International Pet Travel: The Complete Checklist

Traveling internationally with your pet can seem overwhelming, but with proper planning and preparation, it’s entirely manageable. Whether you’re relocating abroad or taking your furry friend on an international vacation, this comprehensive checklist will guide you through every step of the process.

6-12 Months Before Travel

Research Destination Requirements

Every country has unique requirements for pet entry. Start your research early to avoid last-minute complications.

Check for:

• Quarantine requirements (some countries require 0 days, others up to 6 months)
• Banned breeds (some countries prohibit certain dog breeds entirely)
• Maximum number of pets allowed
• Special permits or licenses required
• Time of year restrictions

Quarantine Countries to Be Aware Of:

• Australia: Up to 10 days minimum quarantine
• New Zealand: Up to 10 days in approved facility
• Hawaii (US): 5-day-or-less program available with proper preparation
• Singapore: Quarantine requirements vary by country of origin
• Japan: Up to 180 days if requirements not met in advance

Countries with Complex Requirements:

• European Union: EU Pet Passport required
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit rules apply
• Hong Kong: Strict import permit system
• UAE: Breed restrictions apply

Consult Your Veterinarian

Schedule a consultation with your vet at least 6 months before travel. Many requirements have specific timing windows that must be met exactly.

Discuss:

• Your pet’s health status and fitness for travel
• Required vaccinations and their timing
• Microchip requirements
• Health certificate process
• Blood titer tests if required
• Parasite treatment requirements

Microchipping

Most countries require pets to be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. This must often be done before rabies vaccination to be valid.

Important Notes:

• US-standard microchips may not be ISO-compliant
• Have your vet check if your existing microchip is compatible
• Bring a microchip scanner to the airport if possible
• Update contact information in microchip registry
• Keep microchip number readily accessible in all documents

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4-6 Months Before Travel

Rabies Vaccination and Blood Titer Tests

Rabies vaccination requirements are among the most critical and time-sensitive aspects of international pet travel.

Key Requirements:

• Primary rabies vaccination must be given after microchip implantation
• Pet must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccination
• Some countries require 21-30 day waiting period after vaccination
• Blood titer tests (FAVN test) required for some destinations
• Results must show adequate antibody levels (≥0.5 IU/ml)
• 3-month waiting period after successful titer test for some countries

Countries Requiring Rabies Titer Tests:

• European Union (when entering from non-EU countries)
• Japan
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Taiwan
• Some Caribbean nations

Timing Example for EU Entry:

1. Day 0: Microchip implanted
2. Day 1 or later: Rabies vaccination given
3. Day 31 or later: Blood sample drawn for titer test
4. Day 31-60: Results received (allow 2-4 weeks)
5. Day 121 or later: Can travel to EU (3 months after blood draw)

Other Vaccinations

Beyond rabies, ensure your pet is current on all core vaccinations:

Dogs:

• Distemper
• Parvovirus
• Adenovirus
• Parainfluenza
• Bordetella (often required)
• Leptospirosis (required by some countries)
• Canine influenza (recommended for air travel)

Cats:

• Feline viral rhinotracheitis
• Calicivirus
• Panleukopenia
• Feline leukemia (sometimes required)

Book Flights Early

Pet spaces on international flights are extremely limited, often just 2-3 pets per flight in-cabin and a handful in cargo.

When Booking:

• Contact airline directly rather than booking online
• Confirm pet travel policies for your specific route
• Ask about aircraft type and climate control in cargo
• Book direct flights when possible
• Avoid extreme temperature months
• Request written confirmation of pet reservation
• Double-check pet fees and payment requirements

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2-3 Months Before Travel

Parasite Treatment

Many countries require treatment for internal and external parasites within specific timeframes before entry.

Common Requirements:

• Tapeworm treatment (especially for UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Malta)
• Treatment must be given 24-120 hours before entry
• Must be administered by licensed veterinarian
• Documentation must include exact medication and dosage
• Tick and flea treatment often required

Arrange Ground Transportation

Research pet-friendly transportation options at your destination:

• Pet-friendly taxis or ride services
• Car rental companies that allow pets
• Pet transport services from airport to hotel
• Public transportation pet policies
• Quarantine facility transportation if required

Confirm Accommodation

Ensure your destination accommodation accepts pets:

• Get written confirmation of pet policy
• Understand fees, deposits, and restrictions
• Ask about size/weight limits
• Inquire about designated pet areas
• Check for nearby veterinarians and pet stores

1 Month Before Travel

Order Health Certificate

The International Health Certificate (also called Veterinary Certificate or Health Certificate for Export) is required for all international pet travel.

Process:

• Obtain appropriate form for destination country
• Schedule vet appointment within valid timeframe (usually 10 days before travel)
• Vet completes health examination and certificate
• Submit to USDA (in US) or equivalent authority for endorsement
• Timing is critical - certificates expire!

US Process:

• Vet completes certificate on appropriate form
• Submit to USDA-APHIS endorsement (can take 2-7 days)
• Can often be done online through VEHCS system
• Some countries require consulate endorsement as well

Purchase Airline-Approved Carrier

Your carrier must meet International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements:

Requirements:

• Large enough for pet to stand, turn around, and lie down
• Sturdy construction with secure door
• Ventilation on at least 3 sides for cargo
• Leak-proof bottom
• Food and water dishes that attach to door
• “Live Animal” labels
• Handles that don’t allow fingers inside

In-Cabin Carriers:

• Must fit under seat in front of you
• Soft-sided usually preferred
• Dimensions vary by airline
• Pet must remain in carrier throughout flight

Acclimate Your Pet to the Carrier

Start carrier training immediately:

• Feed meals inside carrier
• Place favorite treats and toys inside
• Gradually increase time spent in carrier
• Practice carrying short distances
• Take short car rides in carrier
• Make it a positive, comfortable space

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels

10 Days Before Travel

Veterinary Health Examination

Schedule the health examination that will generate your health certificate. Timing is critical as certificates are only valid for 10 days.

What to Bring:

• All vaccination records
• Microchip documentation
• Parasite treatment records
• Blank health certificate form
• Destination country requirements

Vet Will:

• Perform physical examination
• Verify microchip
• Review vaccination records
• Administer required parasite treatment
• Complete health certificate
• Provide any additional required documentation

USDA Endorsement (US Departures)

After your vet completes the health certificate, it must be endorsed by USDA:

Options:

• Online through VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System)
• Mail to USDA office (allow extra time)
• In-person at USDA office

Processing Time:

• VEHCS: 1-2 business days typically
• Mail: 3-7 business days
• In-person: Same day possible

Obtain EU Pet Passport (If Applicable)

If traveling to/within the European Union, you may need an EU Pet Passport:

• Only issued by official EU veterinarians
• Cannot be obtained outside EU
• Simplifies travel within EU after initial issuance
• Lifetime document that tracks vaccinations
• US pets need alternative documentation (health certificate)

1 Week Before Travel

Prepare Travel Kit

Assemble everything your pet will need:

Essential Items:

• Leash and collar with ID tags
• Extra collar and leash (backup)
• Health certificate and all medical records
• Vaccination records
• Microchip documentation
• Recent photo of pet
• Pet’s regular food (1-2 weeks supply)
• Collapsible water bowl
• Medications with prescriptions
• Waste bags
• Comfort items (favorite toy, blanket with home scent)
• First aid supplies

For Carrier:

• Absorbent bedding
• Water bottle that attaches to carrier door
• Food dish that attaches to carrier door
• “Live Animal” stickers
• “This End Up” arrows
• Contact information labels

Confirm Flight Details

Contact airline 3-7 days before departure:

• Reconfirm pet reservation
• Verify check-in procedures and timing
• Ask about any recent policy changes
• Confirm fees and payment method
• Get name of person you spoke with

Check Weather at Origin and Destination

Most airlines have temperature restrictions:

• Typically won’t accept pets in cargo below 20°F or above 85°F
• Some breeds banned from cargo travel during summer months
• Check temperatures for all connection points
• Have backup travel dates if possible

24-48 Hours Before Travel

Visit to Vet for Final Check

Some destinations require health examination within 24-48 hours of departure:

• Confirm this requirement for your destination
• Keep all documentation
• Ask vet for emergency contact information

Feed Light Meal

• Feed smaller meal than usual 3-4 hours before airport departure
• No food within 4 hours of flight for dogs
• Cats may need different timing
• Water access until 2 hours before departure
• Prevents nausea during travel

Secure All Documents

Create a travel document folder:

• Health certificate (original)
• Vaccination records (copies)
• Microchip documentation
• Parasite treatment records
• Airline confirmation
• Photo of pet
• Emergency vet contacts at destination
• Your veterinarian’s contact information
• Copy of everything (keep separate from originals)

Day of Travel

Airport Arrival

Arrive extra early (3-4 hours for international flights):

• Allows time for pet check-in process
• Time for unexpected issues
• Last bathroom break
• Final water before carrier

Check-In Process

Cargo Travel:

• Check in at cargo facility (location varies by airport)
• Bring health certificate and all documentation
• They will inspect carrier and pet
• Pay fees if not already paid
• Get tracking information

In-Cabin Travel:

• Check in at regular counter
• Present health certificate
• Carrier will be measured
• Pay fees
• Receive boarding pass for pet

Security Screening

• Pet must come out of carrier for security
• Carrier goes through X-ray machine
• Hold pet securely or request private screening
• Have leash ready
• Stay calm to keep pet calm

During Flight

In-Cabin:

• Keep carrier under seat
• Don’t open carrier during flight
• Reassure pet if crying
• Follow crew instructions

In Cargo:

• Trust the airline’s pet handling procedures
• Crew monitors temperature and pressure in cargo
• Many airlines allow you to notify crew about your pet

Upon Arrival

Immigration and Customs

• Proceed to immigration with all pet documents
• Declare your pet if required
• Present health certificate and paperwork
• Officials may inspect your pet
• Pay any import fees
• Receive import permit or stamp

Collect Your Pet

Cargo:

• Proceed to cargo facility after clearing customs
• Present claim documentation
• Inspect pet before leaving facility
• Report any concerns immediately

In-Cabin:

• Collect from under seat
• Take to pet relief area if available
• Offer water

First 24 Hours at Destination

• Find nearest emergency veterinarian
• Let pet acclimate to carrier/hotel before exploring
• Offer small amount of food and water
• Stick to home feeding schedule
• Watch for signs of stress or illness
• Give extra attention and comfort

Special Considerations

Brachycephalic Breeds

Short-nosed breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats, etc.) face higher risks:

• Many airlines ban them from cargo entirely
• Heat sensitivity makes them vulnerable
• Breathing difficulties worsen with stress
• In-cabin travel strongly recommended
• Some countries have additional restrictions

Senior Pets or Health Conditions

• Consult vet about travel safety
• Carry extra medication
• Bring complete medical records
• Consider pet health insurance for travel
• Have emergency plan

Multiple Pets

• Each pet needs individual health certificate
• Airline limits often apply per passenger
• May need to travel separately
• Coordination becomes more complex
• Consider professional pet shipping service

Service Animals

• Different rules apply to service animals
• Emotional support animals no longer recognized by most airlines for international travel
• Psychiatric service dogs have specific documentation requirements
• Confirm current policies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Starting too late - Begin planning 6-12 months in advance
2. Wrong microchip - Ensure ISO compliance before vaccination
3. Missing timing windows - Rabies titer tests have specific waiting periods
4. Wrong health certificate form - Each country requires specific forms
5. Expired documentation - Health certificates typically valid only 10 days
6. Incorrect parasite treatment timing - Must be within specific timeframe
7. Assuming pet-friendly means quarantine-free - Always verify
8. Forgetting about return requirements - Plan for re-entry to your home country
9. Not booking pet on flight - Pet spaces fill up months in advance
10. Wrong carrier size - Measure carefully and follow IATA guidelines

Resources

Official Sources

• USDA-APHIS: Pet travel information and health certificate endorsement
• CDC: Pet import requirements for US entry
• IATA: Airline carrier requirements
• Destination Country Agriculture/Customs Websites: Specific import requirements

Professional Services

Consider hiring professional help for complex moves:

• Pet shipping companies: Handle entire process including customs
• Pet travel consultants: Navigate requirements and paperwork
• IPATA members: International Pet and Animal Transportation Association certified

Apps and Tools

• PetTravel.com: Destination requirement database
• Airline apps: Track pet during travel
• Currency converters: Calculate fees in destination currency

Cost Breakdown

Budget for these expenses:

• Veterinary costs: $200-500 (exams, vaccinations, health certificate)
• Microchip: $50-100 (if needed)
• Rabies titer test: $100-200
• USDA endorsement: $38-173 depending on method
• Airline fees: $100-500+ depending on carrier and route
• Carrier purchase: $50-300
• Import permits: $0-300 depending on country
• Quarantine fees: $0-2,000+ if required
• Professional services: $500-3,000+ if using pet shipper

Final Thoughts

International pet travel requires extensive planning, but thousands of pets travel internationally every year without issues. The key is starting early, following requirements exactly, and maintaining organized documentation.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions of your veterinarian, the airline, and destination country officials. It’s better to confirm details multiple times than to face problems at the airport or border.

Remember that requirements can change, sometimes with little notice. Check official sources within a few weeks of travel for any updates. Join online forums and communities of pet travelers for real-world advice and recent experiences.

With thorough preparation and attention to detail, you and your pet can successfully navigate international travel and enjoy adventures together around the world. The effort required for the paperwork is worth it for the joy of having your furry family member by your side, no matter where in the world your adventures take you.