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.
Relocating to another country is already a lot to manage. A lot. Add a dog or cat to the equation and the logistics multiply quickly. Moving pets overseas requires real planning, country-specific paperwork, and a timeline you can’t afford to ignore. Get it wrong, and your animal could face quarantine or be turned away at the border entirely.
The good news: With enough lead time, it’s very doable.
What the Process Actually Involves
International pet relocation isn’t just booking an extra ticket. It touches veterinary records, government endorsements, airline logistics, and destination country rules – all tied to specific deadlines.
Most countries require:
- An ISO-compliant microchip (15-digit)
- A current rabies vaccination for pets, typically given after microchipping
- A health certificate for pets, signed by a USDA-accredited vet within 7–10 days of departure and then endorsed by the USDA
- Compliance with destination pet import regulations, which may include blood titer tests, parasite treatments, or mandatory waiting periods
Australia, New Zealand, and Japan have strict quarantine rules even when your paperwork is perfect. Europe is more manageable but still requires an EU-format health certificate and advance homework.
Airline Rules Vary More Than You’d Expect
Airline pet policies differ significantly on cabin vs. cargo, breed restrictions, crate dimensions, and seasonal embargoes. Some carriers refuse to fly flat-faced breeds like bulldogs in cargo altogether.
Worth confirming early:
- Cabin eligibility vs. cargo, based on animal size
- Crate requirements specific to your carrier
- Seasonal blackout periods during extreme heat
- Whether a direct route exists – layovers add stress and logistical risk
Spots are limited. Book as soon as your route is confirmed.
Flying in Cargo
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
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
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. 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
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
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
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
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
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.
The Timeline That Catches People Off Guard
Most problems come down to timing. The health certificate window is tight. Rabies titer tests, required by certain countries, have to be processed at an approved lab and can take weeks. USDA endorsement adds more time on top.
A rough planning sequence:
- 4+ months out: Research your destination country’s entry requirements
- 3 months out: Confirm microchip compliance, update vaccinations
- 6–12 weeks out: Schedule any required titer testing
- 2–3 weeks out: Secure your airline booking
- 7–10 days out: Get the health certificate signed and USDA-endorsed
Miss one step, and the whole sequence shifts.
Settling In After Arrival
The adjustment takes time for animals the same way it does for people. Familiar items, consistent feeding schedules, and a predictable routine help more than most owners expect in the first few weeks.
Finding a local vet early is practical. Many expat communities keep informal lists of English-speaking clinics – it’s worth asking about before you land.
Animals also have a way of opening doors socially. A dog walk introduces you to neighbors and creates routine in an unfamiliar city. That kind of grounding matters during a big transition. Our guide on why community matters before and after a move covers the human side of this well.
For destination-specific guidance – local vet requirements, entry rules, what to expect on arrival – our relocation experts can walk you through the specifics.
Countries that Quarantine
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
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Your Guide to Moving Pets Abroad
Ready to start planning your pet’s journey to Europe? Emily (and Braxton) are here to answer your questions and help you start your relocation plan. They’ll help you understand the complexities of documentation, travel logistics, and settling in, so you can feel confident that you and your pet will thrive in your new home. Book a one-on-one consultation with Emily and Braxton today to get a clearer picture of your new life abroad.
Meet Emily
FAQs
How far in advance should I start planning?
Three to four months at minimum, and longer for destinations with strict entry rules. Certain vaccinations and tests must follow a set schedule that can’t be compressed.
What’s a health certificate, and who issues it?
It’s a document signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian confirming the animal meets destination country requirements. Most countries require a certificate issued within 7–10 days of travel and endorsed by the USDA.
Do all countries require a rabies vaccination?
Most do. Some also require a titer test showing the vaccine produced an adequate immune response. This is standard for island nations and rabies-free countries. Lab results can take several weeks.
Can my animal fly in the cabin?
It depends on the airline and size. Small dogs and cats often qualify for cabin flight, but larger animals typically travel as checked cargo. Confirm the carrier’s exact rules early.
Is hiring an agency worth it?
For complex destinations, usually yes. For straightforward moves, some people manage it independently – but the paperwork sequence is unforgiving, and one missed deadline can mean starting over. It never hurts to get professional help when your budget allows, particularly where your furry best friend is involved.
