Moving Abroad with Your Pet: Rules, Required Documents and Flight Tips

Relocating to another country is always a challenge, especially when you have a pet. Changes in environment, climate, and time zone can be stressful for cats and dogs. But with proper planning, the journey can be smooth and comfortable. To prevent international pet relocation from turning into a series of bureaucratic obstacles, it is essential to review import regulations, vaccination requirements, select an appropriate airline, and prepare all necessary documents in advance.

What Needs to Be Prepared in Advance

Moving abroad with a pet involves more than packing bags. It is a legally regulated process that includes documentation, vaccinations, and a health assessment for your pet. Planning should begin at least 2–3 months in advance, as some procedures require time and confirmation from official veterinary authorities.

1. International Veterinary Passport. This passport is issued by a licensed clinic and serves as the main document for traveling abroad. It contains the following data:

    – ​species, breed, color, and date of birth of the pet;

    – microchip number and date of implantation;

    – vaccination and deworming history;

    – official clinic stamp and veterinarian’s signature.

   The passport must be in English; otherwise, border authorities may request a notarized translation.

2. Microchipping. An ISO 11784/11785 standard microchip is an electronic tag the size of a grain of rice, containing a unique identification code for your pet. It is scanned at the border to confirm the details recorded in the pet passport. 

    – In the EU, Canada, Israel, Turkey, and the UAE, microchipping is mandatory for all pets.
   – In the USA, it is recommended but not always required; however, airlines may insist on it.
   – In Australia and New Zealand, microchipping is strictly required for quarantine clearance.

   Formal requirements:
   – The microchip should be implanted prior to the rabies vaccination.
   – It must be readable by a standard ISO scanner — older models are not compatible.
   – Verify that the chip is functioning properly at a veterinary clinic before traveling.

3.  Vaccination. A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory in all countries. It must be administered strictly after microchipping and at least 21 days before travel. If the vaccine was given before the microchip was implanted, it must be repeated. 

   – In the EU and the UK, pets must receive a rabies vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The most commonly used vaccines in Europe are Nobivac Rabies, Rabisin, Biocan R, and Versiguard Rabies.

   – In the USA, there are lists of approved vaccines licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These include IMRAB 1 and IMRAB (Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health), NOBIVAC 3-Rabies (Merck Animal Health), RABVAC 3 (Elanco), and VANGUARD Rabies 3 (Zoetis).

   – In Canada, only vaccinations performed with licensed vaccines recognized by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) or their American equivalents approved by the USDA are accepted. Vaccines without the proper authorization may be considered invalid. 

   – In the UAE, the origin of the vaccine and proper documentation are strictly controlled. The vaccination must be administered in a licensed clinic and recorded in the international passport with the manufacturer’s details. Commonly accepted vaccines include Nobivac Rabies, Rabisin, and Rabigen Mono.

   – In Israel, pets must receive vaccinations with certified products. Additionally, any required tests must be conducted in a laboratory accredited by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Vaccines and certificates lacking international certification are not accepted.

   – In Japan, vaccinations must be performed using vaccines certified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). Documents in foreign languages are accepted only if accompanied by an official translation and stamp.

   – In South Korea, vaccinations must be administered using a registered vaccine approved by the Korean Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency.

   – Australia and New Zealand have the strictest rules: vaccines must be certified by the national veterinary services. Only products approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) are allowed.

   Additionally, most countries require comprehensive vaccinations against infectious diseases to protect pets from major viral and bacterial infections. Deworming is also carried out before travel to confirm the animal is healthy and ready for the flight.

   In numerous countries, a rabies antibody titer test (Rabies Titer Test or FAVN test) is required to verify that the administered vaccine has induced adequate immunity. Blood samples must be collected no sooner than 30 days post-vaccination, and the results remain valid for 12 months. This requirement applies for entry into the European Union, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Israel, the UAE, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. The test must be conducted in accredited laboratories recognized by the veterinary authorities of the receiving country. The procedure may take from three weeks to two months, so it should be planned well ahead of travel. Animals without a confirmed titer may be denied entry or subjected to quarantine.

4. Veterinary Certificate Form No. 1. Once your pet has been vaccinated and microchipped, a government veterinarian issues Certificate No. 1 (or No. 1-Vet). This document confirms that the animal is healthy and fit for export. The certificate is valid for 5 days. At the airport, some railway stations, or veterinary control checkpoints, the certificate is exchanged for an international veterinary certificate, which must be presented upon arrival. Travelers should check in advance where this service is available to choose the most convenient location.

   Failure to comply with any of the requirements — including improper vaccination sequence, an expired certificate, or a non-functional microchip — may result in the animal being denied entry or placed under quarantine.

In addition to the standard requirements, each country has its own specific regulations:

   – EU countries (Germany, France, Spain, Italy) require a microchip, a rabies vaccination, and a valid international certificate. Pets must be at least 12 weeks old. Import of certain dog breeds (such as Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers) is prohibited.

   – The United Kingdom and Ireland: The PETS Travel Scheme enforces strict entry requirements. A rabies antibody blood test (FAVN test) conducted at least 3 months before travel is mandatory. Failure to provide this test may result in the animal being quarantined for 21–90 days.

   – United Arab Emirates: Pets must have authorization from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, a rabies test, and a veterinary certificate issued within the last 5 days. Pets without the required authorization will be denied entry.

   – Turkey: The import of pets is restricted to a maximum of two animals per individual. Mandatory requirements include microchipping, a valid pet passport, and a rabies vaccination administered 15–30 days before arrival. A veterinary inspection is conducted upon entry.

   – The USA: While no standardized federal form exists, most states require a health certificate issued no earlier than 10 days prior to travel. Rabies vaccination is compulsory for dogs, whereas requirements for cats vary by state.

   – Canada: Entry is permitted provided that the pet has a microchip, a valid passport, and proof of vaccination. Puppies under 3 months are not admitted unless a specific authorization has been obtained.

It is recommended to verify all requirements in advance with the relevant veterinary and customs authorities responsible for the export of animals and the issuance of veterinary certificates. Additionally, it is important to determine the designated veterinary control checkpoint prior to travel. You may also contact Terrana specialists, who will support you in preparing accurate documentation, securing the necessary approvals, and ensuring a smooth and compliant departure.

Country-Specific Regulations: Entry Permissions and Mandatory Quarantine Requirements

Requirements differ considerably between countries. 

In EU countries (Germany, Italy, Netherlands), a microchip, rabies vaccination, and an international certificate are sufficient. The United Kingdom, Ireland, and Malta enforce stricter rules: if a pet does not meet all requirements, it will be denied entry.

In the United Arab Emirates, pets must have prior authorization from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and a rabies antibody titer test. Israel has comparable regulations, although the test must be conducted at least three months before travel.

Australia and New Zealand are recognized for having the strictest import requirements: pets from non-approved countries are prohibited from direct entry, and quarantine is mandatory even with complete documentation. The United States applies comparable measures, strictly controlling the entry of animals from countries with elevated rabies risk.

Quarantine in the United States can be imposed in the following situations:

   –  if the vaccination records are doubtful or the vaccine is not approved by the USDA;

   – if the animal arrives from a high-risk country without a confirmed rabies antibody titer.

In Turkey and Serbia, the import requirements are significantly less strict: a microchip, an official pet passport, and proof of rabies vaccination suffice for entry.

How to Choose an Airline and Travel Route

Selecting an airline is one of the most important stages of travel planning. Each airline has its own policies for pet transportation. For example, Lufthansa and Air France allow pets in the cabin if their combined weight with the carrier does not exceed 8 kg. Turkish Airlines allows two pets to travel together in the same carrier. Emirates transports pets exclusively in the cargo hold, but offers comfortable conditions and online tracking of the animal’s status.

Airlines may refuse to transport brachycephalic dog breeds (such as, Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese) due to the risk of respiratory complications in flight. Restrictions also apply to breeds considered potentially dangerous, such as Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers, which may only be transported under special arrangements or in reinforced crates.

If a direct flight is not possible, it is recommended to select a route with minimal layover durations. Connections should be minimized, especially in countries that may require additional veterinary inspections or verification of pet documentation. This approach helps to avoid delays and reduces stress for the animal.

The cost of air travel for pets generally ranges from €70 to €250, depending on the airline, flight itinerary, and the animal’s weight.

For short trips within a country or between neighbouring states, consider traveling by train or bus. These modes of transport are generally less stressful for pets and do not require complex documentation. Prior to travel, it is essential to confirm the rules of the specific carrier, as some do not allow pets in the passenger cabin, and international bus lines often require a veterinary passport and vaccination record.

Pet Transportation Conditions: Cabin or Cargo Hold

If a pet weighs less than 8 kg, most airlines allow it to travel in the cabin. It is important to verify the pet carrier size in advance; according to IATA standards, the height must not exceed 23 cm to fit under the seat. Larger animals must be transported in the heated cargo hold. This is safe, as temperature and pressure are automatically regulated.

When flying to hot destinations like the UAE, Egypt, or Thailand, airlines often limit cargo hold transport during summer because of the risk of heat stress. In such cases, cabin transport or scheduling nighttime flights are the only options.

Tips for a Comfortable Flight — From Pet Carriers to Hydration

To ensure your pet is comfortable, let it get accustomed to the travel carrier several days before departure. Place the carrier in the house with the door open and put a blanket or toy inside. To prevent motion sickness, avoid feeding the animal 3–4 hours before the flight.

Required items for hand luggage:
– a small bottle of water;
– wet wipes and disposable underpads;
– treats to distract your pet during waiting times.

To help manage stress, consider using pheromone sprays for cats and small dogs. For flights exceeding 6 hours, consult your veterinarian in advance about the possibility of giving a mild sedative.

What to Do After Arrival

All animals must undergo veterinary inspection upon entry into the country. Border officials verify the veterinary passport, international health certificate, and microchip. Provided the documentation is correct and meets the import regulations, the animal will be allowed to pass without delays.

Following entry, individuals planning long-term residence or permanent relocation should visit a local veterinary clinic to secure an EU pet passport. This document certifies vaccination compliance and permits travel within the European Union without supplementary documentation. The microchip number is registered in the passport without modification. Registration in national databases (for example, PetID or Europetnet) is compulsory solely for permanent residents. If the trip is short — for tourism, visiting, or business — obtaining an EU passport or completing registration is not required.

Additionally, clarify the local animal control regulations: some countries prohibit walking dogs without a leash or muzzle, with fines reaching up to €500.

Terrana Experts: Pet Relocation Assistance

Moving abroad with animals entails not just affection and responsibility, but also numerous formalities that depend on the destination country, route, and even time of year. An error in a single document can result in denied entry.

Terrana’s specialists ensure everything is handled correctly: from veterinary certificates to route selection and country-specific regulation consultations. On our website, you can get professional advice, check current requirements for specific destinations, and prepare your documents in advance. With Terrana, your relocation will be smooth, and your journey will become the beginning of a new life chapter — for both you and your pet.