How to travel with pets: Guide for international trips

Moving to a different country is rarely just about changing your address. For many people, it means relocating an entire way of life and that life often includes a dog, a cat, or another animal companion who is very much part of the family. Pets are not optional luggage, they are emotional anchors, daily routines, and sources of comfort. When relocation plans begin to take shape, one of the first and most important questions is how to travel with pets—especially when borders, flights, and long distances are involved.

International relocation with animals can feel intimidating at first. Regulations vary by country, timelines can stretch over months, and the amount of paperwork involved often surprises first-time travelers. That said, international travel with pets is far more common today than it once was, and with proper planning, it is entirely manageable. The key is understanding what is required, what options exist, and how to choose the safest and most practical path for both you and your pet.

This post covers the legal requirements, essential documentation, and the main ways to travel with pets—by car, train, plane, or professional transport services. Our goal is to give you a clear, realistic framework so you can plan confidently and avoid last-minute surprises.

Requirements to travel with pets internationally

Before deciding how to travel, it is essential to understand what is required. While regulations differ from country to country, most countries follow similar principles designed to prevent the spread of disease, protect animal welfare, and maintain public health standards. These requirements apply regardless of whether you are traveling with your pets by air or choosing a ground-based option.

Microchip

A microchip is one of the most universally required elements of international travel with pets. Many countries including the entire European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and several Asian nations require pets to be identified with an ISO-compliant microchip.

This microchip acts as a permanent identifier, linking your pet to vaccination records, health certificates, and ownership details. It is especially important during border inspections, as authorities use it to verify that the animal presented matches the documentation.

Key points to keep in mind

• Most countries require ISO 11784 OR 11785 compliant microchips.
• The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination for that vaccination to be considered valid.
• Accredited veterinarians usually issue a certificate confirming the microchip number, implantation date, and compliance standard.

Although, there is rarely a fixed waiting period solely for microchipping, the timing matters because it determines when vaccinations and blood tests can begin. In practice, microchipping often marks the official start of the relocation timeline.

Vaccination

Vaccination is at the core of travelling with pets internationally, with rabies vaccination being the most consistently required worldwide. 

Most countries mandate:

• A valid rabies vaccination for dogs and cats.
• Additional core vaccines depending on species and destination.

Important consideration include:

• Rabies vaccines typically must be administered at least 21 to 30 days before travel, but not so long that the vaccine has expired.
• Young animals below a certain age may not be eligible to travel internationally because they are too young to be vaccinated.
• Vaccination requirements generally apply regardless of travel method, meaning they are required whether you are flying, driving or using a pet shipper.

Some destinations also require blood tests to confirm rabies immunity, especially for countries with strict biosecurity rules such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the UK, and members of the European Union. These tests can add weeks or months to the timeline, which is why early planning is critical.

Health certificate

A health certificate is a formal declaration that your pet is healthy and fit to travel. It is a standard requirement and often one of the most time-sensitive documents. Without a valid health certificate, pets may be refused entry or placed in quarantine, making this document one of the most critical steps in the process.

A typical health certificate includes:

• Confirmation of microchip number.
• Vaccination history.
• General physical examination results.
• Verifications that the pet shows no signs of infectious disease.

Important details:

• Health certificates are usually valid for a short window, often 7 to 10 days before departure.
• Not all veterinarians are authorized to issue international health certificates. Many countries require the certificate to be completed by an accredited or government-approved veterinarian.
• Some destinations require additional endorsement from a government authority before departure.

Destination requirements

Beyond general documentation, each country sets its own entry conditions for animals. Understanding destination-specific rules is a non-negotiable part of traveling with pets.

Countries may:

• Restrict or ban certain breeds.
• Require additional parasite treatments.
• Impose quarantine periods.
• Demand advance import permits.

Because these rules can change, it is always advisable to verify official government sources well in advance of travel. Even travelers familiar with these protocols should never assume requirements are the same from one country to another.

Ways to travel with pets

Once documentation is prepared, the next step is choosing the most appropriate mode of transport. Each option comes with its own benefits and challenges, and the best choice depends on distance, budget, and your pet’s temperament.

H3. Travel with pets by car

For shorter distance or cross-border moves, car travel is often considered the cheapest way to travel with pets and one of the least stressful.

Benefits:

• Complete control over rest stops, feeding and comfort.
• Familiar environment for the pet.
• Flexibility in scheduling.

Drawbacks:

• Not suitable for overseas travel.
• Long drives require careful planning.

Safety considerations include using crash-tested carriers or seat belts, ensuring proper ventilation, and never leaving pets unattended in parked vehicles. For regional relocations, car travel offers unmatched flexibility and comfort.

Travel with pets by train

Train travel is an increasingly popular option for pet owners, particularly in regions with extensive rail networks.

Benefits:

• Less pressure and noise than air travel.
• Shorter handling time compared to flights.
• Suitable for medium-distance international moves.

Drawbacks:

• Regulations vary widely by country and operator.
• Space limitations may apply.

Pets usually need to remain in carriers or on leashes, and owners must plan ahead for water and comfort breaks. While not ideal for every route, trains can be an excellent compromise between speed and comfort.

Travel with pets by commercial plane 

For long distance relocations, flying is often unavoidable and it’s important to learn the requirements.

Benefits:

• Fastest method for international relocation.
• Global reach.

Drawbacks:

• More stressful for some pets.
• Higher costs.

General safety requirements typically include airline-approved carriers or crates, proper sizing, and absorbent bedding. While flying requires careful preparation, it remains the most practical solution for international travel.

Travel with pets with pet shippers

Pet shipping companies specialize in handling the complexities of moving pets internationally to different destinations, particularly for places with strict regulations.

Benefits:

• Expertise in documentation and logistics.
• Reduced administrative burden for owners.
• Ideal for complex or long-haul relocations.

Drawbacks:

• Higher overall cost.
• Less personal involvement in the process.

This option is often chosen by families relocating permanently, digital nomads managing multiple moves, or anyone seeking peace of mind during a complex relocation.

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Planning international pet travel with clarity and confidence

Understanding how to travel with pets is ultimately about preparation, not perfection. From microchips and vaccinations to choosing the right travel method, each step plays a role in ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your pet.

While travelling with pets internationally may seem complex, most challenges can be avoided by starting early, researching destination requirements carefully, and choosing transport options that prioritize safety and comfort. Whether you are searching for the cheapest way to travel with pets or the most controlled environment, informed decisions make all the difference.

With the right planning, traveling with your pet is not only possible, it is sustainable, responsible, and deeply rewarding. Pets are part of the journey, not obstacles to it.

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Queendaline Akaemeuwa

English Copywriter

English Copywriter at Holafly, I'm committed to sharing tips that will make your travel experiences memorable.  Over the years as a writer and strategist, I've managed teams across multiple industries - SaaS, tech, real estate, and personal brands. I wrote my first book as a child and have been writing ever since, cooking and reading are a few ways I explore my world.

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