Moving abroad doesn’t mean you have to leave your furry friends behind. Aside from the island of Bali in Indonesia, you can bring your cat or dog anywhere you’re moving. So how do you get them there? It depends on the size of the pet and where you’re going. Here are some options.

Flying in Cargo

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You can fly your pet in cargo, which is a temperature-controlled section called the hold of the plane. Only non-brachycephalic animals can fly this way, and they need specific hard-sided kennels.

While statistics show that this option is safe, they don’t track stress or trauma, including my own stress worrying about my babies in the belly of the plane or in the hands of distracted airport employees.

Pet relocation services can handle the logistics of moving pets this way, and pet nannies can accompany your pet on the journey, but they can’t go in the hold. Most of what they provide is help with logistics and paperwork. Our partners at Air Animal offer more robust services that help to move your pets to their new home.

Personally, I would not send my pet in cargo except under extreme circumstances, and pet relocation services are very pricey to not add any more comfort or safety to your pet’s flight.

Flying in Cabin

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If your pet is small, they may be able to fly in the cabin of the plane with you. Usually their soft-sided carrier becomes your carry-on bag.

How large of a pet you can fly in-cabin depends on the airline. Some of the most permissive airlines include JSX, with flights to Mexico (even for large dogs out of carrier); La Compagnie, with flights to France; and Alaska Airlines, with flights to the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico.

BarkAir launched in 2024 from the company behind BarkBox with the mission to revolutionize flying for dogs. Check the site for their latest routes.

Flying Charter

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The most expensive but reliable way to get pets from one country to another is by private jet. The prices can be astronomical, but some people get together to split costs for popular routes. The Facebook group Chartered Air Travel with Pets helps people meet and coordinate flights. K9 Jets flies from California or New Jersey to locations around the world. A new company called Skye Pet Travel out of Australia also arranges chartered flights for pets and will soon add the United States.

Ocean Liner

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One of the most affordable options for Americans moving cats or dogs to Europe is to take a transatlantic ocean liner with onboard kennel. Cunard cruises leaving from New York City offer this option, although some breeds are not permitted due to size: Afghan, Curly Coated Retriever, Bloodhound, Gordon Setter, Borzoi (Russian Wolfhound), Great Dane, Briard, Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter, Mastiff, Deerhound, Newfoundland, Doberman, Pyrenees, St. Bernard, Saluki, Weimaraner, Bull Mastiff and Malamute.

These spots book up months or years in advance, so plan ahead. For more info, email kennels@cunard.com or call (800) 728-6273. Sadly, pets can’t stay in your cabin or have run of the ship.

Driving

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Some American emigrants (like us!) move to countries within driving distance to make it easier to bring their pets. It can be an affordable, fun adventure, and it has some additional benefits, like being able to load up your car with belongings and bring both to your new home.

Traveling to Canada is straight-forward, and although driving across Mexico is perfectly safe for millions of travelers, it’s good to educate yourself on current issues along your journey. The Facebook group On the Road in Mexico is a place to get the latest news and recommended routes or find people to convoy with to your destination.

There are also many reputable companies in Mexico who can drive you and/or your pets across the country. Check the group above or expat groups for recommendations.

You can also drive beyond Mexico, all the way to Argentina!

Paperwork

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The paperwork required depends on the country you’re moving to. Many require a USDA-APHIS form, while Mexico just inspects your pet at the border or airport. Countries may require rabies shots, rabies test, other vaccinations, parasite treatments, or microchips. If you’re moving to the European Union, your new vet in Europe will issue your pet a passport for travel around the EU.

Note: the rules that apply to pets arriving from the United States will be different for pets arriving from other countries as they’re based on prevalence of disease in that country. The U.S. is considered to be rabies-controlled.

Finding a Vet

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To find a vet in your new country, the best source is other immigrants. They can help you find offices that are trustworthy, affordable, and English-speaking if you need it. To find fellow expats, reach out in local Facebook groups or forums, similar to finding the best local doctors, realtors, builders, or other professionals.

Service Animals

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While airlines will let you fly with your service dog that complies with ADA guidelines, be aware that most countries treat your service dog as a pet and require the same documentation to enter the country. Airlines no longer allow emotional support animals to fly, and they don’t allow service animals other than dogs.

Countries that Quarantine

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According to Travelnuity, a few countries and territories may quarantine your imported pets, but it’s not the broad list of yesteryear:

• Australia
• Fiji
• Guam
• Hawaii
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• Japan
• Malaysia
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• South Africa
• Taiwan