Moving Abroad With Pets: Requirements by Region

Pet relocation is almost always the longest-lead-time item in an international move — some requirements take months to complete and can't be rushed, regardless of how fast the rest of your move goes.

The document that takes longest: rabies titer testing

Many countries (particularly rabies-free destinations like the UK, Australia, Japan and others) require a rabies antibody titer blood test, followed by a mandatory waiting period — often 3 months minimum from the test date — before your pet can enter. This single requirement drives the entire relocation timeline; start it as early as possible.

General requirements across most destinations

• Microchip (ISO-compliant, implanted before other vaccinations for the paperwork to count in most jurisdictions)
• Up-to-date rabies vaccination, with specific minimum and maximum time windows before travel
• An official health certificate issued by an accredited vet, often within 10 days of travel
• Import permit, required in advance by some countries before the pet can even be booked on a flight

Airline-specific rules

Separate from country entry requirements, airlines have their own pet policies — some breeds are restricted from cargo travel due to health risk (particularly flat-faced breeds), and cabin weight limits vary by airline. Confirm both the country's rules and the airline's rules; meeting one doesn't guarantee the other.

This guide is for general information only and isn't veterinary or legal advice. Pet import requirements vary significantly and change — confirm current rules with the destination country's official agriculture/customs authority and your airline well in advance.