The Golden Rule: Start Three Months Out
The most common mistake in international pet relocation isn't a missing document — it's starting too late. The golden rule at Pet Cargo is to begin planning at least three months before the flight. Not because the logistics take that long, but because certain steps have hard waiting periods built into them that cannot be compressed regardless of how much you're willing to pay.
A rabies vaccine administered after microchipping (the required order) takes time to be recognized. A titer test takes 2–4 weeks to process. An import permit may take several weeks to be issued by the destination country. Miss one of these windows and the trip gets pushed — often by months.
The 90-Day Countdown
90 days before:
- Research specific requirements for your destination country — they vary significantly by species, breed, and country of origin
- Verify microchip status (must be implanted before the rabies vaccine to count)
- Schedule initial vet consultation to map out the vaccination and documentation timeline
60–75 days before:
- Administer required vaccines, starting with rabies if not current
- If a titer test is required (UK, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Hawaii), draw blood for the FAVN test now — results take 3–4 weeks
- Order the travel crate and begin acclimatization training
- Research airline policies for your pet's breed and size
30–45 days before:
- Book the flight and notify the airline about your pet — space is limited
- Apply for any required import permits from the destination country
- Confirm vet availability for the health certificate window (10 days before travel)
7–10 days before:
- Obtain health certificate — this window is strict and cannot be issued early
- Endorse health certificate with national authority if required (USDA APHIS, SENASA, CFIA, etc.)
- Label crate, attach food/water instructions and your contact information
Documentation: What You'll Actually Need
The exact document list depends on destination, but the core documents are:
- Health certificate: issued by a licensed vet within the required window (7–10 days for most destinations). For EU, Australia, and Japan, it must have official government endorsement.
- Vaccination record: current rabies vaccine. The application date matters — many countries require that the last dose was administered no less than 21 or 30 days before travel.
- Rabies titer test (FAVN): required for high-biosecurity destinations (Japan, Australia, UK, Singapore, Hawaii). Tests must be done at RNATT-approved laboratories. Results take 2–4 weeks.
- Microchip certificate: proving the chip was implanted before the rabies vaccine. This is a bureaucratic trap many people fall into.
- Import permit: required by some countries. Applied for from the destination country's veterinary authority, sometimes weeks in advance.
Breed Restrictions and Bans
Certain countries ban specific breeds entirely regardless of documentation:
- UK, Australia, New Zealand: American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and others are banned entirely from entry
- Many airlines: brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, Persian cats) are restricted or banned in cargo holds due to respiratory risks at altitude
Verify breed-specific entry rules for your destination before making any plans. This is not a checklist item — it's a go/no-go determination.
The Crate: More Than a Container
The crate must meet IATA standards: rigid plastic, metal latch, solid leak-proof floor, ventilation on at least three sides (minimum 16% of surface area), and water bowls accessible from outside. The animal must be able to stand in natural position, turn around, and lie on its side.
But technical compliance is only half the story. The crate needs to be a space where your pet feels safe. Introduce it 4–6 weeks in advance: leave it open at home, feed your pet inside it, gradually close the door for short periods. A well-acclimated pet in a IATA-compliant crate is a recipe for a calm trip.
Airline Booking: Don't Leave It Late
Not all airlines accept pets on all routes. There are breed restrictions, weight limits, temperature embargoes, and per-flight pet quotas. If you book your own ticket and then call the airline to add a pet, you may find there's no space — and changing your own ticket to a different carrier adds cost and stress you don't need.
Book the pet's space at the same time as your own ticket. If you're working with Pet Cargo on an accompanied arrangement, we coordinate this from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly my pet if I'm moving and already shipped my furniture?
Yes, pet travel logistics are independent of household goods. The timing isn't tied to your move — your pet can travel before, during, or after.
What if my pet's breed is on the airline's restricted list?
Some airlines have more permissive policies than others. Part of our work at Pet Cargo is identifying routes and carriers where your specific breed can travel legally and safely.
Do I need pet insurance for international travel?
Travel insurance for pets is available but not required by customs. We recommend it for longer trips. It typically covers emergency vet costs, trip interruption, and loss of the animal during transport.
