Moving Abroad with Pets: Requirements, Costs, and Country-by-Country Rules

Your pet is family. That is not a sentimental exaggeration — it is a practical reality that shapes every decision you make when planning an international move. Roughly 67% of US households own at least one pet, and for most of those people, leaving a dog or cat behind is simply not on the table. The pet comes, or the move does not happen.

The problem is that international pet relocation is complicated, expensive, and riddled with rules that vary wildly from one country to the next. What works for moving a golden retriever to Portugal will not work for moving the same dog to Australia. Some countries require microchips, rabies titers, and USDA-endorsed health certificates. Others demand months of quarantine. A few ban entire breeds outright.

This guide covers everything: universal documentation requirements, country-by-country rules, airline options and costs, breed restrictions, timelines, hidden fees, and the mistakes that catch people off guard. If you are moving abroad with a dog, cat, or other pet, start here — and start early.

If you have not yet decided where you are moving, our framework for choosing a country can help you narrow your options. Once you have a destination, come back here and use this as your pet relocation playbook.

Universal Requirements: What Every Country Expects

Regardless of where you are headed, there is a baseline set of requirements that apply to almost every international pet relocation. Think of these as the non-negotiables — the foundation you build everything else on top of.

ISO Microchip (15-Digit)

Nearly every country in the world requires your pet to have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip — a 15-digit transponder implanted under the skin, typically between the shoulder blades. This is the international standard. If your pet has a US-standard microchip (9 or 10 digits), most countries will not accept it, and you will need to either get an ISO chip implanted or carry a compatible scanner.

The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. This sequence matters because the microchip links your pet's identity to their vaccination record. If the vaccination happens first, some countries will not recognize it as valid.

Cost: $25–$75 at most veterinary clinics. It takes about 30 seconds, requires no anesthesia, and is about as invasive as a standard vaccine injection. If your pet already has an ISO chip, you are set — just confirm the number matches all your documentation.

Rabies Vaccination

A current rabies vaccination is required by virtually every country on earth. The vaccine must be administered after the microchip and at least 21 to 30 days before travel, depending on the destination. Some countries require the vaccination to have been given no more than 12 months before arrival, while others accept three-year vaccines as long as they are within validity.

For countries classified as “high-rabies” destinations — or for pets entering strict-quarantine countries like Australia, Japan, or the UK — a rabies titer test is also required. This is a blood test that confirms your pet has adequate antibodies against rabies. The blood sample must be sent to an EU-approved laboratory (such as Kansas State University's Rabies Lab in the US), and results typically take 2–4 weeks. For some destinations, you must then wait an additional 3–6 months after a successful titer before travel is permitted.

This waiting period is the single biggest reason you need to start the pet relocation process at least six months before your move date.

Health Certificate (USDA Endorsement)

For US-based pet owners, an international health certificate is required for virtually all destinations. The process works like this:

1. Your USDA-accredited veterinarian examines your pet and completes the destination-specific health certificate (often APHIS Form 7001 for general travel, or the EU Annex IV form for European destinations).
2. The completed certificate is sent to your nearest USDA APHIS Veterinary Services office for official endorsement.
3. APHIS reviews the paperwork, verifies the veterinarian's accreditation, and stamps and signs the certificate.

This endorsement must typically be completed within 10 days of your departure date. Some countries have an even tighter window. This means you cannot get it done too early — you are stuck in a narrow timing window that requires careful coordination between your vet, APHIS, and your travel date.

APHIS endorsement costs approximately $38 per certificate, plus whatever your vet charges for the exam and paperwork (usually $100–$300). Processing takes 1–5 business days depending on volume, though many offices now accept digital submissions through the VEHCS system, which speeds things up considerably.

EU Pet Passport

If you are moving to an EU country, your pet will eventually receive an EU pet passport — a standardized blue booklet that records microchip number, rabies vaccinations, and other treatments. However, you cannot get this document in the US. It is issued by an authorized veterinarian in the EU country you are entering, typically at your first vet visit after arrival.

For entry into the EU, you use the health certificate and APHIS endorsement described above. Once you have the EU pet passport, future travel within EU and EEA countries becomes dramatically simpler — you just need the passport and up-to-date vaccinations.

Country Categories: Easy, Moderate, and Strict

Not all countries are created equal when it comes to pet imports. The world of international pet relocation roughly divides into three tiers, and knowing which tier your destination falls into determines your entire timeline and budget.

Easy Countries: Standard Paperwork, No Quarantine

These destinations require the universal basics — microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate — but do not impose quarantine or unusually long waiting periods. The process is straightforward, though still requires careful paperwork.

• Most EU countries (France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, etc.): ISO microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, EU Annex IV health certificate endorsed by USDA. Dogs must also have tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment 24–120 hours before entry for certain countries like the UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway, and Malta.
• Canada: One of the easiest destinations. Dogs need a valid rabies vaccination certificate; cats entering from the US do not require one. No quarantine, no waiting period, no titer test. Health certificate recommended but not always required.
• Mexico: Health certificate issued within 72 hours of arrival, proof of rabies vaccination, and a general health statement. Mexico's requirements are among the most relaxed in the world.

If your destination falls in this category, you can realistically prepare your pet in 2–3 months. But do not get complacent — even “easy” countries can reject pets at the border over minor paperwork errors.

Moderate Countries: Additional Testing and Waiting Periods

These countries require everything in the universal list plus additional steps that extend your timeline significantly.

• United Kingdom: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before arrival (dogs only), health certificate. The UK does not require quarantine for pets entering from the US, but does require strict documentation and approved entry points. Pets can only enter through specific ports and airports with approved border inspection posts. No commercial flights allow pets in the cabin to the UK — they travel as cargo.
• Japan: This is where things get serious. Japan requires a microchip, two rabies vaccinations given 30+ days apart, a blood titer test at a designated lab, and then a 180-day waiting period from the date of the titer test before the pet can enter. The entire process takes a minimum of 7–8 months. Miss a step or get the timing wrong, and your pet faces up to 180 days of quarantine at the airport — at your expense.
• Singapore: Requires an import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, titer test, and a minimum 30-day post-titer waiting period. Dogs and cats must arrive as manifest cargo (not accompanied baggage or carry-on). Singapore has a list of approved countries for Category B and C imports, with additional testing for higher-risk origins.

Strict Quarantine Countries: Plan 6–12 Months Ahead

These are the destinations that demand the most preparation, the longest timelines, and the highest budgets. If you are moving to one of these countries, pet relocation should be one of the very first things you plan.

• Australia: The strictest pet import rules in the world. Australia requires a minimum preparation period of around 200 days. The process includes microchip, rabies vaccination, two titer tests, internal and external parasite treatments on a precise schedule, blood tests for other diseases (Ehrlichia, Brucella, Leptospira for dogs; Hendra for horses), and a mandatory 10-day quarantine in the Mickleham post-entry quarantine facility in Melbourne. Pets can only enter Australia through Melbourne. The quarantine facility costs approximately AUD $2,000+. Only dogs and cats from approved countries can enter — and many exotic pets are prohibited entirely.
• New Zealand: Similar to Australia but with a minimum 180-day preparation period, mandatory 10-day quarantine, and a smaller list of approved source countries. Biosecurity is not optional in New Zealand — the entire economy depends on maintaining a pest-free and disease-free status.
• Hawaii: Even though it is a US state, Hawaii has its own strict import requirements to maintain its rabies-free status. The standard process requires two rabies vaccinations, a titer test with results above 0.5 IU/mL, a 120-day waiting period after the titer, and a health certificate. If all requirements are met, your pet qualifies for the “5 Day or Less” quarantine program. Fail any step, and you are looking at up to 120 days of quarantine at the Halawa animal quarantine station.

Country Comparison: EU vs UK vs Australia

These three destinations represent the spectrum from straightforward to extremely complex. Here is how they stack up side by side on the key requirements.

EU vs United Kingdom

United Kingdom vs Australia

The cost and complexity gap between these destinations is dramatic. An EU move with a small dog that flies in-cabin can cost under $500 in total pet-related expenses. An Australian relocation with the same dog can easily exceed $8,000 when you factor in vet visits, lab tests, treatments, cargo flights, and quarantine fees.

Airline Options and Costs

How your pet travels depends on their size, your destination, and which airlines service your route. There are three main options, and the price differences are significant.

In-Cabin ($200–$500)

Small dogs and cats that fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you can fly in the cabin on most airlines. The carrier typically must be no larger than 17” x 12.5” x 8.5”, and the pet plus carrier must weigh under 17–20 lbs depending on the airline.

• Lufthansa: Allows pets in cabin on most routes, $200–$400 depending on route length. Also offers excellent cargo service through Lufthansa Cargo.
• Air France: Pets in cabin up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) total including carrier, approximately €200 for long-haul flights.
• United Airlines: Pets in cabin for domestic and some international routes, $125–$200. Does not allow in-cabin pets on all international itineraries.
• Delta: In-cabin pets on most international routes (except UK, Ireland, and some other destinations), $200–$400.

Critical note: several countries, including the UK, do not allow pets to arrive as carry-on or checked baggage. All pets entering the UK must arrive as manifest cargo on an approved transport route. Check your destination's rules before booking.

Cargo / Checked Baggage ($500–$3,500)

Medium and large dogs must travel in the pressurized, climate-controlled cargo hold. This is not the same as regular luggage — the cargo hold used for live animals is temperature-controlled and pressurized to cabin conditions. Still, it is understandably stressful for pet owners.

• Airline cargo programs: Airlines like Lufthansa Cargo, KLM/Air France Cargo, and IAG Cargo offer professional live animal transport. Costs range from $500 to $3,500 depending on the size of the crate and route distance.
• Crate requirements: IATA-compliant crates are mandatory. The crate must be large enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down. It must have ventilation on at least three sides, a water dish attached to the inside, and “Live Animal” stickers on the exterior. Buying or renting a compliant crate costs $100–$500 depending on size.
• Temperature restrictions: Most airlines will not transport pets in cargo when ground temperatures at departure, arrival, or any connection exceed 85°F (29°C) or fall below 45°F (7°C). This means summer and winter moves require careful route planning and sometimes indirect itineraries.

Professional Pet Transport Companies ($2,000–$7,000+)

For complex relocations — strict-quarantine countries, large dogs, brachycephalic breeds, or simply for peace of mind — professional pet transport services handle the entire process. Companies like PetRelocation, Air Animal, Starwood Pet Travel, and Happy Tails Travel manage documentation, vet coordination, airline booking, customs clearance, and quarantine logistics.

What you get for $2,000–$7,000+:

• Document preparation and compliance review
• Vet visit coordination and scheduling
• USDA endorsement handling
• Airline booking and crate procurement
• Door-to-door pickup and delivery
• Customs clearance at destination
• Quarantine liaison (where applicable)

For straightforward moves to easy countries, handling the process yourself saves thousands. For destinations like Australia, Japan, or Singapore, the complexity is high enough that many expats consider the cost of a professional service money well spent.

Breed Restrictions by Country

This is the part that blindsides people. Several popular expat destinations have outright bans or severe restrictions on specific dog breeds. If you own a breed on any of these lists, you need to research this before you finalize your destination — not after.

United Kingdom: Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

The UK bans four types of dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro

The law applies to “type” rather than registered breed, meaning any dog that substantially matches the physical characteristics of these breeds can be seized and assessed, regardless of its actual lineage or registration papers. Mixed breeds with pit bull characteristics are also subject to the ban. Penalties for importing a banned breed range from seizure of the animal to criminal prosecution. In late 2023, the XL Bully was added to the restricted list, requiring registration, insurance, muzzling in public, and neutering.

Germany: Breed-Specific Legislation

Germany's approach varies by federal state (Bundesland), but the national level restricts importation of four breeds:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Bull Terrier

Individual states add their own restricted breeds. Some states require temperament testing, mandatory insurance, and muzzling in public. Others ban specific breeds entirely from the state. If you are moving to Germany with a restricted breed, you must research the rules of your specific Bundesland, not just national policy.

Australia: Prohibited Breeds

Australia prohibits the import of the following breeds entirely:

• Pit Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull Terrier
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• Perro de Presa Canario

These breeds cannot enter Australia under any circumstances. Mixed breeds with prohibited breed heritage may also be denied entry. Given Australia's already complex import process, a breed complication on top of everything else can make relocation impossible.

Other Notable Restrictions

• France: Categorizes dogs into Category 1 (attack dogs, banned from import) and Category 2 (guard dogs, allowed with restrictions including muzzling and leashing).
• Denmark: Bans 13 breeds including pit bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, and several mastiff types.
• Singapore: Requires special permits for breeds classified as regulated (Akita, Bull Terrier, Doberman, German Shepherd, and others). Some breeds are outright prohibited.
• UAE (Dubai): Bans pit bulls, fighting breeds, and wolf hybrids. Requires registration and microchipping for all dogs within 30 days of arrival.

If you own a breed that appears on any restricted list, check the specific and most current laws of your destination before making any commitments. Laws change — the UK's XL Bully addition in 2023 is a prime example of how quickly a previously legal breed can become restricted.

The Timeline: When to Start

The single most common mistake people make with pet relocation is starting too late. Here is a realistic timeline that accounts for bureaucratic delays, vet scheduling, and lab processing times.

6–12 Months Before Move

• Research destination country requirements. Go directly to the official government source (USDA APHIS has country-specific pet travel pages, and most destination governments publish their own import requirements). Do not rely solely on blog posts or forum comments — rules change frequently.
• Confirm your pet's breed is permitted. Check breed-specific legislation at the national, state/province, and sometimes municipal level.
• Ensure ISO microchip is in place. If your pet has a non-ISO chip, get an ISO chip implanted now.
• Schedule rabies vaccination if needed. For destinations requiring titer tests, the vaccination must happen far enough in advance to allow for the test and the post-test waiting period.
• Start titer test process (if required by your destination). Send blood to an approved lab and begin the waiting period clock.
• Get quotes from pet transport companies if you plan to use one. Book early — reputable companies fill up months in advance, especially during peak moving seasons (summer and year-end).

3–4 Months Before Move

• Book your pet's flight. Whether in-cabin or cargo, airline spots for pets are limited. Some airlines allow only a handful of animals per flight. Book as early as possible and confirm the pet booking separately from your own ticket.
• Purchase an IATA-compliant crate (for cargo travel). Let your pet get used to the crate well before travel day. Crate training reduces stress significantly.
• Schedule any required treatments. Parasite treatments, additional vaccinations, and health screenings should be calendared now, with specific dates that align with your destination's requirements.
• Research pet-friendly housing at your destination. This is far harder than most people expect. Many landlords abroad do not accept pets, and the ones who do often charge hefty deposits or monthly surcharges. Start searching early and be prepared to pay more.

2–4 Weeks Before Move

• Veterinary health exam and certificate. Schedule the vet visit that will produce the health certificate within the destination's required window (typically 10 days before departure). Your vet must be USDA-accredited.
• USDA APHIS endorsement. Submit the health certificate to APHIS for endorsement. Factor in processing time and potential delays.
• Tapeworm treatment (if required). For UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway, and Malta, dogs must receive Echinococcus treatment 24–120 hours before arrival, administered by a veterinarian and recorded on the health certificate.
• Final confirmation. Reconfirm airline pet booking, review all paperwork against the official checklist, and make copies of everything.

Travel Day

• Arrive at the airport early — pet check-in takes longer than standard check-in.
• Carry all original documents, plus photocopies, plus digital scans on your phone.
• Do not sedate your pet unless a veterinarian specifically advises it. Most airlines prohibit sedated animals in cargo due to respiratory risks at altitude.
• Attach a water dish to the inside of the crate, freeze water so it does not spill during loading but melts during flight.
• Include a worn t-shirt or blanket with your scent in the crate for comfort.

Hidden Costs and Gotchas

Pet relocation budgets almost always come in over the initial estimate. Here are the costs and complications that catch people off guard.

Multiple Vet Visits

Depending on your destination, you may need 3–6 separate vet visits: initial exam and microchip verification, rabies vaccination, blood draw for titer test, parasite treatments, final health certificate exam, and follow-up for any required boosters. At $100–$300 per visit, this adds up quickly. Factor in at least $500–$1,000 in veterinary costs alone.

Blood Titer Tests

The rabies titer test itself costs $50–$150 at the lab level, but by the time you add the vet visit for the blood draw ($100–$200), shipping to an approved lab ($30–$50), and any re-testing if results are insufficient, you can easily spend $300–$500 on titer testing alone. And if the first titer comes back below the required threshold, you need a booster vaccination, a waiting period, and another test — which resets your timeline.

Quarantine Fees

For countries with mandatory quarantine, the pet owner pays for the entire stay. Australia's Mickleham facility charges approximately AUD $2,000–$2,800 for 10 days. Hawaii's quarantine station charges about $14 per day for dogs and $9 per day for cats, but a 120-day quarantine adds up to approximately $1,680 for a dog. These fees are non-negotiable and non-refundable.

Pet-Friendly Housing Abroad

This is arguably the most underestimated challenge. In many European cities, pet-friendly rental housing is significantly harder to find than in the US. In Lisbon, Barcelona, and Berlin, landlords frequently include “no pets” clauses. When they do allow pets, expect additional deposits of one to two months' rent and sometimes monthly pet surcharges.

In some Asian destinations, finding a pet-friendly apartment can add weeks to your housing search. In Singapore, public housing (HDB flats) only allows approved small dog breeds, and apartments have their own management rules. In Japan, pet-friendly rentals are available but command premium rents and often require non-refundable “gift money” (reikin) to the landlord.

Import Permits and Fees

Several countries require advance import permits that must be applied for weeks or months before arrival. Singapore charges approximately SGD $62 per permit. Australia charges AUD $480 for the import permit application. These are separate from quarantine fees and any vet costs.

Brachycephalic Breed Complications

If you have a French Bulldog, Pug, English Bulldog, Boston Terrier, or other flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed, your options are limited. Many airlines ban these breeds from cargo travel entirely due to respiratory risks in the hold. If your brachycephalic pet is too large for in-cabin travel, you may need to use a specialty pet transport company with climate-controlled ground transport to a departure point, or fly on one of the very few airlines that still accept them (availability changes frequently).

This restriction alone can add $1,000–$3,000 to your relocation budget and severely limits your routing options.

Emotional Cost

This guide is focused on logistics and costs, but the emotional toll deserves mention. Watching your pet loaded into a cargo crate at the airport is stressful. The uncertainty during a long-haul flight is stressful. The first few days in a new country while your pet adjusts to unfamiliar smells, sounds, and routines is stressful. If quarantine is involved, leaving your pet at a government facility and walking away is genuinely awful.

None of this is a reason not to move. But it is worth acknowledging that pet relocation takes an emotional toll alongside the financial one, and planning ahead reduces both.

Special Considerations by Pet Type

Cats

Cats generally have fewer restrictions than dogs. Most countries do not impose breed-specific bans on cats. The core requirements — microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate — apply the same way. Cats traveling in-cabin tend to do well since most cats are small enough to meet the under-seat carrier requirements. The biggest challenge with cats is stress management: talk to your vet about calming pheromone sprays (like Feliway) and anxiety-reducing strategies for the travel day.

Exotic Pets, Birds, and Reptiles

Rabbits, ferrets, birds, reptiles, and other exotic pets face a completely different and often more restrictive set of rules. Many countries ban certain exotic species entirely under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) or local biosecurity laws. Australia, for example, prohibits the importation of ferrets, rabbits, and most reptiles. Some countries require lengthy quarantine periods for birds (30–90 days is common).

If you are moving with an exotic pet, consult with a professional pet transport company that specializes in your animal type. The rules are too varied and too specific for general guidance.

Integrating This Into Your Moving Checklist

Pet relocation is one piece of a much larger puzzle. Our comprehensive moving abroad checklist covers the full timeline — documents, finances, healthcare, housing, and logistics — with pet relocation built into the appropriate phases. Use both guides together for a complete picture.

If you are considering Portugal as your destination — one of the most popular choices for American expats with pets, thanks to its relatively straightforward EU import rules and generally pet-friendly culture — our complete guide to moving to Portugal covers everything from visa types to neighborhoods to tax implications.

And if you are still weighing destinations, the country decision framework will help you evaluate your options systematically — factoring in all the dimensions that matter, not just pet import complexity.

Quick Reference: Pet Relocation Budget Summary

Here is what to budget based on your destination category:

• Easy country, small pet in cabin: $500–$1,500 total (vet visits, microchip, vaccines, health certificate, APHIS endorsement, airline pet fee).
• Easy country, large pet in cargo: $1,500–$3,500 total (add cargo fees and IATA crate).
• Moderate country (UK, Japan, Singapore): $2,500–$5,000 total (add titer test, additional treatments, cargo-only transport, and longer vet timeline).
• Strict quarantine country (Australia, NZ, Hawaii): $5,000–$10,000+ total (add quarantine fees, import permits, additional lab tests, and professional transport service recommended).
• Using a professional pet transport service: Add $2,000–$5,000 on top of the destination-category costs above.

Final Advice: Your Pet Is Worth the Hassle

International pet relocation is objectively one of the most annoying and expensive parts of moving abroad. The paperwork is tedious. The timelines are rigid. The costs are real. And the emotional weight of putting your companion through a long journey — or worse, a quarantine period — is something no one enjoys.

But people do this every day, and the vast majority of pets arrive safely and adjust within a few weeks. Dogs are remarkably adaptable. Cats are less impressed but eventually settle in. The key ingredients are starting early, following the official requirements to the letter, and not trying to cut corners on documentation or timing.

Start the process six months before your move date — earlier if your destination requires titer tests and waiting periods. Keep a physical folder with every document, every receipt, and every test result. Double-check microchip numbers on every piece of paperwork. Have backup plans for weather-related flight cancellations.

Your pet does not understand what is happening. They do not know about ISO microchips or USDA endorsements or IATA-compliant crate specifications. What they know is that you are their person — and as long as you are there on the other side of the journey, they will be fine. The bureaucracy is your burden to bear. Their job is just to show up and be happy to see you.

And they will be.