Moving Overseas with Pets
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Moving to a new country is a stressful job that requires careful planning – and moving with pets internationally adds an extra layer of complexity. Whether you’re moving overseas with pets or planning an international pet relocation, it’s important to understand all the customs regulations and pet travel documents required by your destination country. Also, make sure that your pet feels fit, comfortable, and safe during transit.
Knowing all the above points is essential. So make sure you conduct all the relevant research before you board an international flight with your furry friend.
Checklist for Moving with Pets Internationally
Different countries have different customs rules for importing a pet. So, we recommend that you learn about the relevant guidelines to ship your pet to the destination country.
Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the international pet relocation process.
Consult Your Veterinarian
It is advisable to talk to your vet about moving internationally with your furry friend. The vet will provide you with relevant advice regarding your pet’s health and the further steps for the move. Likewise, if you need to move your pet from the USA to Europe, most likely you will need to choose a vet who is accredited by the USDA.
Hire a Pet Relocation Service
For a smooth relocation, hire a pet relocation service if you have the budget. A pet relocation service handles everything, from documentation to crate training and overall relocation management.
Vaccinate Your Furry Friend
It’s important to have your pets vaccinated against rabies before moving them to a new country. Many countries will require a pet to wait for 21 days after the vaccination before relocating to a new country. Vaccination and parasite treatment requirements vary by country.
A few European countries will require you to get treatment for tapeworm, while a few others will require additional vaccinations for the pets. Thus, it’s advisable to see whether your pets are up-to-date in terms of their vaccination.
Collect a Health Certificate
When planning your international pet relocation, this health certificate becomes one of the most important pet travel documents. An international health certificate shows your pet is fit and ready for entry into a new country. Usually, authorities issue such certificates within 10 days of the travel, although the time frame may vary from country to country.
Always confirm the validity period and ensure your vet is authorized to issue certificates accepted by the destination’s animal import authority.
Crate Training and Preparation
Crate training plays a crucial role in international pet transport, as airlines require pets to travel in approved containers. The right crate will help reduce anxiety and make shipping pets internationally safer and smoother. Introduce your pet gradually to the crate, encouraging comfort with familiar bedding and treats – this helps them associate the crate with safety rather than confinement.
You must crate train your pets much before time so that they get the hang of it. It will take weeks and sometimes months for a pet to feel comfortable inside the crate for endless hours.
Airline & Travel Planning
Every airline will have different requirements when it comes to sizes, breeds, and charges for moving a pet. So, it is a strong recommendation to conduct a little bit of research and find the most suitable option for shipping your pet. Compare costs and travel durations, and always check if your airline has a partnership with recognized pet relocation services for additional assistance with documentation and customs clearance.
KLM, American Airlines, and Lufthansa are a few pet-friendly airlines. Make sure you reserve your furry friend’s seat well in advance.
Prepare for the Move
Before flying with pets abroad, double-check your pet travel checklist — including microchip records, health certificates, and vaccination proofs. In case your pet is traveling with you in the cabin, make sure you pack an essentials bag where you may keep items like pet food, waste bags, water bowls, medicines, and their most loved toy.
Alternatively, if your pet will be flying in the cargo, ensure that their crate has a comfortable bed with water and food. Also, it will be a good idea to attach a plastic bag to the crate, where you must write your pet’s name, contact details, and important documents.
Feeding and Comfort During Flight
During international pet transport, feeding schedules must align with airline and destination regulations. It’s best to pack travel-friendly pet food in sealed portions to comply with pet import regulations. As per the USDA, you should give both food and water to your furry friend within four hours of check-in. You must avoid overfeeding the pet or feeding them close to the travel time.
Allowance for bringing food and water in the container may be a restriction. But you can keep a few ice cubes to keep your furry friend hydrated. Furthermore, you can inquire with the airlines whether their flight attendant will provide food to your pet in case of delays, emergencies, or layovers.
Avoid Sedatives
According to most pet relocation services and the American Veterinary Medical Association, sedating pets during international travel can cause serious health risks. Instead, focus on natural calming methods such as familiar toys, gentle exercise before the flight, or vet-approved calming aids.
Even if your pet is nervous, it’s advisable not to give them sedatives before the flight. Tranquilizers won’t be safe for your pet, and high altitudes will create a different impact on them.
Understand Country Restrictions & Quarantine Rules
Before moving overseas with pets, review the pet import restrictions of your destination. It’s important to check for any pet-related restrictions in your destination country. Many countries won’t allow a specific breed of animals. These also include pit bulls, as they are known to be exotic and a violent breed.
Many countries will have a specific limit on the number of pets that will be able to enter their country.
Microchipping and Identification
A microchip is also a vital part of international pet transport regulations. Many destinations require ISO 11784/11785-compliant chips, which must be linked to your pet travel documents
Some countries will require the government to recognize a pet through a microchip. A microchip will just be like a small grain of rice that you will need to insert between your pet’s shoulder blades with the help of a needle, usually in a painless process.
With the help of this microchip, you can easily scan a pet for identification in case it gets lost during transit. So, if your furry friend doesn’t already have a microchip, you should get it done before your pet takes the rabies vaccine.
Finish the Quarantine Requirements
Quarantine periods vary widely depending on your destination’s pet import laws and vaccination status. When moving with pets internationally, always reserve quarantine accommodation early to avoid last-minute issues.
There’s a possibility that your pet will have to be quarantined in the new country for as much as a few weeks or as little as a few hours. So, it’s suggested you book their place in advance, or else you will face issues after arriving in the new country.
Adapt your Pet to the New Surroundings
Choose a spot in your house where you can put a bed and a few toys for your pet. Also, you may keep a blanket that smells like your home to give them extra comfort.
Manage Post-Arrival Checkups
Depending on which country you will be moving to, it’s recommended to take your pet for some more examination within a specific time after reaching the destination.
You must check for any such details after reaching the new destination. However, it will always be better to find your vet as soon as you can, rather than wait for the last moment.
Pet Travel Essentials
Pet travel essentials ensure your furry friend stays safe, comfortable, and well-cared for throughout the journey.
Choose a Right Crate Size
To make the journey comfortable for your pet, choosing the right crate size is important.
| Size of the crate | Suitable animals |
|---|---|
| Series 200 ( Medium) | Tabby cat |
| Series 100 ( Small) | Small cat/ kitten |
| Series 400 ( Large) | Australian cattle dog |
| Series 700 ( Giant) | Golden retriever |
| Series 300 (Intermediate) | Yorkshire terrier |
| Series 500 ( Extra Large) | English springer spaniel |
| Custom rate | St Bernard |
Overall, it won’t be easy to measure an animal and get an accurate size crate for them. If you have any doubts regarding the size of your pet, it’s recommended to purchase a large-sized crate. This will give enough space to your furry friend and help them to breathe easily.
Packing a Pet Essentials Bag
When moving with pets internationally, pack a small bag with essentials like food, water bowl, leash, waste bags, medication, and key pet travel documents. Include a favorite toy or blanket to keep your pet calm and comfortable during the international pet relocation journey.
Purchase a Pet Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, your pets may fall sick or an accident may happen to them at any time, so you must obtain travel insurance for them and save yourself from a heavy loss.
A pet health insurance will cover the following elements:
- Injuries
- Illness
- Diagnostic tests
- Medications
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
Some of the pet insurance plans may provide you with a vet direct pay plan, which will make the reimbursement procedure much simpler.
Helping Your Pet Adjust After the Move
Helping your pet adjust after the move is essential to ensure their comfort, reduce stress, and help them settle smoothly into their new environment.
Setting Up a Familiar Space
Create a cozy spot with your pet’s bed, toys, and familiar items to help them feel safe and comfortable in the new home.
Post-Arrival Vet Checkups
Schedule a quick vet visit after arrival to ensure your pet is healthy and adjusting well to the new environment.
Establishing a Routine
Maintain regular feeding, walk, and play schedules to give your pet a sense of stability and comfort.
What’s Next?
By now, you should feel confident about moving with your pet internationally. Alternatively, you can hire a pet relocation service that will successfully move your furry friend to its new destination and take away your stress to a great extent.
Moving with your pet to a new country will require you to make a lot of advanced preparation, but having them with you in the new house will be worthwhile. When you try getting settled in a new place, they will be a good source of comfort, and they can also be the reason for you to go out for a walk and meet new people in the new country.
FAQ’s
What papers or documents are required to move overseas with my pet?
Most countries need a pet passport, rabies vaccination proof, chip information and an export permit (if applicable).
How much is it to fly a pet internationally?
Cost of flying your pet This varies by airline, destination and the service that relocates pets, but you can expect to pay $1,000 to $5,000 or more per pet.
How far in advance should I start planning my pet’s move internationally?
Begin planning at least 3–6 months early to allow for vaccinations, paperwork and crate training as well as travel arrangements.
Can my dog or cat travel with me in the cabin if I will be flying Internationally?
Yes, tiny pets can travel in-cabin with Fido or Fluffy on certain airlines like KLM or Lufthansa — but bigger pets generally fly far below, in cargo. Always check airline-specific policies.
What if my pet needs to be quarantined?
Prebook a quarantine facility in advance, make sure it’s government-approved and bring your pet’s complete medical records so you can verify its health.
Do I need to get pet insurance for traveling internationally?
Pet travel insurance isn’t required, but we recommend it for emergencies and loss or flight delays.