Pet Relocation Checklist for International Moves

Moving a pet internationally is one of the parts of relocation people most often underestimate. Several destination countries require months of advance preparation — rabies titre tests, microchip standards, import permits and approved transit routes. This checklist explains what to start when, the documents you'll need, and where the long lead times are. It is general planning information, not veterinary advice; your vet and a licensed pet relocation specialist should drive the actual schedule.

Start here — what every move needs

ISO 15-digit microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination (order matters — most countries require this sequence).
Up-to-date rabies vaccination administered after the microchip.
International health certificate signed by an accredited vet within the destination's required window (often 10 days).
Confirmation of the destination country's current import requirements via the official authority.
Booking with a licensed pet relocation specialist or IATA-registered cargo agent.

The long-lead destinations

Some countries effectively require six months or more of preparation. The UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan and Hawaii all use rabies titre tests with mandatory waiting periods between blood draw and arrival. Missing this window means delaying the pet's flight or facing extended quarantine on arrival.

Australia — RNATT rabies titre, 180-day wait from valid blood-draw to arrival, mandatory post-arrival quarantine.
United Kingdom — pet passport scheme equivalent, microchip, rabies, tapeworm treatment for dogs.
Singapore — import permit via NParks, rabies serology depending on origin country category.
Japan — 180-day wait from rabies titre, advance notification 40 days before arrival.
New Zealand & Hawaii — strict timelines and approved-route requirements; specialist help is essential.

The crate, the flight and the route

Pets travel as accompanied baggage, manifest cargo or excess baggage depending on size, breed, airline and route. Most international moves use manifest cargo, which requires an IATA-compliant rigid plastic crate sized so the pet can stand, turn and lie down naturally. Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds — bulldogs, pugs, Persian cats — face airline restrictions on many routes due to respiratory risk in flight.

Buy the crate weeks early so the pet can acclimatise.
Fit a water bowl that attaches to the door and a 'live animal' label per IATA.
Avoid sedation unless explicitly recommended by your vet for that flight.
Confirm the airline accepts your breed on the route and time of year (heat embargoes apply in summer).

Documents on the day of travel

Original health certificate endorsed by the origin country's veterinary authority where required.
Microchip and rabies records.
Import permit, if required by the destination.
Crate documentation, including airline's live animal acceptance form.
Contact details for the destination clearance agent or pet specialist.

Quarantine, customs and arrival

Some countries impose mandatory quarantine periods regardless of paperwork (Australia, New Zealand, parts of South-East Asia). Others release pets at the airport once documents are verified by the import authority. Your pet specialist will normally handle the airport collection, customs clearance and onward transport to your home — this is often included in their fee.

Need help coordinating the move and the pet at the same time?

Tell us about your move and we'll connect you with a pet relocation specialist alongside your shipping coordinator so the timelines align.

Talk to a Coordinator

Frequently asked questions

When should I start the process?

For most destinations, eight to twelve weeks before the move. For Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Singapore, Japan or Hawaii, start six months or more before the move because of mandatory titre-test waiting periods.

Can I use my regular vet?

Yes for vaccinations and microchipping, but the international health certificate must be signed by a vet accredited by your country's veterinary authority. Confirm that your vet is accredited or find one who is before booking.

Will my pet be sedated for the flight?

Most airlines and IATA guidance discourage sedation because it depresses respiration at altitude. Discuss anxiety management with your vet — calming pheromones, familiar bedding and crate acclimatisation are usually preferred.

Can I take my pet in the cabin?

Only very small pets on certain airlines and routes; international policies vary. Most relocations of dogs above ~7kg or cats on long-haul routes use manifest cargo. Confirm the airline's current cabin policy before assuming.

Are there breeds that cannot fly?

Many airlines restrict or refuse snub-nosed breeds (bulldogs, pugs, Persians) and certain restricted breeds entirely. Heat embargoes also affect summer travel for breeds at higher respiratory risk. Confirm with the airline early — sometimes a different routing or carrier solves it.

Related guides

Customs, biosecurity and vehicle-import rules vary by country and change without notice. Confirm current requirements with the relevant national customs, agriculture and transport authorities, and engage a licensed customs broker or pet/vehicle relocation specialist before booking.