Ultimate Guide to Moving Internationally With Pets

Moving internationally, whether by choice or for a job, is a big decision that requires quite a bit of forethought and planning. This goes double when you have pets to bring along. Making the move with pets internationally isn’t nearly as easy as moving with them domestically. Nor is it light on stress for both the human or the animal. But if you do your research and plan your move with your pet’s best interests in mind, you should be able to make it a little bit easier on both of you.

Keep in mind: A move with pets internationally is not something that can be planned at the last minute. Give yourself time. It can be a lot to take on in addition to all of the other moving-related planning you inevitably have to get done when you’re relocating internationally, but it’s incredibly important that you take all the necessary steps. After all, your pet is counting on you to get them to their new home safely. Follow our advice to make sure you’ve got everything covered.

Closely research the pet import laws in the place that you’re moving

Some countries have stricter pet import rules than others. It’s critical to learn all you can about your new home country’s pet requirements. Some countries don’t allow certain types of animals. Some only allow specific breeds. For example, New Zealand doesn’t allow birds, reptiles (including snakes), mice and rats (unless they are lab animals), ferrets, and other animals into its country. Only guinea pigs from Australia are allowed. The island also doesn’t allow American pit bull terriers unless they are hearing or guide dogs.

You’ll also need to know general guidelines in terms of what vaccines are required and whether your pet needs to be microchipped. Hint: your pet should always be microchipped. You’ll also need to know if there is a mandated quarantine period. Almost all countries will require your pet to at least have a current rabies vaccination or a recent booster administered. Many countries also require an ISO microchip — transponders in these countries do not read non-ISO microchips — so be sure your pet has the right microchip.

Quarantine laws vary but are generally minimal now. In fact, some European countries don’t even have a quarantine period anymore but require an EU Health Certificate instead. Expect to quarantine your pet for 12 hours after arriving in Japan and 10 days after arriving in Australia.

Depending on the country, there may be age restrictions. Your pet may have to be at least a specified number of weeks old. Just like with pregnant humans, depending on how advanced the pregnancy is, pregnant animals may not be permitted to relocate. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contact the consulate of the country you’ll be moving to.

Talk to your vet

If you’re going to move with pets internationally, talk to your veterinarian. They’ll be able to voice whether they have any concerns about your pet making the long flight (young, senior, anxious and sick animals are generally not advised to ride in cargo), as well as help you get your pet prepared for travel. This may mean giving your pet an anti-anxiety medication. Or, just checking to make sure they’re up to date on all of their vaccinations. They’ll also be able to help you check off any health requirements dictated by the country you are moving to.

While meeting with your veterinarian, be sure to get a copy of his or her complete medical records. You should also get several months’ supply of any prescribed medications. That way you have some time to find a new veterinarian after you move. Speaking of which, it never hurts to ask your veterinarian to refer you to a colleague in your new country. He or she may not know of any veterinarians in your new country but they can refer you to professional organizations to help.

Work with a pet relocation service

If you’re nervous about making the move with pets internationally on your own, there are pet shipping and relocation services that can help. PetRelocation, the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), and Happy Tails Travel, Inc. are all good organizations to consider. These companies can help you with everything from making sure you follow all the pet import rules to arranging your pet’s travel. They can even escort your pet through customs and complete customs and other paperwork. And if you’re feeling nervous about the process, they will have success stories and tips from people who’ve already done it.

When looking for a pet relocation certification, make sure any company you consider is USDA certified (their staff undergoes background checks and drug tests). Avoid companies that advertise on marketplaces like Craigslist or require you to pay using Western Union or other payment services. These are usually scams. Be sure to read the online reviews, and gauge the company’s responsiveness. You want to work with a company that answers the phone when you call or responds when you text.

Figure out timing

Like your own visa process, the process for setting up to make the move with pets internationally can be a long one — as long as six months for some countries, such as Japan. If you don’t start early enough, you’ll have to make arrangements for your pet to come to you at a later date; a scenario that’s likely not ideal for either of you. In addition to reading up on what requirements there are, pay close attention to the timeline of steps. You may have to do things at distinct stages. There may be a waiting period after the steps are done before you can move internationally with your pet without a quarantine period.

This is another reason why hiring a pet relocation service often makes sense. Although they can be expensive (prices start at $2,500 for international moves), a dedicated relocation coordinator will walk you through the process, making sure you complete each step in a timely manner.

Start getting your pet comfortable in their crate as early as possible

If you don’t have an airline travel crate for your pet, get one immediately. (Check with the airline you will be flying to your new country to be sure your crate meets its requirements.) And as soon as you have it start the process of acclimating them to it. Not all pets will take to their crates right away. You will need to do what you can to create positive associations with it. The more you can build a strong association for your pet of the crate as a safe place, the better. Encourage your pet to explore the crate by feeding treats and meals in there. Gradually add blankets and their favorite toys.

While crates might seem restrictive, they can be very comforting to your pet. You just might have to put in a little work to get your animal companion to that point. One way to do that is to gradually increase the amount of time your pet spends alone in his or her crate, so they get used to the idea of being in it. Start by closing your pet in his or her crate for five minutes and work your way up to longer periods. Discuss with your veterinarian the maximum length you should crate your pet to get him or her ready for the move.

Call your airline

Even if you haven’t booked your tickets yet, call the airline you intend to travel on and ask about their options and guidelines when it comes to traveling with pets internationally. It’s possible that the airline will have additional rules for travel that the country you’re moving to doesn’t have, and they can also fill you in on specifics regarding crate or carrier size and what you and your pet need to bring along. If your pet is under a certain weight, you can also find out about arranging to have them fly in-cabin with you (they’ll stay in their carrier under the seat in front of you).

When discussing your pet’s international move with the representative, be sure to ask how the airline handles layovers and flight delays if your pet is flying in cargo. Where will your pet be kept during a layover? What happens if you miss your flight but your pet makes it? Also, ask under what circumstances would the airline be unable to accommodate your pet in the cargo. Generally, airlines will not allow pets in cargo on days when it is too hot or too cold.

Get all your documents in order

Make sure you have on hand all documents required of you. This may include documentation of your pet’s rabies vaccine or other vaccinations, a letter from your vet clearing them for travel, or other documentation requirements set out by your airline and the country you’re moving to. Have multiple copies with you, and ensure that everything is signed exactly where it needs to be. Missing or incomplete paperwork can mean expensive delays. Worse, it can mean your pet gets denied entry either before the flight or at customs in your new home.

Again, this is where hiring a pet relocation service to facilitate transporting your pet overseas may be worth the money. Your relocation coordinator will make sure you have all the paperwork you need and that it is properly completed. In addition to the completed documents your pet relocation coordinator provides, the company will have copies on file, too. So, if you lose the paperwork during the move, the company will be able to provide backup copies.

Flying with a pet other than a cat or dog?

While the advice above is dog- and cat-specific, it will all apply to other animals as well. However, if you’re moving with a less common pet — such as a bird, reptile, or small critter — be sure that you’re reading specific requirements around that animal when doing your research. Failure to do so could mean missing something critical. Not all countries allow all types of animals, so your very first step is going to be ensuring that your pet is allowed to make the trip. After that, start digging into the specifics around health requirements, travel requirements, and whether there will be a mandatory quarantine period.

Advanced planning is the key to moving with pets internationally. Start as early as you can, and be thorough so you know you’re not missing anything. Vets, pet relocation companies, and your new country’s consulate and/or embassy are all excellent resources, and you should never be afraid to ask all of your questions (and if you don’t understand an answer, keep asking until you do!).

If you have to move quickly, such as for a job relocation, consider the strong possibility that you will have to arrange for your pet’s move to take place after your own. Find a trusted friend or family member who your pet can stay with while you get everything in order, and work with both your current vet in the U.S. and your soon-to-be new vet to make sure you don’t miss any important steps.

Moving with pets internationally is a long, often stressful process, but having your pet with you in your new home is worth it.

Moving internationally with pets soon?

Relocating your pet is just part of one piece of the puzzle when you’re moving internationally. You’ll likely need to pare down your belongings or arrange to put what you’re not bringing with you into storage. A junk removal company can help not only get rid of those unwanted items, but some provide long-term storage solutions. Moving.com can provide you with information on top junk removal companies like College HUNKS Hauling Junk, 1-800-GOT-JUNK, and LoadUp.

If you plan to move a vehicle, Moving.com can help, too. We have a list of reputable auto transport companies who can move your car to your next home.

When planning your move, check Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers for companies that can help transport your belongings overseas. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured.