your pet, PSS International Removals can also help with the rest of your move. Get in touch with our team for a free quote for shipping your household belongings abroad.

FAQ: Moving To Another Country With Pets

How far in advance should I start planning an international move with my pet?

Three to six months is usually enough time to get everything sorted for most destinations, but if you’re heading to strict rabies-free countries like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or the island nations, it’s best to start planning 8-12 months in advance. They tend to have stricter rules around vaccinations and testing, and you’ll need to allow for extra time to get everything done – 180-day waiting periods, limited quarantine spots, that kind of thing. Starting early gives you a buffer in case anything goes wrong or needs to be repeated.

Can I move overseas with more than one pet at the same time?

Yes, a lot of countries will let you bring as many personal pets as you like – up to five dogs, cats, or ferrets is the usual rule. But if you’ve got more pets than that, you might get treated as a commercial pet importer, which can mean you need a whole load more documentation and extra checks. If you’re moving with multiple animals, check with the destination country to see its rules. And be warned – costs will add up fast – crate, health certificates and quarantine fees for each pet individually.

Do I need to quarantine my pet when we arrive?

That depends. Most popular expat destinations don’t require a quarantine if you’ve got all your paperwork in order. But countries that are super strict about rabies, like Australia, New Zealand do.

Is it safe for brachycephalic breeds to fly long-haul? Flat-faced, snub nosed dogs (eg. pugs, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers) & cats (Persians & Himalayans) are at a much greater risk of breathing problems in hot, stressful, or low-oxygen situations. A whole lot of airlines have simply stopped carrying these breeds – in fact, well over 90% of airlines now refuse them. Before you book a flight for your pet, have a chat with your vet about its respiratory health and see if you can travel at a cooler time of year, or consider booking a seat for your pet so they can stay with you, or look into other ways to get them where they need to go, like driving or taking the ferry. For some brachycephalic pets, flying just isn’t worth the risk, even with all the precautions in the world.

What happens if my pet’s flight gets delayed or cancelled?

Air carriers & professional pet movers generally have a plan in place for when flights are delayed or cancelled. If that happens, the pet is placed in an on-site kennel at the airport with access to water and food, someone keeps an eye on them until they can board the next available flight, and the owner is notified as soon as possible. To be prepared for this sort of thing, make sure your pet’s travel crate has a clear ID and contact details, including international phone numbers, and that your pet has a safe space to hang out in that they’re comfortable with. Also have the cargo department’s direct phone number handy, and if you’re using a relocation agent, check that they have 24-hour emergency procedures in place before you go. Having pet insurance that covers trip delays will help cover any unexpected costs you might incur if you have to board your pet or rebook flights.

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Moving Abroad With Your Pet – An Essentials Guide