Moving abroad with your pet
Most countries allow dogs and cats entry — but the paperwork, timing and costs vary enormously. Here's what you need to know before you book anything.
Requirements sourced from official government veterinary and biosecurity authorities. Pet import rules change without notice — always verify current requirements directly with the official authority of your destination country before making any bookings.
How pet-friendly is your destination?
Quick at-a-glance ratings for popular nomad destinations.
Dogs/cats allowed with microchip, rabies vaccination and import permit. No quarantine for compliant pets.
Official sourceEU Pet Passport accepted. Non-EU pets need microchip, rabies vaccine and health certificate. No quarantine.
Official sourceStrict requirements, lengthy approval process, temporary import only. Bali has additional local restrictions.
Official sourceMicrochip and health certificate required. No quarantine. One of the most straightforward pet entry countries.
Official sourceMicrochip, rabies vaccination and health certificate. No quarantine. Very pet-friendly country.
Official sourceEU Pet Passport accepted. Non-EU: microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate. No quarantine.
Official sourceStrict import permit, quarantine required (typically 7–14 days), multiple vaccinations needed.
Official sourceImport licence required, quarantine mandatory (varies by region, typically 7–21 days).
Official sourceMicrochip and rabies vaccination. Health certificate. No quarantine. Very pet-friendly with affordable vet care.
Official sourceOne of the strictest regimes in the world. Mandatory quarantine of up to 180 days if requirements not met exactly in advance. Start planning 6+ months ahead.
Official sourceEU Pet Passport accepted. Non-EU: microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate. No quarantine.
Official sourceEU Pet Passport accepted. Non-EU: microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate. No quarantine.
Official sourceHealth certificate from accredited vet, rabies vaccination, import permit required. No quarantine for compliant pets.
Official sourceHealth certificate, rabies vaccination, import permit. No quarantine for most pets.
Official sourceHealth certificate, rabies vaccination, customs declaration. No quarantine for dogs and cats.
Official sourceEU Pet Passport accepted. Non-EU: microchip, rabies, health certificate. No quarantine.
Official sourceEU Pet Passport accepted. Non-EU: microchip, rabies, health certificate. No quarantine.
Official sourceImport permit, quarantine (typically 7 days), multiple vaccinations required. Different rules by state.
Official sourceImport permit required, quarantine mandatory (typically 7–30 days), strict documentation.
Official sourceWhat almost every country requires
The universal sequence — in the right order.
Microchip (ISO 15 digit)
The universal foundation. Your pet must have an ISO-standard 15-digit microchip. If your pet was chipped before you got a compliant chip, get them rechipped. Do this before any vaccinations for it to count.
Rabies vaccination
Required by almost every country. Must be administered after microchipping. Some countries require a blood titre test proving immunity — this test takes weeks, so plan accordingly.
Health certificate
An official veterinary health certificate signed by an accredited/USDA-approved vet. Usually valid for 10 days from issue — timing is critical.
Import permit / approval
Many countries require an import permit obtained weeks or months before arrival. Check your destination country's agriculture or biosecurity department website.
Airline approved carrier
Your pet needs an airline-approved carrier sized correctly. Cabin travel is size-limited — large dogs must travel as cargo. Check your airline's specific rules as they vary significantly.
How far in advance do you need to plan?
- Research destination requirements (rules change — verify with official government sources)
- Get microchip if not done
- Start any required vaccination sequences
- Apply for import permits where required
- Book a pet-friendly flight (limited spots fill early)
- Complete vaccinations
- Book titre test if required (results take 30+ days)
- Research pet-friendly housing at destination
- Book pet relocation specialist if using one
- Obtain health certificate (timing is critical — many expire in 10 days)
- Confirm airline pet booking
- Purchase approved carrier
- Arrange pet insurance for the journey
Typical pet relocation costs
| Item | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Microchip | $25–$75 |
| Rabies vaccination | $20–$60 |
| Health certificate | $75–$200 |
| Rabies titre test | $150–$300 |
| Import permit | $0–$250 |
| Airline pet fee (cabin) | $50–$200 |
| Airline pet fee (cargo) | $200–$600 |
| Pet relocation specialist | $1,000–$5,000+ |
Costs vary significantly by country and provider. Always get quotes specific to your route.
Essential advice from nomads who've done it
Always verify with official government sources
Pet import rules change without notice. This guide gives you a starting framework but always check the destination country's official agriculture or biosecurity department for current requirements before you book anything.
Japan and Australia require extreme advance planning
Some countries (Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii) have among the world's strictest biosecurity rules. Start planning 6–12 months before your move date.
Brachycephalic breeds face airline restrictions
Flat-faced dogs (bulldogs, pugs, French bulldogs) and cats (Persians, Himalayans) are banned from cargo by many airlines due to breathing risks. Verify before booking.
Consider a pet relocation specialist
For complex routes or strict destinations, a specialist handles permits, timing and logistics. Expensive but significantly reduces stress and risk of errors.
Get pet travel insurance
Standard travel insurance rarely covers pets. Specialist pet travel insurance covers veterinary costs during transit and quarantine. Worth it for long hauls.