Pet Relocation Basics
Moving abroad with a pet is doable but it requires months of planning. Not weeks. Months. The process varies dramatically by destination, and the consequences of getting it wrong range from your pet sitting in quarantine for half a year to being denied entry entirely.
Universal requirements
Almost every country requires the same baseline:
- ISO microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard, 15-digit) implanted before the rabies vaccination. If the chip goes in after the vaccine, some countries won't accept the vaccination record.
- Rabies vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian after the microchip. Most countries require your pet to be at least 12 weeks old.
- Health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian (if leaving the US), then endorsed by USDA APHIS. This endorsement is done through the VEHCS system and usually takes a few business days.
EU countries
Relatively straightforward. The EU requires microchip, rabies vaccination, and a 21-day waiting period after vaccination before travel. Once in the EU, your pet gets an EU pet passport that's valid for life and allows free movement between member states.
Coming from outside the EU, you'll need to enter through a designated Border Control Post and present your veterinary certificate.
United Kingdom
Similar to the EU but with extras. The UK requires microchip, rabies vaccination, and a pet travel document. Dogs specifically need tapeworm treatment administered 24 to 120 hours before arrival in Great Britain.
Japan
Japan's MAFF requires:
- Microchip
- Two rabies vaccinations (not just one)
- Rabies antibody test showing ≥0.5 IU/ml
- 180-day waiting period after the blood test
If your pet hasn't completed that 180-day wait, they go into detention quarantine at the airport for the remaining days. That can mean your dog or cat sits in a facility for months. Start this process at least 7 months before your move.
Taiwan
Similar to Japan but shorter. BAPHIQ requires rabies antibody testing done between 90 days and 12 months before entry for pets coming from countries where rabies is present (which includes the US). Animals from rabies-present countries face 21 days of quarantine on arrival. You need to apply for an import permit at least 2 weeks in advance. Only dogs, cats, and rabbits are allowed.
Australia
The strictest in the world. Australia's Department of Agriculture requires an import permit, country-specific veterinary certificates, and a long list of health tests. They recommend allowing at least 6 months to complete all steps. Certain breeds are banned entirely. There is mandatory quarantine on arrival.
Flying with your pet
Airlines follow IATA Live Animals Regulations for cargo transport. Key rules:
- Crate must allow the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down
- Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats, etc.) face restrictions or outright bans on many airlines due to breathing risks at altitude
- Minimum age is typically 8 weeks and fully weaned
- Most airlines only accept pets in cargo during temperature-safe months
If your pet is small enough to fly in-cabin, that's simpler but still subject to destination country import rules.
Timeline
- 7+ months out (Japan, Australia): Start microchipping, vaccinations, and antibody testing
- 4+ months out (Taiwan): Start microchipping, vaccinations, and antibody testing (90-day minimum before entry)
- 3 months out (EU, UK, most others): Microchip, rabies vaccination, begin the waiting period
- 2 weeks out: Final veterinary exam, health certificate, USDA endorsement
- Travel day: Arrive with all original documents. Copies won't be accepted at customs.