travelling abroad with pets

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Bringing a Pet into the United States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies may regulate animals entering the United States. Please refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for information on bringing your pet into the United States.   

Taking a Pet Overseas 

Lots of countries have strict rules or bans on bringing pets into their country. If you want to take your pet abroad, check the rules of the foreign country on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website. Airlines and shipping lines have their own policies for transporting pets, as well as the rules from the government. Ask your airline or ship representative about their requirements.

Make Plans for a Crisis

During a crisis, it may be difficult to find transportation for your pets. Expect that you won't be able to bring them with you on a U.S. government evacuation. If you travel or live outside the United States with your pet, make plans for someone to care for them if you have to leave them behind.

• Working (service) animals such as guide dogs, will be accommodated if possible. 
• To learn more about traveling with animals, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation webpage called "Plane Talk: Traveling with Animals." To find out about health requirements for traveling animals and bringing your pet to the United States, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture webpage called "Pet Travel."

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Traveling Internationally With Your Dog: A Complete Guide

Bond Vet now offers international travel certificates. Book an appointment here and read below to learn how international travel with a pet works.

Flying internationally with a dog can be stressful for humans and pups alike. And there are some important safety considerations when planning an international trip with your dog.

Fortunately, most dogs are able to travel just fine — and after the stress of travel and a short adjustment period, they settle happily into their new location whether a full relocation or a vacation. But there are many things to consider — and LOTS of planning to do — ahead of time to make the trip a smooth and safe one. 

Should You Fly Internationally With Your Dog?

When going for an international trip, some dogs make excellent travel companions, while others may do better with a pet sitter or at a boarding facility.

Moving overseas means a pet parent is much more likely to take their dog with them. 

However, some pet parents choose to find a new loving home for their dog, because of concerns for their safety or wellbeing, or if it’s not possible to bring them along. For example, pets in poor health or older pets might not be able to travel safely. 

Also, certain countries have “banned breeds” they don’t allow due to concerns of aggressive behaviors, and some don’t allow pets traveling from areas that have a higher incidence of rabies. While all of this may feel unfair, unfortunately there’s not much wiggle room on these rules.

The good news is, most of the time, dogs can come along and experience the new adventure with you — it just requires thorough planning ahead of time.

Is International Travel Safe for Dogs?

The vast majority of dogs are able to travel just fine and arrive at the destination country safely — albeit a bit stressed from the journey. But research and planning are necessary to make this happen.

Maximizing safety means planning ahead and avoiding potential hazards. Talking to your vet is a great place to start, to make sure your pup is healthy enough for travel.

Some of the biggest safety concerns are extreme temperatures (especially hot weather, when heat stroke can occur) and breathing difficulties.

Breathing difficulties are primarily a concern in snub-nosed breeds like bulldogs, since their respiration isn’t as efficient as other breeds. For this reason, some airlines won’t accept these breeds for travel in cargo at all.

Many airlines also have restrictions on pet travel during hot weather. Even in the absence of restrictions, it’s safest to schedule your take-off and landing times late at night or early in the morning, when temperatures are cooler.

Additionally, there are many practical considerations such as finding a sturdy carrier to prevent injuries or escape, and deciding whether your pet will travel in the cabin or in the cargo hold. 

While cargo travel is safe for most dogs, it does carry some risks compared to the cabin. You won’t be able to see or monitor your dog during transit. Sometimes the handling of your dog’s crate is rough. Loading and unloading from the plane also presents risks of exposure to extreme temperatures. On the other hand, the cargo hold is dark and quiet, so some pups just relax and sleep once they’re on board. Bear in mind that your pup will be separated from you for longer than the length of the flight — you’ll need to check them in early and you’ll reunite with them after immigration.

Is Flying Internationally Stressful for Dogs?

Unless your dog is a seasoned traveler, it’s likely they will experience some stress during travel. This makes sense, since pets in cargo don’t understand what’s happening, i.e. being separated from you, feeling pressure changes or turbulence during the plane ride, etc.

That being said, the stress is usually short-term, followed by a short adjustment period to your new home. Then, many dogs resume their lives and enjoy all their favorite activities as usual.

If your dog is very anxious or has a health condition (such as heart disease) where too much stress could be dangerous, then stress may be more of a concern for them. While sedatives are typically not allowed on planes for safety reasons, talk to your vet about other ways to lower their stress level and prepare them for the trip, whether they’re in the hold or below the seat in front of you.

What’s Required for Travel to Your Destination Country?

After deciding to take your pet with you overseas and talking to your vet, the next step is to determine what’s needed for your furry friend to enter the destination country.

These guidelines are largely based on preventing the spread of diseases that are a risk to human health (such as rabies and certain parasites), and as such, these rules are typically NOT flexible.

It’s important to obtain the most up to date information from a trusted source, and to follow guidelines EXACTLY. Failure to comply with the requirements could result in your dog being denied entrance.

This may sound scary, but the good news is that many pet parents have gone through this process smoothly and successfully. It’s just a matter of doing your homework.

While every country has different requirements, here are some of the most common components…

• An international health certificate (completed within a specific time frame, usually within 10 days, prior to your arrival date) and any other paperwork required by the destination country (the country you’re traveling to). A pet passport may or may not be useful, depending on where you’re traveling (but it doesn’t replace a health certificate). Also, check the requirements for any countries you’re transiting through, as some have requirements for pets even during layovers. For more information on requirements by country, check the APHIS pet travel site .
• Government export paperwork from the country of origin (the country you are traveling from).
• A microchip . Many countries require this permanent form of identification, to ensure the pet being brought in is the same one specified in the paperwork. Also, some require the microchip to be given BEFORE the rabies vaccine, so plan for this prior to getting your pup’s vaccinations updated. Bear in mind that some places require a different microchip than the one your dog already has, in which case they’ll have two — 
• Up-to-date vaccinations . A current rabies vaccination is nearly a universal requirement. And for many countries, this means a yearly booster rather than a 3-year vaccine. Also, some countries require additional vaccinations (and even if they aren’t required, it’s usually a good idea to update vaccinations for your dog’s protection). But don’t wait until the last minute, as they may be required 30 days in advance of travel.
• Blood titer tests . This is primarily for rabies-free countries, which often require a rabies titer blood test within a certain time frame prior to travel. Some countries may require additional infectious disease tests.
• Parasite prevention . Some countries have strict requirements for topical and internal parasite treatments, administered and documented by a veterinarian within a specific time frame prior to travel. 

It’s never too early to start researching the requirements to travel with your dog! For some countries (especially rabies-free areas, which includes Hawaii) the process can take several months.

Because the process can be quite complex, not all veterinarians offer international health certificates. The travel exam and paperwork need to be performed by a veterinarian that’s accredited by the USDA. Bond Vet is proud to offer international health certificates, so give us a call or book an appointment here — we’ll advise on timing and help you with all the paperwork.

Another option is to work with a reputable pet transport company. In this case, a vet visit with a USDA-accredited veterinarian is still needed, but the company can help you with the requirements and with scheduling your transport.

Need a vet? Book now.

Do Dogs Need to Be Quarantined During International Travel?

Understandably, one of the most common questions about traveling overseas with a dog is: Will my dog need to be quarantined? 

While quarantine may be scary, fortunately, most countries DON’T require it, assuming all travel requirements are met. However, in some countries (primarily rabies-free countries), quarantine can’t be avoided and can range from a week to six months.

Should You Fly or Take a Ship?

Maybe you can reach your destination by car, train, or bus. But in most cases, some type of overseas travel is necessary — and the most common international travel method is by plane. 

Traveling via ship is also an option in some cases. If you decide to go this route, do your research just the way you would if your dog was traveling by plane. Different cruise lines have different policies.

Since air travel is most common, that’s what we’ll focus on here. But keep in mind that many of these tips are applicable no matter how you and your pup are getting to your new home.

Flying with a Dog Internationally

Start by researching your options. Which airlines fly to your destination? Will they use a partner airline for connecting flights? And, of course, what is their pet policy?

Pet policies vary a lot between airlines. Here are some criteria to consider and compare when booking your flight…

• Will your pet travel in the cabin, in the cargo hold, or as a cargo shipment (in the cargo hold on a separate flight from you)? Cabin travel is typically limited to pets small enough to fit under the seat, or service/support animals. And some countries(the United Kingdom, for one) don’t allow pets in the cabin when entering the country, even if the airline flying there allows it. 
• Airlines have a limit for how many pets can travel per flight — and that limit is even tighter for pets traveling inside the cabin. Book as far in advance as you can to ensure your pup has a spot.
• If possible, book a direct flight .
• Get your pet’s reservation confirmed in writing . Call the airline directly. It never hurts to check in too many times or be too careful when confirming your pet’s ticket, so consider calling again as it gets closer to your travel date.
• If your pet is being shipped as cargo, a sk if the cargo area is pressurized and temperature-controlled . When you board, you can also let the pilot and a flight attendant know your pet is on board.
• Ask where to go to check your pet in , and how early you need to be there.
• Inquire about the fees for traveling with your pet.

Which Airlines Are the Most Pet-Friendly?

Well-traveled pet parents have different opinions based on their personal experiences. So, be sure to research as much as you can. Check online reviews and blogs, speak to anyone you know who’s traveled with a pet, and ask the veterinarian or pet transport company doing your paperwork for their opinion. 

Lufthansa often ranks highly on lists of pet-friendly airlines. But of course, the airline you select will also depend on which airlines fly to your destination and what their pet policies are.

Airlines must also report the number of animals who are injured or die on their flights, so it’s possible to look up this information.

How to Travel Internationally With a Dog: Crates, Potty Breaks, and Other Necessities

Proper restraint is important when traveling with your dog, to ensure they don’t get spooked and run off or get injured. 

The biggest consideration is probably which crate to use . Crates for use in the cargo hold must be strong and sturdy, while carriers used in the cabin may be soft-sided to facilitate fitting under the seat. Your pet is required to remain in the carrier during travel.

Either way, don’t purchase a crate or carrier until you’ve checked the requirements of the airline (and pet transport company, if relevant). 

Attach your pet’s name and information securely to the carrier.

Airlines have specific requirements for crates or carriers for pets during travel. Check and follow these recommendations exactly, and look for carriers that meet IATA (International Air Transport Association) guidelines.

So far as food and water , the specifics vary depending on how your pet is traveling and the airline’s policies. 

Cargo has specific guidelines for food and water, as well as for bowls that attach to the carrier door. Ask the airline about when and how your dog will be fed, and what supplies they need you to bring for your dog. Some recommend freezing water to put into the water bowl, so it won’t spill and will gradually melt for your dog to drink during transit. You may have more flexibility with your supplies during cabin travel.

Either way, bring extra food for after your arrival, so your dog can keep eating their usual food (this will decrease the risk of stomach troubles). Carry the food in its original packaging, as some countries don’t accept pet food that’s been transferred to another container.

Some recommend not feeding your dog for a few hours before travel, to reduce the chance of motion sickness. Check with your veterinarian as some pets may have different needs.

Another good idea is to place absorbable materials (such as a puppy pad ) in the carrier in case of a bathroom accident during transit. Some airlines even require this.

Some airports have pet relief areas , but you may need to keep your dog in their carrier until after you go through customs. Bringing extra puppy pads along is never a bad idea.

Whenever you take your dog out of the carrier, whether it’s a layover or your final destination, use a secure harness and leash to ensure your pup stays close to you. Stress or overstimulation could cause a dog to dash away. Attach a tag with your dog’s identification to the harness, too.

If you’re not sure what care will be provided to your pet during a layover when they are traveling in cargo, or where to take your pet for rest or a bathroom break during a layover, ask about it.

Minimizing Stress for Your Dog During Travel

Sedation isn’t typically allowed or recommended on flights, especially for pets in the cargo hold, since it can affect their breathing and interfere with their body temperature regulation.

However, there are other measures you can take to reduce stress. One of the best strategies is to get your dog used to their carrier prior to travel. Leave the carrier open at home a few weeks before your trip, and offer treats, attention, or praise when your dog is in it. This will help them see it as a positive, safe place.

Also, ask your vet about stress-relieving options that might be safe for travel, such as certain supplements or a dog pheromone product. They may also prescribe a medication for motion sickness.

What to Do About Pet Medical Concerns During Travel

Look up veterinary clinics in your destination country, so you have somewhere to go in case of an urgent medical need upon arrival. For minor concerns, consider carrying a pet first aid kit.

If you are working with a pet transport company, ask if they arrange for a veterinary exam upon arrival.

Returning to the US With Your Dog

If you return to the US, the process of bringing your dog back home will be very similar to your initial process of moving overseas. Unfortunately, your dog won’t automatically be allowed back. Instead, you’ll need to do research and paperwork as you would for any international destination.

As of the time of this writing, there is also a temporary ban on importing dogs to the US from high-risk rabies countries. You can check the CDC’s website for more information.

Where to Learn More

A great resource is the USDA APHIS site , which includes a handy pre-travel checklist, FAQ page, links to find a USDA accredited veterinarian, requirements by country, and more. The US Department of State also offers some valuable information.

For airline policies, check the website of the specific airline you plan to use. Also, consider calling them for their most up to date policies, in case the website hasn’t been updated in a timely manner or if recent Covid-19 protocols have affected travel for you and your pet.

A USDA-accredited veterinarian who routinely does international health certificates, as well as a reputable pet transport company, can also be very helpful.

While all of this may sound like a lot of work, it’s worth it to ensure your pooch can travel with you safely and will be allowed into the country with you with no hiccups. 

Just take it all one step at a time, and plan as far in advance as you can to reduce any complications or stress that could arise from rushing. And be sure to plan some fun things to do with your pup once you arrive at your vacation destination or new home.

Better care, Right when you need it

How to Travel Internationally With Your Pet

International Travel on a U.S. Carrier

Three ways to travel with your pet, how to fly with a service animal, follow international animal export regulations, call and check in advance, things to know before you go, be prepared for an emergency, other things to consider.

Our pets are straight-up members of our family. We don’t want to leave them behind when we go on vacation, especially if we’re planning on being away from home for extended amounts of time. Plus, there are costs to consider when your pet is in someone else’s care. Overnight boarding fees vary and are dependent, in many cases, on the weight of your pet, whether or not you want a private room, if you want enrichment toys and treats given to your dog each day, and if you want your furry friend to have a daily walk for exercise.

If you’re lucky enough to have a friend or family member take care of your pet while you’re absent, you’ll have to consider the risks of your animal potentially destroying their property—chewing furniture, having in-house accidents, or damaging floors or doors with their nails. You’ll have to think about the grooming that might be necessary as well—will your dog need a haircut, and will his nails need to be trimmed while you’re gone? What happens if your pet gets sick, injured, or lost?

Sometimes, the easier choice might be to bring your pet with you when you travel. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 2 million pets and animals are transported by air every year in the states.   Keep reading to learn what to consider before booking your flight.

The U.S. Department of State advises pet owners to research and understand the intended airline carrier’s live pet guidelines and added charges before booking flights. You’ll need to decide if your pet is to fly in-cabin, as excess baggage, or cargo. Also, be sure to check the travel policies directly before you book flights, as the terms are subject to change at any time. You’ll also need to review Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) policies and contact them directly to verify before travel. The Overseas Briefing Center (OBC) suggests that owners request written approval of reservations made for your animal's shipment.

When booking airfare, there are three ways to consider for shipping your pet.

• Your animal can travel with you, either in the cabin or in the cargo hold. These options both consider your pet as excess or accompanied baggage and will be charged as such. Not all airlines offer this as an option to passengers, and many have restrictions on which breeds can fly. In general, pets need to be less than 15 pounds, including the carrier's weight, to travel in the cabin.
• Your pet may be booked on a separate flight, in which you will be charged the cargo rate, which is much higher than the first option. Also, some airlines do not offer this option.
• A licensed commercial shipper can be responsible for getting your pet from A to B. In this case, you will be responsible for the cargo rate and the shipper’s charge. Many airlines require this method for transportation unless your pet is compact enough to ride in the cabin.

Finally, some airlines don’t allow travel during certain parts of the year in the cargo hold due to weather. If it’s too hot or too cold, it may be necessary to reconsider travel. Your pet must also be able to stand, sit, and turn around in a sturdy carrier if being transported in cargo.

As per theme, you’ll need to check each airline to find out their exact policy at the time of travel, which can change at any time, to determine the specific airline’s rules and regulations. If your dog is registered as a service animal to assist a person with physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability, she may legally fly with you in the cabin. Your rights, in this case, are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. You will have to follow the laws of foreign governments, however. Some countries require a mandatory animal quarantine period upon arrival, for example.

Service pets must be able to sit in the owner’s lap or on the floor below their seat in front of them. Animals must not obstruct the aisleway or sit in the emergency exit row. And, of course, animals must be trained and not bark, jump, or bite other passengers or airline employees.

Service Dog Registration of America suggests travelers check with the individual airline in person or over the phone to verify the exact policy and make sure everything is understood, especially when traveling internationally. A great resource for veterans who are interested in traveling internationally is America’s Vet Dogs .

You’ll need to review the International Animal Export Regulations before international travel, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture—Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS). It’s required that you connect with your vet to ensure that your pet is updated on vaccinations. Diagnostic testing or a health certificate may be obtained.

You’ll need to verify travel requirements with the countries you’ll be visiting—each country has its own set of export rules and requirements in addition to the airlines and shipping lines, which have their own policies for transporting pets. The USDA-APHIS has a great website for checking each country’s regulations. Australia, for example, requires USDA Accredited Veterinarian-collected blood samples. A laboratory submission form, completed by the USDA Veterinarian that drew the blood, must include the animal’s microchip details.

You’ll need to double-check the deadline for when to get a veterinarian examination and inoculations, which need to be done close to the departure date.

Be sure to call the airline directly before travel and speak with a person to determine the precise protocols. For American Airlines, call the reservation number at 1-800-433-7300 or the air cargo section at 1-800-227-4622. For Delta, call 1-800-241-4141 for reservations and 1-888-736-3738 for the live animal desk. And, for United Airlines, call 1-800-538-2929 for international reservations or 1-800-825-3788 for live cargo.

Travel is stressful for humans, but even more so for pets. Make sure your animal is comfortable with its carrier before your flight. Consider spending more money on fewer flights to avoid connections or layovers. Do not travel with pets in cargo if it’s extremely hot or cold outside (perhaps nighttime travel is better in the summer, and daytime is better in the winter). Exercise your pet before boarding and immediately after deplaning.

The Federal Animal Welfare Act requires that dogs and cats be eight weeks or older, and must be weaned from their mothers for at least five days. Crates must meet certain standards for size, ventilation, and sanitation. Food and water must be provided to animals traveling more than 12 hours. Animals must be comfortable and not exposed to temperatures less than 45 degrees-Fahrenheit.

Of course, traveling with your pet has inherent risks. You may have planned for every scenario. However, pets sometimes get sick, and some even die on airplanes. First and foremost, you should determine if your pet is healthy and young enough to travel internationally. If there are any doubts, you should reconsider international travel with your animal. Your woolly pal should be able to handle a long flight in a pet carrier or the cargo hold with ease and relative comfort.

•  To dot the i’s and cross the t’s, make sure you have copies of your pet’s documents when traveling internationally and for the return flight home—you may want to make an extra copy that you store in a separate location, just to be safe.
• You’ll need to start the whole process early and give yourself plenty of time to gather the proper paperwork and take care of your pet’s required veterinarian care.
• Your veterinarian will be a great resource for you as you plan for your trip—the doctor will help you determine what blood tests, vaccinations, and microchips might be necessary before travel.

U.S. Department of Transportation. "Plane Talk: Traveling with Animals."

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What to know

• Plan ahead of time if including pets in your travel plans.
• Microchip your pet and make sure your contact information is updated.
• Make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date.
• Check regulations and required documentation for your destination before traveling.

Preparing for travel with pets

Owning a pet can increase opportunities to exercise, get outside, and explore new places. You may want to take your pet with you when you travel to new places. Traveling can sometimes be stressful, both for you and your pets. Preparation can help prevent stress and keep you and your pets safe and healthy.

Before traveling, properly identify your pet in case you get separated during your trip. Make sure your pet is microchipped for identification and keep your contact and pet information updated.

Keeping pets safe in the car

Having a smooth and safe road trip with your pet requires preparation and planning, especially if driving long distances.

• To prepare your pet, take them on a series of short drives and gradually increase the amount of time spent in the car.
• Before traveling across state lines, check the requirements for bringing pets along.
• If your pet is riding on the seat, keep them in the back seat in a harness attached to the seat buckle to prevent injury. Allowing pets to roam around the car or ride with their head outside the window can be dangerous.
• If your pet is kept in their crate, check that your pet can stand, sit, lie down, and turn around while inside the crate. Also, make sure the crate is well ventilated. Secure the crate so it won't slide or shift when the car stops.
• Bring plenty of water, food, a bowl, leash, waste bags, grooming supplies, medication and first-aid, and any travel documents including proof of rabies vaccination. Feed your pet 3 to 4 hours before leaving on your trip to prevent car sickness or vomiting.
• Make frequent stops to allow dogs to go to the bathroom and stretch their legs.
• Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. On hot days, temperatures can rise quickly within minutes and can cause death. In cold weather, animals left in cars can freeze to death.

Keeping pets safe on airplanes

Traveling with pets by plane takes careful preparation and planning and could also be costly. If you must bring your pet on a flight, here are suggestions to keep your pet safe:

Weeks before your trip

• Book a direct flight when possible to decrease the chances of your pet being separated from you during extreme weather or layovers.
• Check your pet's vaccinations to make sure they are up to date. Get a health certificate from your veterinarian dated within 10 days of your departure. For international travel , additional planning and healthcare requirements may be needed. Research the requirements for pets for your destination country as well as for the United States. When returning to the United States from abroad, your dog must meet all US entry requirements upon return .
• For animals stowed in the plane's cargo area, purchase a US Department of Agriculture-approved shipping crate. The crate must be large enough for your pet to stand, sit, and turn around in comfortably.

Before heading to the airport

• Line the cargo crate with some type of bedding—shredded paper or towels—to absorb potential accidents. Place a small dish of water in the crate. Check the crate door is securely closed but not locked, so airline staff can open it in case of an emergency.
• Your pet's crate should have proper identification if shipped as cargo. Mark "live animal" on the crate, and include your name, cell phone, and destination phone number.

At the airport

Before departure or after arrival, give your dog a potty break before securing it in the crate for travel.

On the plane

If hand-carried, never place your pet in an overhead bin. Pets must be secured in their crates below the seat in front of you in accordance with airline policies.

International travel with pets‎

Prevent injury and illness when traveling.

Practice safe and healthy habits to prevent your pet from getting sick or hurt on trips. Some diseases pets may be at risk for while traveling include rabies, leptospirosis, campylobacteriosis, and diseases spread by mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks like Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Some of these diseases can spread between people and animals.

• Always supervise pets while traveling and on adventures.
• Keep your pet in a carrier or on a leash.
• Don't allow pets to interact with other animals, especially street dogs, stray animals or wild animals.
• Don't let pets swim in, play in, or drink stagnant water or water that looks discolored, smells bad, has foam, scum, algal mats, or paint-like streaks on the surface, or has dead fish or other animals washed up on its shore or beach. Some bodies of water contain harmful algal blooms that can make people and pets sick.
• Check pets for ticks after outdoor outings and talk to your veterinarian about use of a regular preventive treatment for fleas, ticks, and parasites.

First aid when traveling

Keep basic first-aid supplies for your pet in your car. You can use a travel-sized first-aid kit for your pet on flights.

• Keep the phone numbers of your veterinarian, the National Animal Poison Control Center of the ASPCA (1-888-426-4435), and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital in the area where you will be visiting, easily accessible.
• Perform a daily health check on your pet when away from home to assess their physical and behavioral changes. If you have concerns about your pet, contact your veterinarian or a local veterinarian.
• Always remember: follow up any first aid administered to your pet with immediate veterinary care. First-aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until veterinary treatment is available.

More Information

• Pet care (American Veterinary Medical Association)
• Traveling with Your Dog or Cat (American Veterinary Medical Association)
• Travel Safety Tips (ASPCA )
• Plane Talk: Traveling with Animals – U.S. Department of Transportation

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How to Fly Internationally with a Dog

Categories International Travel with a Dog , Travel Europe , Travel with a Dog

Let’s face it, having to fly internationally with a dog is not fun, it’s a lot of work, and it’s stressful for both human and the furry friend.

But flying with a dog doesn’t have to be painful. While this article focuses specifically on flying internationally with a dog, a lot of the information can be useful for flying domestically with cats and dogs. 

Sora flew with us on many occasions, both domestically and internationally (both in the cargo hold and cabin), and we’ve cataloged our helpful hints into a single blog post.

Please keep in mind, since each airline has different rules ( like Delta who made changes in March of 2018  and Alaska Airlines in May 2018 ), it’s important to check with specific airlines for up-to-date information. However, the guidelines below should help get you started and cover most of the planning.

Is it Safe to Fly with a Dog?

If you’re considering flying with your dog, you have no doubt heard the horror stories about flying with pets, leaving you to wonder whether it is safe to fly with a dog .

I do think it is safe to bring your pet (both in cabin and as cargo), so long as you do extensive homework and prep work beforehand. Pets fly regularly without issue–think about animal shelters that transport between states or dog show attendees.

Some dog breeds, like pugs and other brachycephalic are not permitted to fly due to their body mechanics that cause respiratory failures.

If your dog is flying in the cargo , a sk if the cargo area is air-conditioned. This is essential to your dog’s health.

Keep in mind that airlines enforce temperature restrictions and will not fly with a dog if the forecasted temperature exceeds 85℉ or drops below 45℉. It’s best to find a flight that arrives early in the morning or late at night. 

Will Flying be Stressful for My Dog?

Most dogs will likely experience some stress flying. It will be a new high-stimulation environment and if your dog is not used to busy areas or being alone for long periods of time, they will feel more stressed.

Here are a few tips to best prepare your dog for a flight:

• Crate train
• Take your dog to high-distraction areas long before your flight
• Place train

The more reps you get in with training, the more relaxed and prepared your dog will be for the flight.

Do Your Research and Talk to Your Vet

Before booking your flight, check with your vet to ensure that your dog is in good enough health to fly. You will be required to present health documentation multiple times throughout your journey proving that you dog is in good health and is up-to-date on their vaccinations (more about this below).

Before booking your appointment with your veterinarian, check with your local USDA (if you’re in the US, otherwise your local national agriculture government arm) to check that your vet is an accredited veterinarian.

The vet must be endorsed by the USDA or the paperwork is not valid. 

Ask whether they have worked with individuals traveling abroad with their pets. It can be quite complicated and working with a knowledgeable veterinarian will make for a smoother process.

Will I Have to Quarantine My Dog?

The most frequently asked question we receive from people about traveling with a dog internationally is whether they will have to quarantine, and for how long. It seems a common misconception that when one travels with a dog that it must face a quarantine period. 

Fortunately, only a handful countries require quarantine. Rabies-free nations or islands generally impose the quarantine period.

Popular countries that require may quarantine include:

• New Zealand

Depending on the origin of the country, rabies-free nations may deny entry if you enter from a nation with high incidents of rabies .

Double check which zone your current country resides in before traveling. You may be surprised to learn that your country of origin has a high risk of rabies.

If the origin country is high risk for rabies, the destination may require a titer test from a certified location. Then, you must wait three months after the results come back before permission to travel

Required Documents to Fly Internationally with a Dog

Again, the requirements vary among each country, so check ahead of time. Many, but not all countries require the following:

• ISO microchip (which is a different frequency than the chips used in the United States)
• Recent rabies vaccination (most countries do not recognize the 3-year vaccine like in the US, we’ve found that most countries require annual shots, a titer test may also be accepted)
• Blood titer test in some cases (if coming from a high risk rabies country)
• Tick and tapeworm treatments administered a certain number of hours prior to entry (Norway required this, but most countries do not require this)
• Health certificates administered by your veterinarian no more than 10 days prior to entry
• Government export paperwork from the country of origin (Department of Agriculture or USDA equivalent)
• Pet Passport , if available otherwise paper certificates/documentation like rabies shot.

This all sounds like a lot, and initially it is, but once you’ve gone through the process once, you have most of what you need to take your pup to other countries.

The most important thing to remember is to look ahead at where you will be traveling and understand the entry requirements for each individual country.

Finding Specific Pet Import Requirements by Country 

Pet Travel is a great place to start to find out requirements, but always supplement the information by going to the destination country’s pet import policies and emailing the right contacts.

Occasionally, we cannot find anyone to email and we assume the information on the destination government website is correct.

If you’re in the US, go to the USDA APHIS – Pet Travel page and select your destination travel country. This has the most information on what you’ll need to get your export papers approved.

For example, if you’re traveling to Germany, you’ll be able to select the country and view the EU Pet Requirements and download the forms. 

Some countries will give you a phone and fax number to call and fax your notice of entry to the airport veterinarians who will check your dog’s credentials after the flight. Make this phone call 24 hours before you land.

The majority of the time we have had no contact before our arrival and it really depends on the destination. Norway, for example was particularly specific on their rules of calling in advance.

Booking Your Flight

Call your airline before booking your flight to understand their rules about pets and ensure that your dog will be allowed on that particular leg.

Airlines can only accommodate a few animals per flight, so you want to get your request in early.

Many airlines require a minimum three-hour layover for those traveling with dogs as cargo. Be sure to check your individual airline’s rules about dogs and layovers.

During the layover, the staff sometimes take the animals to a dog area where they are walked, fed, given water, and go to the bathroom in between flights. Confirm this is the case with your airline (I can confirm that Lufthansa offers this service).

Once you’ve booked your flight, call again and make sure they know that you will be bringing a dog. You can never call them too often.

Before booking your flight for your large dog who will be flying in cargo, be sure to ask these 14 questions . 

Where do Dogs go to the Bathroom on Planes?

To best prevent an accident during a flight, limit your dog’s water intake prior to the flight (don’t deny them water, but don’t allow them to have a ton a few hours before departure). Make sure that they go potty as close to departure time as possible.

If your pet is flying in cabin, you may not allow them to relieve themselves on the plane. You will have to wait until the layover or arrival. Most airports in the US now have pet relief areas , so just check with staff once you exit the gate to inquire the nearest location.

If your dog is flying in cargo, you may want to line the kennel with puppy pads , in case your dog needs to relieve themselves during the flight. I also recommend placing a travel dog bed beneath the puppy pads for additional cushioning in the kennel.

Which Dog Kennel is Needed to Fly Internationally with a Dog?

Airlines have very specific requirements for kennels for flying with a dog . Generally, the kennel or crate size needs to be larger. 

Make sure to follow these guidelines exactly. They can refuse your dog if the kennel does not meet their guidelines. Go to your airlines website and find their pet policy.

Make sure to purchase a kennel that is International Air Transport Association (IATA) certified .

It will have the exact rules for flying with your dog. Make sure to go over this a few times before and leading up to your departure. You can and should check with the airline to make sure you have the correct size. 

Most airlines require water and feeding bowls attached to the inside of the kennel. I like the MidWest Homes for Pets Snap’y Fit Stainless Steel Food Bowl / Pet Bowl mounted to the inside with wing nuts. This ensures the bowls will stay attached.

When purchasing the kennel, measure your dog according to the IATA sizes and choose the kennel size that best fits your dog.

The kennel sizes run in 4 categories and are standardized based on size. You can find the size needed by using the Guidance for Dimensions of Container at IATA.

Food and Water

Flying on a full stomach might upset your dog, so it is best not to feed your dog more than four hours prior to the flight.

Continue to give your dog water leading up to takeoff, and make sure to give them a walk outside the terminal before heading through security to make sure they’ve eliminated as much as possible.

Checking on Your Dog before, during, and after the Flight

Don’t be afraid to ask the airline staff at the gate to check on the status of your dog. You can also ask during a layover with any attendant from your airline.

Be sure to let the captain and the flight attendants know that you are traveling with your dog in cargo, so they are aware in case anything goes wrong with equipment like air conditioning or cabin pressure during the flight.

Don’t shy away from asking about your dog or cat because you don’t want to come across as a nervous Nancy.

Each airline and airport are different. Sometimes, your dog may come out on the conveyor belt, other times, they will be the last to unload and will come out in a special area. Ask the airline staff what to expect.

Resist the urge to let your dog out until you have cleared customs, airport staff will tell you to just put her back in the kennel.

Your dog will likely be scared, overwhelmed, and disoriented. Avoid giving your dog too much attention and just let them take everything in on their terms.

At customs clearance, they will ask for all of your paperwork, stamp it, and then hopefully you’ll be on your way. Once outside of the airport doors, let that pup out to go potty and stretch those legs!

Here’s some of our favorite gear to make flying easier for your dog⟶

Pin for later.

Saturday 9th of September 2023

We wish to bring our 31 lb (15kg) mini labradoodle to Italy with us in December 2023 (we will spend 8 months in Italy). United and Delta fly New York -> Milan, direct. Looking at their websites, it appears that they do not allow pets to travel in cargo (which is where ours would have to go, since she's above the cabin weight limit) - is that really true?!! Difficult to call and ask about it, as the hold times are 1hr or longer!

Jen Sotolongo

Monday 18th of September 2023

It could be due to the time of year (sometimes airlines don't allow animals to travel in cargo due to outside temperatures). I'm afraid that your best bet is to call and confirm. Sorry I don't have a better answer!

Thursday 13th of July 2023

Can two small dogs travel in same kennel?

Wednesday 2nd of August 2023

I don't believe so, and I wouldn't recommend it, personally. If one gets scared or something like that, they could get into a fight, resulting in serious injuries or even death. It's just not worth the risk to me.

Jessica Fitzpatrick

Thursday 15th of June 2023

Hi, any experience with Istanbul airport during long layovers? My dog will be checked baggage and the layover is 6 hours. Wondering what happens to her during this time.

Tuesday 20th of June 2023

Sorry, Jessica. I've not flown into Istanbul with a dog. Usually the airline takes animals into a quiet room and gives them food and water and a bit of exercise, if possible. Your airline should know what the process is.

Sunday 6th of November 2022

My husband and I are moving to Europe in January and are bringing our dog. We are likely going to be going to Austria but we may fly to Munich and take the train to Austria. 1. Are we allowed to fly to Munich with our dog? 2. Do his papers get checked in the US before we go to Germany or Austria and when we get there? 3. Once we get him in baggage and take him to customs, do they just check his papers or do they typically ask to see the dog, scan his chip, etc?

Tuesday 8th of November 2022

Hi Arielle, every country is different, but yes, you can fly to Munich with your dog. I don't see why there would be a reason that you cannot, but you need to check with both the correct government department in Germany and your airline (which I assume will be Lufthansa, who is great with animals). Your dog's papers will be checked before you leave in the US and also when you enter the EU. You may have to make an appointment to meet a representative at the airport in Germany, again this is a question for the government. They may scan his chip, but in my experience, they have not required this in the EU when I have flown, but again, each country is different, so I'd discuss with the government in Germany to ensure you know the exact protocols!

Tuesday 18th of October 2022

Hello! I am considering traveling from LAX to Buenos Aires with my service dog. It is 6 hours to JFK, a 2 hr layover and then 10.5hrs to Buenos Aires. Do you think the second leg is too long for a dog to fly in the cabin?

Friday 21st of October 2022

Hi Gracie. It really depends on the dog, breed, age, and training. If your dog is calm, doesn't have separation anxiety, engage in destructive behaviors, and is in good health, then the second leg is probably fine, but you should definitely have a conversation with your veterinarian before booking your flight.

• Health & Wellness
• Super Extra Dog Parents

How To Travel Overseas With Your Dog

For your world traveler 🌏.

If you need to take your pup overseas, it can be super overwhelming trying to navigate all the rules and regulations of traveling with your dog abroad.

Traveling internationally with your dog means you’ll need to do some research on your destination country as well as your airline to figure out what you need to come prepared with. This step is essential, or else the trip might not go as smoothly as you’d hope.

The Dodo reached out to two veterinarians and a trainer to find out what you need to travel with a dog internationally and how you can prepare your pup for the trip.

Can dogs travel internationally?

The good news is that dogs can travel on international flights. But flying overseas can be hard on pets, so you probably shouldn’t go for it unless totally necessary.

“Do not take pet travel lightly; it can take a lot out of a dog and be very stressful,” Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinarian at FiveBarks , told The Dodo. “Vets generally recommend overseas travel is only considered when your pet is moving permanently rather than going on a week-long vacation.”

International dog travel requirements

There are very specific requirements for traveling with your dog internationally that will depend on your destination country. So you’ll need to do some research to figure out what you need.

“The requirements are generally becoming more and more standardized,” Dr. Jonathan Roberts, a remote veterinarian with Doggie Designer , told The Dodo.

According to Dr. Roberts, most North American, South American and European countries require the following:

• A microchip with microchip certificate
• An up-to-date rabies vaccination
• A rabies titre test certificate
• A health certificate completed a few days before departing

You can get these items from a vet who has been accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). You can simply ask your veterinarian if they’re accredited, or you can use this search tool .

“It is usually also important for your pet to have been treated with certain parasite preventatives to minimize the risk of them carrying any internal or external parasites,” Dr. Simon said.

Before leaving for your trip, you can find out the requirements of your destination country by checking with the embassies of your destination country . You’ll likely need to print out a bilingual veterinary health certificate from here to have your vet fill out a few days before the trip.

Breed restrictions abroad

Make sure to read the breed exclusion list of the country you are traveling to.

“Many European countries now ban many breeds, most of which are bull breeds (e.g., bull terriers, pit bulls and staffies),” Dr. Roberts said. “Do not try to get around this problem by lying about your dog’s breed or stating it is a mixed breed. Officials are very strict and will not hesitate to fly the dog straight back home.”

Will I need to quarantine my dog?

Due to rabies regulations, some countries will require that your dog is quarantined for some amount of time (can span from weeks to months!) upon arrival. Not many countries do this, but you should check this when looking up your destination country’s requirements.

If you’re making a round trip flight overseas, keep in mind that dogs coming from countries at high risk of rabies won’t be allowed back into the U.S., so you should avoid traveling with your pup in those locations if you plan on returning.

How to prepare for an international flight with your dog

Here are some things you can do before flying to make sure your pup is as comfortable as possible during his international fight:

Months before the flight

You can mentally prepare your pup for a flight through desensitization, which means exposing him to similar experiences beforehand so he’s less reactive during the actual event.

“For big trips like this that are potentially quite stressful on your pup, I advise as much work familiarizing your pup with the new 'environment' as possible,” Ali Smith, a dog trainer at Rebarkable , told The Dodo.

You can do this by listening to airport and plane noises before the flight or by actually bringing him to an airport as a practice run. Make sure to give him “plenty of praise and rewards for confidence around the potentially startling noises of an airplane,” Smith said.

“Naturally being aware of ... your dog's individual fears or weak points becomes a training opportunity, and reaching out to a local positive-reinforcement-based trainer can be a great decision,” Smith said.

Day of the flight

“Animals should not be fed four hours before flying to minimize vomiting in the crate,” Dr. Roberts said.

You also shouldn’t withhold water prior to flying. In fact, you should put “at least two water bowls” in the crate, Dr. Roberts said. This will ensure your pup stays hydrated and healthy.

Try the Ordermore stainless steel crate dog bowl from Amazon for $9.99

And before walking into the airport, make sure you walk your dog to let him do his business prior to the long flight.

Best dog crates for international travel

“Kennels and crates should be big enough for the dog to sit and stand comfortably, and they need to be able to turn around [inside],” Dr. Roberts said. “The crates need to be lockable and should be in good condition.”

If you’re flying with a large dog internationally, you can have a wood crate created for your dog by dog shipping companies since you might not find a kennel big enough for your pup.

“My first choice for animal travel is custom-made timber crates that are created specifically for your animal’s own size,” Dr. Roberts said. “The company can start producing the crate once they receive measurements of your dog.”

Should I sedate my dog for the flight?

“It will usually not be acceptable for you to sedate your dog as this can be dangerous, resulting in cardiac or respiratory compromise,” Dr. Simon said. “This is especially true in snub-nosed dogs, such as pugs and shih tzus.”

Sedated dogs can’t balance themselves during turbulence and aren’t able to maintain their body temperature (aka thermoregulate), which can be pretty dangerous.

“I do, however, encourage natural calming products to help animals cope with the stress of flying,” Dr. Roberts said. “These include over-the-counter calming tablets or chews and pheromone sprays or collars. I generally advise starting to use the product two days before flying and continuing two days after arriving.”

How much does it cost to fly a dog internationally?

The cost of flying your dog internationally will depend on several factors, including the airline, the size of your pet and your final destination — but you can expect it to be pretty expensive in any case.

“Traveling with your pet is not cheap,” Dr. Simon said. “Expect to spend thousands of dollars on a one-way ticket.” If your pet’s flying in the cabin, it usually won’t be as expensive, though. “The cost will always be more if your pet is flying in cargo rather than onboard with you,” Dr. Simon said.

What is international dog shipping?

If you don’t plan on traveling with your dog, you can choose to use an international shipping service.

“This is a company that should handle your dog’s travel for you, taking your stress away,” Dr. Simon said. “While convenient, be prepared to pay a lot for this service.” For some airlines, you might actually be required to ship your dog.

“Some airlines (such as British Airways) don't allow you to book your dog into the hold yourself and will only allow this through third-party services, [known as] their ‘partners,’” Smith said. “This way, they control the quality of the crate and minimize the risks to all involved. Depending on the 'service' you buy, they'll even cover the veterinary health checks, wormers and such before you fly.”

Can service dogs travel internationally?

Service dogs can absolutely travel on international flights. “They have the privilege of traveling in the cabin — because they will be needed there, too,” Smith said.

You’ll need to provide proof that your pup is a service animal, so make sure to bring proper documentation.

Flying with a dog internationally can definitely be overwhelming for you and your pup, but if it needs to be done, make sure to follow these tips to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.

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• Section 7 - International Adoption
• Section 8 - Air Travel

Traveling with Pets & Service Animals

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Emily Pieracci, Kendra Stauffer

International air and cruise travel with pets require advance planning. Travelers taking a companion or service animal to a foreign country must meet the entry requirements of that country and follow transportation guidelines of the airline or cruise company. Additionally, upon reentering the United States, pets that traveled abroad are subject to the same import requirements as animals that never lived in the United States (see Sec. 4, Ch. 9, Bringing Animals & Animal Products into the United States ).

See general information about traveling with a pet . For destination country requirements, travelers should contact the country’s embassy in Washington, DC, or the nearest consulate. The International Air Transportation Association also lists the requirements for pets to enter countries . Airline and cruise companies are another resource for travelers; most have webpages dedicated to traveling with pets.

Traveling With Pets Outside the United States

People planning to travel outside the United States with a pet should contact their local veterinarian well in advance of departure for assistance with completing all necessary paperwork and ensuring animal health and medical requirements are met. Depending on the destination country, pets might be required to have updated vaccinations and parasite treatments, International Standards Organization–compatible microchips implanted, and serologic tests prior to travel. Some countries require a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test for pets prior to importation.

Completing the stringent testing and permit requirements for some countries (e.g., Australia) can take up to 6 months. People who plan to transport animals should consider the animals’ species (e.g., cat, dog); mode of travel (e.g., airplane, cruise ship); season of travel (some carriers will not transport animals during the hottest or coldest parts of the year); and vaccination and testing requirements of the destination country and of transiting countries, if applicable. Transportation carriers might have additional requirements (e.g., breed restrictions for pets traveling in cargo, health certificates), so travelers intending to take pets outside the United States should contact air and cruise lines for information as soon as they are aware of their travel plans.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) lists international export regulations for pets . Pet owners are responsible for making sure requirements of the destination country are met. USDA APHIS often is required to endorse a health certificate prior to an animal leaving the United States; certificates must be accurate, complete, and legible. Failure to meet destination country requirements can cause problems gaining certificate endorsement or difficulties upon arrival in the destination country (e.g., animal quarantine or retesting).

Travelers should be aware that long flights can be hard on pets, particularly older animals, animals with chronic health conditions, very young animals, and short-nosed breeds (e.g., Persian cats, English bulldogs) that can be predisposed to respiratory stress. The US Department of Transportation offers tips for traveling with animals by plane .

Traveling With Service Animals Outside the United States

The Department of Justice (DOJ) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service animal as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, including an intellectual, mental, physical, psychiatric, or sensory disability. DOJ does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals, and airline carriers are not required to recognize emotional support animals as service animals.

Air Travel with Service Animals

The cabins of most commercial airplanes are highly confined spaces; passengers are seated in close quarters with limited opportunities to separate passengers from nearby disturbances. Animals on airplanes can pose a risk to the health, safety, and well-being of passengers and crew, and could disturb the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft. Accommodation of passengers traveling with service animals onboard a commercial airplane must be balanced against these concerns.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018 developed minimum standards for service animals. Airline carriers can require passengers traveling with a service animal to document whether that animal has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks to assist the function of the passenger with a physical or mental disability; has been trained to behave in public; is in good health; and has the ability either not to relieve itself on a long (>8 hours) flight or to do so in a sanitary manner.

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) provides 2 forms to document a service animal’s behavior, training, and health: Service Animal Air Transportation Form  [PDF] and Service Animal Relief Attestation Form for Flight Segments Eight Hours or Longer  [PDF].

In addition to the requirements already mentioned, airlines might require health certificates and vaccination records. Although airline carriers cannot restrict service dogs based solely on the breed or generalized type of dog, they might limit the number of service animals traveling with a single passenger with a disability, or require service animals be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless the device interferes with the service animal’s work or the passenger’s disability prevents use of these devices; in which case, the carrier must permit the passenger to use signal, voice, or other effective means to maintain control of the service animal.

Cruise Ship Travel with Service Animals

Travelers should contact the cruise company they will be traveling with to learn more about each company’s service animal policy. Some cruise lines are unable to accommodate animals onboard. Pets, service dogs in training, and emotional support dogs might not be allowed. People traveling aboard a ship with a service dog should consider rules or requirements at ports of call. For instance, many ports of call have strict entry requirements for animals. Travelers with service animals should visit the USDA’s pet travel website or their service animal’s veterinarian to determine each destination country’s policy regarding admission of service animals. Some locations do not recognize 3-year rabies vaccines, and annual vaccination might be required; consult with the service animal’s veterinarian for more information.

Some locations require that service animals receive parasite treatment prior to arrival, and this information should be included in the service animal’s health records. Some locations require that service animals travel with documentation (e.g., an import license), regardless of whether the service animal will disembark the ship. Check with the cruise company or country of destination for details.

Some locations have breed restrictions per the country’s dog ordinances. Restricted-breed service animals might not be allowed to board the ship due to the destination country’s laws. Travelers should check with the cruise line and country of destination for more information.

Travelers should hand-carry (i.e., not pack in baggage) all of their animals’ required documents, including vaccination records. Service animals traveling without proper documentation might not be permitted to board the ship at embarkation.

Reentering the United States With a Pet or Service Animal

Once a pet or service animal leaves the United States, it must meet all entry requirements to reenter, even if the animal has lived in the United States previously (see Sec. 4, Ch. 9, Bringing Animals & Animal Products into the United States  and CDC's Bringing an Animal into the United States webpage).

Bibliography

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveling with your pet. Available from: www.cdc.gov/importation/traveling-with-pets.html .   

FAA reauthorization act of 2018; public law 115–254—Oct 5, 2018. Sec. 437: Harmonization of service animal standards. Available from: https://uscode.house.gov/statutes/pl/115/254.pdf .

Traveling by air with service animals. 85 FR 6448: 6448–76. Available from: www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/02/05/2020-01546/traveling-by-air-with-service-animals .

US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. Frequently asked questions about service animals and the ADA; July 20, 2015. Available from: www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.pdf .

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A Comprehensive Guide to Traveling Abroad with Your Pet

• Laura Soper

A recent Forbes study has shown that pet ownership in the U.S. has significantly increased over the past 30 years, with pets found in 66% of households (86.9 million homes) as of 2023. This rising trend is accompanied by a growing interest in people traveling abroad with their pets , with 78% of Americans doing so each year. In fact, more than half of all global travelers bring their pets along on vacation . 

For those looking to travel internationally with their pets, there are several considerations and potential challenges to keep in mind. Understanding your pet’s behavior, needs, and exercise requirements is crucial . So is navigating the associated travel logistics . While exploring foreign destinations with your pet can be a memorable and rewarding experience, careful planning is the key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey . 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share invaluable tips, tricks, and insights for globetrotters planning an international journey with their beloved animal companion , including guidelines and advice on navigating airline-specific and diverse international requirements, rules, regulations, and etiquette; the costs associated with traveling abroad with your pet; and choosing the best accommodations and the right pet carrier for your trip. 

Table of Contents

Understanding pet travel.

Traveling internationally with pets means planning ahead to avoid potential challenges. Dogs and cats are very different types of travel companions; as such, their individual behavior, needs, and exercise requirements will vary. Each of these must be seriously considered before your trip. 

That said, traveling with your pet can offer meaningful companionship and comfort throughout your trip abroad. Taking your pet’s travel experience into consideration will ensure that both you and your furry friend can relax and enjoy your journey. 

Differences in Traveling with Dogs vs. Cats

Traveling abroad with a dog or a cat involves similar procedures, but there can be specific challenges and considerations based on pets’ characteristics and needs: 

• Behavior and Needs: Dogs, in general, tend to be more willing to travel, socialize, and take in new sights and sounds.  Cats, on the other hand, are typically homebodies that enjoy routine and more familiar sights and sounds, which makes traveling with a cat a more delicate undertaking. Furthermore, cats also generally require a litter box to relieve themselves; therefore, special accommodations must be made to ensure their comfort when away from home.  However, cats are more self-sufficient than dogs and can be left alone for longer periods, which may serve them well during long flights and human-only tours and meals.
• Exercise: Dogs are often excellent companions for human exercise. Many breeds love to run and hike and are usually happy to accompany their owners on any trek. Cats do not always require additional, structured exercise experiences. If they have enough room and opportunity to play, they will typically get all the exercise they need and want.
• Traveling on the Plane: You can bring a cat or a small dog—typically weighing less than 25 pounds—in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you on a plane. If you have a larger dog, your only option is to transport them in a crate in the cargo hold. 
• Tours, Restaurants, and Accommodations: There is no pat answer to whether or not pets are allowed to accompany you during your stay while on tours, visiting attractions, in restaurants, and staying in your preferred accommodations. You must check to be sure that there are pet-friendly places your furry friends are welcome before you book your tours, tickets, and reservations.  Dogs are typically considered more socially acceptable pet companions. Many public places with many tours, restaurants (particularly places with outdoor seating), and accommodations even encourage visitors to bring their canine friends along. But, again, you must check ahead of time to make sure that your pet companion is welcome.

Why People Choose to Travel with Pets

Travelers choose to bring their pets along for many different reasons, both for emotional and/or more practical reasons such as:

• Companionship: Pets are excellent travel companions and can enhance the enjoyment of a journey—especially when one is traveling alone. 
• Avoiding Separation: Many of our furry friends struggle with separation anxiety. Traveling with pets enables owners to avoid the stress and concern associated with leaving their beloved pets behind.
• Comfort: Pets can provide emotional support and comfort, particularly for those who depend on them for therapeutic reasons. Even without support or service purposes, pets can provide a feeling of safety and protection when visiting a foreign place.
• Family: Many people view their pets as family members and choose to include them in their travel plans. 
• Social Interaction: Need an ice-breaker? Traveling with pets can facilitate social interactions, as pets often draw positive attention and can be the reason for initiating conversations.
• Cost: Kennels, veterinary offices, and pet sitters can be very costly—especially if you’re planning an extended stay. It may be more cost-effective to travel with your pet than to arrange for pet care at home.
• Pet-Friendly Destinations: With the rise in pet-friendly destinations and accommodations worldwide, traveling with pets has become increasingly more convenient and enjoyable for pet owners.

You may opt to bring your pets with you on an international trip for any combination of the reasons listed above. In the end, you’ll likely be glad you did!

Despite the challenges, traveling with pets provides comfort and companionship. With the proper preparation and the increasing number of pet-friendly destinations, pet travel can be convenient and enjoyable during your adventure abroad.

Preparing for International Pet Travel

International pet travel requires careful planning and adherence to various regulations , which differ by country. As a pet owner, you must be aware of these rules and check with the embassies of the countries you and your pet companion plan to visit for specific pet travel requirements. 

The most common regulations involve details related to: age restrictions, microchip identification, rabies vaccinations and antibody tests, parasite treatments, health certificates, written declarations, and designated entry points .

A quarantine period may be required in some countries before a pet can enter. Regulations can change and vary based on factors like pet type, breed, and destination, so thorough research and communication with relevant authorities are required.

Essential Documentation and Health Certificates

The requirements for traveling with a pet, such as vaccinations, visas, and paperwork , can vary based on the destination. It’s important to note that these requirements are not set by the United States but by each country. Each country has its own rules regarding health checks, vaccinations, medical treatments, and necessary documentation for visiting pets . The US Department of State – Consular Affairs advises travelers with pets to check with the embassies of the destination countries for all specific rules and requirements. 

When traveling abroad, pet owners must be aware of the country’s common rules and regulations and follow them exactly. Some, but not all, requirements typical of most countries are:

• Age Requirement: The minimum age for a pet to travel abroad can differ based on the airline and the country to which you are traveling. Generally, pets should be at least between 8 to 12 weeks old . For instance, pets must be at least 12 weeks old under the EU Pet Travel Scheme. Similarly, the U.S. Federal Animal Welfare Act mandates that dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old . It’s always advisable to verify with the appropriate authorities and airlines before travel.
• Identification Microchip: When traveling internationally with pets, they are usually required to have an identification microchip, or transponder, implanted under their skin. This chip must comply with ISO standards, specifically, ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 , which are recognized by EU transport companies. If the microchip doesn’t meet these standards, you might need to carry a microchip reader. Remember, the microchip number should be included in your pet’s passport or other relevant documentation. Microchip requirements can vary, so always check with the relevant authorities and airlines before traveling.
• Rabies Vaccination: When traveling internationally with pets, it is required that they be vaccinated against rabies. The specific vaccination requirements can vary by country . The rabies vaccine administered should be either an inactivated or recombinant vaccine approved in the destination country . This vaccination must be administered by an authorized veterinarian when the pet is at least 12 weeks old and after the implantation of the microchip/transponder. Furthermore, the vaccination must be valid for at least 21 days following the completion of the primary vaccination .
• Rabies Antibody Test: For international pet travel, a rabies antibody titer test is usually required. This test, performed by a USDA-accredited vet, measures the effectiveness of a rabies vaccine. There are two types of tests, FAVN-OIE and RFFIT, but only FAVN-OIE is universally accepted . The test is typically done at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and the sample is sent to an approved lab for analysis. A minimum antibody level of 0.5 IU/ml is generally needed to confirm immunization against rabies. 
• Treatment Against Echinococcus Multilocularis for Canines: This treatment is required before a dog enters an EU Member State, Northern Ireland, or Norway . The dog must be treated against the Echinococcus multilocularis parasite as per specific EU regulations . This treatment must be administered by a vet no more than 120 hours and no less than 24 hours before the scheduled entry time . The administering vet must certify the treatment in the appropriate section of the pet’s passport.
• Health Certificate and Declaration: Most countries mandate that pets traveling internationally must have a health certificate, which can go by various names such as an international health certificate or a veterinary certificate . This document is issued by a veterinarian who conducts a thorough examination of your pet and carries out or verifies all necessary tests, vaccinations, or treatments. If the destination country requires the health certificate to be endorsed by USDA APHIS , the veterinarian examining your pet must be USDA-accredited .
• Written Declaration: a written declaration is often required for international pet travel. This declaration is typically signed by the pet owner . If a pet is traveling with a person authorized by the owner, that person must have written authorization from the owner to travel with the pet. 
• Travelers’ Point of Entry: Most countries have a designated point of entry for international travelers with pets . This is typically the location where the pet’s paperwork will be checked and approved for entry. It’s important to note that the exact requirements can vary based on the specific airline and destination country, so always check with the relevant authorities and airlines before traveling.
• Quarantine: Certain countries mandate a quarantine period for pets upon arrival , the duration and specifics of which can differ greatly depending on the country. For instance, Australia and New Zealand enforce stringent quarantine rules to prevent disease introduction. This must be accounted for in your travel plans as it can make a considerable dent into your travel plans. When pets return to the U.S., the CDC typically doesn’t require quarantine, but pets must fulfill certain criteria, such as providing proof of rabies vaccination for dogs. It’s crucial to check the specific regulations of both the departure and destination countries, as well as any transit countries . These regulations, which can vary based on the pet type, breed, and other factors, can change, so always confirm the most up-to-date information with the relevant authorities.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to many of the above-listed requirements. You must do your due diligence to find out exactly what is required of your pet based on your airline and destination country’s pet travel regulations.  

Travel Costs and Budgeting

Traveling with pets internationally can be expensive. To help you navigate some of the costs that come with flying your pet, we’ve broken down some of the cost factors to give you a better understanding of what you can expect to pay for before and during your trip abroad. We’ve also provided a few expert tips on how you can budget for and save on international pet travel. Please note: exact costs are subject to change and must be verified for the most up-to-date details.

Cost Factors in Flying Pets Internationally

When it comes to transporting pets across international borders, there are several expenses to consider:

• Airline Charges: These can fluctuate significantly based on each airline’s specific policies for pet travel. If your pet is small enough to be carried in a cabin, the cost is usually lower. However, larger pets that need to be transported in the cargo hold will incur higher charges.  For example, Delta Airlines currently charges a $200 fee for carrying pets in the cabin on all international flights. This is just one example—all fees are airline-specific. It’s always a good idea to contact your airline directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
• Health Documentation: A health certificate issued a few days before departure is required by most countries. These certificates can be obtained from a veterinarian accredited by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) . The cost may vary by veterinary practice. Ask your veterinary practice to find out more about the cost of obtaining proper pet health documentation for international travel.
• Additional Costs: These might include a microchip along with its certificate, a current rabies vaccination, and a certificate for a rabies titer test. Some countries also mandate that your pet be treated with specific parasite preventatives. The costs for these additional requirements for international pet travel are based on what your veterinary practice charges or your pet insurance covers. 

Budgeting Tips for Pet Travel

On average, international travelers can expect to pay between $200 to over $2,000 to travel with pets . However, the exact cost largely depends on factors such as the destination country, the type and size of the pet, the airline, and the required services.

Here are some strategies that pet owners can use to help manage and reduce the costs of traveling with their pets abroad:

• Know Your Destination’s Visiting Pet Requirements: Understanding the exact requirements and regulations of your destination country can help you avoid unnecessary tests, treatments, and vaccinations that can lead to unnecessary additional costs and potential delays in your travel plans.
• Seek Advice from Your Vet: Talk to your vet about your travel plans. They can help prepare your pet for travel and help you understand what potential health risks to consider and look out for while traveling abroad. Doing so will help you avoid potentially costly health issues during and/or after your stay.
• Consider Your Airline/Flight Options: Research your airline options and be sure to ask them about any upfront deposits or hidden fees for traveling with pets. There are airlines with more pet-friendly policies and lower fees than others. Compare your options and choose the airline that offers the most cost-effective option that fits you and your pet’s travel needs. Likewise, look for flights with fewer connections or layovers to make your trip faster and smoother with fewer transitions that could stress out your pet. 
• Book Early: Airlines as well as hotels often have limited availability set aside for pets. Booking your airline tickets and your accommodations early can help not only guarantee your place but also potentially save you money and any last-minute complications.
• Pet Carrier or Seat Belt?: Depending on your mode of transport, there may be a choice of using a pet carrier or a seat belt as well as a significant price difference. Contact each of your transportation providers to ask what the most cost-effective option is for transporting your pet. Be sure to consider both comfort and cost in your decision.

Every pet has unique needs and what works best will depend on your pet’s size, temperament, and health, as well as your financial circumstances and travel plans . Doing your research ahead of time and finding the best, most affordable options for you and your furry friend will allow you both to travel in comfort and with ease.

Airlines and In-Flight Pet Policies

As mentioned, every airline has its own set of pet travel rules, regulations, requirements, and policies. Moreover, there are significant differences between in-cabin vs. cargo travel for pets on long flights.

Airline-Specific Pet Policies

Here are the current pet travel guidelines for three of the top U.S. airlines: Delta, United, and American Airlines.

Delta Airlines

• Only cats and small dogs can travel as carry-on pets.
• Large dogs must travel via cargo; Delta Airlines provides a service called Delta Cargo for large animal transport.
• Pets must be small enough to fit in a soft-sided, ventilated pet kennel that can be placed under the seat in front of you.
• Delta charges a fee of $200 for carrying pets in the cabin on international flights.
• For international travel, customers must use a pet shipper that has been approved by the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association .
• Pets must be at least 16 weeks old if they are traveling to the US from another country.

  United Airlines

• United Airlines allows small pets, including dogs, cats, and rabbits, to travel in the cabin as carry-on pets.
• United Airlines currently does not allow any pets to travel in cargo.
• Pets must stay inside their pet carrier and remain under the seat in front throughout the entire journey.
• The airline charges a fee of $125 each way for traveling with your pet.
• An additional fee of $125 is charged for each stopover of more than 4 hours within the U.S. and more than 24 hours internationally.
• Puppies and cats must be at least 4 months old for international travel.

American Airlines

• American Airlines limits carry-on pets to cats and small dogs that meet certain sizes, ages, and destination requirements.
• Large dogs must travel via cargo; American Airlines offers a service called American PetEmbark for large animal transport.
• Pets must travel in either a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier.
• The airline charges a fee of $125 for each one-way itinerary where your pet accompanies you in the cabin.
• An additional charge of $125 is incurred on any one-way itinerary within the U.S. with more than a 4-hour voluntary stopover.
• Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times.

Please note that these policies can change, so it’s always a good idea to contact the airline directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information. 

In-Cabin vs. Cargo Travel for Pets

When it comes to international flights, there are two main ways to travel with pets: In-Cabin and Cargo. Here’s how they differ:

In-Cabin Travel:

• Suitable for small pets such as cats and dogs that can comfortably fit in a carrier placed under the seat in front of you.
• The pet is required to stay inside its carrier for the entire duration of the flight.
• In-cabin travel can be stressful for pets due to sensory overload due to unfamiliar sounds and surroundings in a confined space; however, being able to see, hear, and smell their travel companion may help ease their stress.
• There’s typically an extra charge for this service.

Cargo Travel:

• Generally used for larger pets that cannot fit under the seat .
• Pets are housed in a kennel in the cargo hold for the duration of the flight.
• The cargo area is often cooler and a little quieter than the cabin; however, it can still be a stressful environment for pets due to unfamiliar sounds, surroundings, confinement, and separation from their owner.
• Contrary to some misconceptions, the cargo hold is climate-controlled and pressurized, similar to the passenger cabin .
• There are stringent regulations in place to safeguard pets during extreme weather conditions.

It’s crucial to remember that each airline has specific policies regarding pet travel. Therefore, it’s always recommended to contact the airline directly for the most accurate and current information as well as the most current fees.

How to Find Pet-Friendly Destinations Abroad

When you’re looking for a country to visit along with your furry companion, consider a place that is known to be “pet-friendly.” A country is considered pet-friendly based on several factors:

• Pet-Friendly Laws and Regulations: The country enforces laws and regulations to safeguard animal rights and welfare.
• Pet-Friendly Accommodations: There are a variety of pet-friendly establishments such as hotels and restaurants available.
• Pet-Friendly Public Spaces: There are accessible public spaces like parks and beaches that permit pets.
• Veterinary Services: The country offers quality veterinary care for pet owners.
• Stray Animal Programs: The country has strong programs for the care and adoption of stray animals.
• Pet-Friendly Transportation: The country permits pets on public transportation or has pet-friendly taxi services that are accommodating to pet owners.
• Attitude Towards Pets: The overall attitude of the population toward pets is welcoming and inclusive.

When looking for a pet-friendly country to visit, international travelers should consider the following:

• Pet Travel Research: Understand airline policies and the destination country’s entry requirements and rules for visitors with pets.
• Accommodation Policies: Search for accommodations that accept pets and make reservations in advance.
• Destination Country’s Pet Policies: Research the pet policies of the destination, including leash laws, pet etiquette, and any breed-specific legislation.
• Health Requirements: Check the destination country’s pet health requirements, such as vaccinations and quarantine rules.

Remember, each country has its own set of rules and regulations regarding pets, so thorough research is crucial before traveling with your pet.

Top Pet-Friendly International Destinations

Based on the pet-friendly factors mentioned above, we’ve compiled a list of the most pet-friendly international destinations for you and your furry companion to check out. We’ve provided a brief description of each country and its pet-friendly attributes.

In Sweden, pets are treated like equal members of families and households. Sweden is known for having a very pet-friendly culture with many amenities that welcome pets and pet owners alike . For dog owners in particular, you can assume that your dog is welcome in restaurants and cafes unless a sign is posted telling you otherwise. Stockholm , for example, welcomes visitors with pets to a variety of hotels, beaches, public spaces, public transportation, dog parks, and restaurants . Sweden is famous for its abundant forests and lakes, picturesque hiking trails, vibrant cities, and famous milk chocolate .

• Best Pet-Friendly Hotel: Lydmar Hotel
• Most Pet-Friendly Restaurant: Väderstad Centralkonditori
• Top Pet-Friendly Attractions: Tallink Silja Line, Drottningholm Palace – The Royal Parks, Hembygdsgården, Skateholm Beach

The Netherlands

Similar to Sweden, the Netherlands has a long history of being welcoming and accommodating to pets, particularly dogs . Most Dutch families have at least one dog per household; therefore, dogs are welcome in most public places and restaurants unless a sign is posted stating otherwise. Restaurants, attractions, and stores post signs to indicate whether a dog is allowed entry (a green circle with a picture of a dog).  Amsterdam is the ideal place for pet owners to take their furry friends as there are many pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, attractions, public spaces, and public transportation options. The Netherlands is famous for its beautiful landscapes, Amsterdam’s intricate canal system, picturesque windmills, rich art and history, liberal laws, laid-back attitudes, and delectable cheeses . 

• Best Pet-Friendly Hotel: Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam
• Most Pet-Friendly Restaurant: BIT Grill and Café
• Top Pet-Friendly Attractions: Kinderdijk windmills and boat tour , Keukenhof Gardens, Amsterdam Boat Adventures , Zomerdijk Pad, Rederij Paping

France is a very welcoming country to pets, with many cities like Paris, Bordeaux, Nice, and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc that are especially friendly to dogs. France has a variety of pet-friendly hotels, dog parks, beaches, and outdoor restaurants that allow pets to accompany their owners. Known for its world-class art and architecture in addition to its exquisite cuisine , France is a fantastic destination for travelers to bring their furry friends.

• Best Pet-Friendly Hotel: Les Sources De Caudalie
• Most Pet-Friendly Restaurant: La Voile Bleue Le Havre
• Top Pet-Friendly Attractions: Ouistreham Beach, Brasserie Tuque de Broue Brewery, Carnolès Beach, Les Grottes De Presque

Italy is very accepting of traveling pets and particularly accommodating to dogs, with numerous cities like Florence, Rome, and Venice that offer many places for you and your pet to visit. Italy has pet-friendly hotels, dog parks, beaches, trains, cafes, restaurants, and stores and is famous for its rich artistic heritage, picturesque landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine .

• Best Pet-Friendly Hotel: La Torre Del Cestello
• Most Pet-Friendly Restaurant: Trattoria Dall’Oste , Florence
• Top Pet-Friendly Attractions: Pineta Beach, Ostia Antica, the Dolomites, Pompeii, Lake Como, Italy Unfiltered – Wine Tours for Dog People , Baba Beach Alassio, Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli

Cats are the most popular pet in Germany, closely followed by dogs. There are numerous cities, such as Regensburg, Munich, and Oberzent , that have many restaurants, cafes, and attractions where you can bring your pet. Germany is recognized for its picturesque villages, stunning mountain ranges, historical landmarks, and world-famous food and beer . 

• Best Pet-Friendly Hotel: Hotelpension Vitalis
• Most Pet-Friendly Restaurant: Königlicher Hirschgarten , München
• Top Pet-Friendly Attractions: Grunewald Forest, Rhine River cruise , Gardens of the Würzburg Residence, Sanssouci Park at Potsdam

Austria is a beautiful destination and known to be very friendly and welcoming to pets, particularly in Vienna and Salzburg . Austria has a variety of pet-friendly hotels, dog parks, and restaurants for visitors and their furry friends to enjoy. Austria is popular for its beautiful landscapes, social culture, classical music, and famous Viennese coffee .

• Best Pet-Friendly Hotel: Gasthof Hotel Doktorwirt
• Most Pet-Friendly Restaurant: Café Landtmann , Vienna
• Top Pet-Friendly Attractions: Sigmund-Freud Park, Hellbrunn Palace, Airwalk Kolnbreinsperre

Hungary is a fantastic choice for pet lovers to stay. It offers a range of pet-friendly accommodations . Budapest , the capital, is especially welcoming to dogs, with many dog beaches and parks as well as pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating . Hungary is recognized for its unique heritage, mineral-rich thermal spas, and popular food and wine scene .

• Best Pet-Friendly Hotel: Star City Hotel
• Most Pet-Friendly Restaurant: Kiskakukk in Budapest
• Top Pet-Friendly Attractions: Lake Gébárti, Mancsos Paddling, Dog Beach Dunakeszi, Balatonföldvár Dog Beach

Switzerland

Switzerland is an excellent pet-friendly destination with cities like Zürich and Geneva that have dedicated dog parks, pet-friendly public spaces, transportation, accommodation, and dining options for you and your pet to enjoy. Switzerland is famous for its gorgeous alpine scenery, a blend of cultures, scenic train rides, and charming villages .

• Best Pet-Friendly Hotel: 25hours Hotel Zürich West
• Most Pet-Friendly Restaurant: NENI Zurich
• Top Pet-Friendly Attractions: Sentiero Dell’olivo, Glacier Express , Allmend Brunau Sports Ground, Chapel Bridge, Plaine de Plainpalais

Please note that there are a variety of pet-friendly accommodations, restaurant options, and attractions to choose from in many of the previously mentioned countries. Make sure that you look into your destination country’s pet-friendly places before you book your tickets or reservations.

Navigating Local Pet Regulations & Etiquette

When traveling abroad with pets, it’s crucial to understand and follow a range of rules, regulations, and general etiquette to ensure a hassle-free journey for both you and your pet:

• Local Pet Policies: Always verify the pet policies of places you plan to visit, such as hotels, parks, and restaurants. Not all locations are pet-friendly , and some may have specific restrictions. Always ask about the pet policy at every location to make sure that your pet is welcome.
• Manage Pet Behavior: You are responsible for your pet’s behavior. Your pet should be well-mannered , avoiding disturbances like excessive barking or unpleasant odors. Some airlines may deny travel to pets that cause disruptions and some accommodations may even request your leave if your pet is deemed disruptive to other guests.
• Cleanliness: It’s a universal rule of pet etiquette to always clean up after your pet , whether you’re at home or traveling. To avoid accidents, do not leave your pet unattended for many hours. Even if your pet is accustomed to staying home alone for 8 hours, they may not feel as comfortable doing so in an unfamiliar environment. 
• Leash Laws: For the safety of your pet and others, always keep your pet on a leash in public places , unless you’re in an area designated for off-leash pets. Remember, you are not in your home country, so you don’t want to risk your pet getting lost or injured during your stay.
• Health and Safety: Make sure your pet is healthy enough for travel and meets all health and safety requirements of your airline and destination country.
• Respect for Others: Show respect to other guests, staff, and property when staying at a hotel or similar accommodation. Showing respect for others will help ensure that you and your pet are welcome and can focus on making the most of your trip abroad without creating any unnecessary aggravation for yourself or others.

Remember, the exact rules and expected etiquette can vary based on the specific location and culture of your destination country. Always check with the relevant authorities and respect local customs and regulations when traveling with your pet.

Choosing the Right Carrier and Preparing Your Pet

When planning an international trip with your cat or dog, it’s important to know that airlines have specific requirements for pet carriers. To give you a better idea of what is typically expected, here are the requirements for pet carriers when flying internationally on Delta, United, and American Airlines:

Delta Airlines:

• Pets must be transported in a carrier ( either hard-sided or soft-sided ) that fits under the seat in front of you.
• The pet should be able to stand up and move around inside the carrier.
• The carrier, whether soft-sided or hard-sided, must be leak-proof and well-ventilated .

United Airlines:

• Hard-sided carriers should not exceed 17.5 inches in length, 12 inches in width, and 7.5 inches in height.
• Soft-sided carriers are recommended to be no larger than 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches high.

American Airlines:

• Hard-sided carriers should not exceed 19 inches in length, 13 inches in width, and 9 inches in height.
• Soft-sided carriers are recommended to be at most 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches high.

Tips On Selecting The Right Pet Carrier

Choosing the right pet carrier for your international trip depends on the type of pet, its size, needs, and the airline you’re traveling on. As for the best types of carriers for dogs and cats for international travel, here are some of our top recommendations:

Henkelion Soft-Sided Travel Carrier

• For a cat or dog
• TSA-approved
• 2 sizes available: 17x11x11 and 20x13x13
• Carries pets up to 15 lbs
• Collapsible, foldable
• Made of polyester
• 6 color options available
• Buyers note that it’s lightweight, easy to clean, durable, and has ample ventilation.

“This pet carrier is a travel essential for pet owners seeking comfort and safety for their furry companions. Crafted with durable materials, it ensures security while maintaining a lightweight design. The well-ventilated mesh panels provide ample airflow, keeping pets calm during journeys.

Its thoughtful design includes a padded interior for extra comfort and a removable base for easy cleaning. The adjustable shoulder strap and padded handles make it convenient for pet parents on the move. Safety features like secure zippers and leash clips offer peace of mind, preventing any unexpected escapes.”

Lekereise Soft-Sided Expandable Rolling Pet Carrier

• Size: 16.54×11.81×11.37, with expand part: 12.6×8.66×8.27
• Carries pets up to 25 lbs.
• Made of Polyester
• 5 colors available 
• Buyers say it’s lightweight, comfortable for their pets, and sturdy.

“Very good quality, wheels are very smooth and swivel easily. My two kitties were very comfortable and enjoyed being able to see through the mesh siding.”

Petmate Ruffmax or Ultra Vari Hard-Sided Travel Carrier s

• Airline-adaptable
• 12 sizes available (Check listing for size options)
• Made of Plastic and Metal
• 2 types of carriers with 2 colors to choose from each
• Buyers like that it’s easy to clean, easy to assemble, and a good value.

“Great for long flights. This Kennel fit perfectly in the back of my car with the bottom inside of the lid. Once arriving at the airport to go to Germany it assembled quickly. Our dog was comfortable during the long flight to Germany.”

Pet-Express Hard-Sided Pet Crate

• Airline-approved
• 7 sizes available (Check listing for size options)
• Buyers recommend based on size options, durability, and ventilation.

“Needed this kennel to fly my large lab/golden mix, which was too long for most of the regular kennels. This is the only one I’ve found that he could fit into and that the airlines would accept. The kennel is sturdy, easy to put together, and gives him plenty of room.

Highly recommended.”

When considering these carrier recommendations, remember to consider your pet’s needs as well as the rules and restrictions set by the airline you are using; be sure that the carrier you choose not only fits your size and needs but will also be allowed on your international flight.

Acclimating Your Pet To Its New Carrier

Getting a pet used to a new carrier can take some time, but with a little patience and a lot of positive reinforcement, it can make the journey much easier for your pet. Here are some suggestions for both dogs and cats:

• Carrier Familiarization: Begin by leaving the carrier out and open. This allows your pet to explore the carrier at their own pace.
• Make the Carrier Appealing to Your Pet:   Consider placing a few of the pet’s treasured items—a T-shirt that smells like you, familiar bedding, a plush toy, or a few treats inside. Try to make the carrier as interesting, appealing, and comfortable for your pet as possible.
• Strategic Placement of the Carrier: Position the carrier near your pet’s favorite sleeping spot or in a location that your pet frequents often.
• Slow Introduction: Introduce your pet to the carrier slowly. Start by putting their food inside the carrier. Don’t lock your pet inside, but place the food bowl toward the back of the carrier so they have to go all the way in.
• Reward Positive Behavior: Reward your pet for entering the carrier. This could be in the form of treats, verbal praise, or a gentle pat. This helps the pet make positive connections to the carrier and decreases the pet’s anxiety and fear of this new, confined space.
• Short Periods of Confinement: Once your pet seems comfortable with the carrier, try confining them in it for brief periods. Ensure the experience remains positive by adding some tasty treats in the carrier.

Gently introducing your pet to its new carrier can help prepare your pet for a long-distance flight by reducing their anxiety and making them more comfortable in their carrier.

Additionally, here are some tips specifically for long-distance flights :

• Pre-Flight Exercise: On the day of travel, take your pet for a long walk or run to help them burn off as much energy as possible. This can tire them out and help them relax during the flight.
• Feeding Your Pet: Feed your pet no more than 6 hours before the flight. It’s not recommended to fly on a full stomach; feed your pet slightly less than usual on the day of the flight.
• Consult Your Veterinarian: Speak to your vet about any medications your pet might need for travel, such as those to reduce anxiety or travel sickness symptoms. Test these on your pet beforehand, to ensure that your pet doesn’t experience any negative side effects.

Remember, each pet is unique and may react differently to air travel. It’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to discuss any potential risks and precautions. 

Special Considerations for International Pet Travel

Many people travel with animals for reasons beyond recreation; they travel with service animals or emotional support animals for their own needs. Those traveling with service or emotional support animals (ESA) must be aware of the specific rules and regulations that apply to their respective circumstances.

Traveling with Service Dogs

A service dog is a canine that has been specially trained to carry out certain tasks or work for a person who has a disability . The tasks that the dog performs are directly related to the disability of the person.

Service dogs are utilized by people with a variety of disabilities. For instance:

• Guide dogs help people who are blind or have visual impairments by aiding them in navigating their surroundings.
• Hearing dogs alert individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to important sounds.
• Mobility dogs assist people who use wheelchairs, walking aids, or have balance issues.
• Medical alert dogs may indicate the start of a medical event such as a seizure or low blood sugar, alert the user to allergens, and perform many other functions.
• Psychiatric service dogs assist individuals with mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and others.

The primary purpose of a service dog is to enable a person with a disability to live a more independent life. It’s crucial to remember that service dogs are not pets , but working animals with specific tasks to perform.

When planning to travel abroad with a service dog, there are several key points to keep in mind:

• Documentation is Key: While there isn’t a global database for service animals, and the U.S. doesn’t issue specific licenses for them, it’s important to carry your service dog’s health certificate from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and evidence of its training. You may also want to obtain a certified letter from your medical team stating your need for traveling with a service dog, although this is not required.
• Consult a Veterinarian: Depending on your destination, you may need additional paperwork, including a health certificate endorsed by the USDA . This document reassures foreign authorities that your service dog is healthy and up-to-date with vaccinations.
• Understand Local Regulations: Service animal rules can vary by country, so it’s crucial to research these regulations before your trip.

Regarding air travel with service dogs, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) has several stipulations:

• A service animal is defined as any dog , irrespective of breed or type, that is trained to assist a person with a disability .
• Airlines must recognize dogs as service animals and allow them on flights to, from, and within the U.S.
• Airlines can ask for a U.S. DOT form that attests to the dog’s health, behavior, and training. For long flights, the form may also need to confirm that the service animal can manage its waste appropriately.
• If a passenger makes a reservation more than 48 hours in advance, airlines can ask for the DOT service animal form(s) to be provided ahead of the travel date.
• Airlines can limit a passenger with a disability to a maximum of two service animals .
• Airlines can insist that a service animal fits within the handler’s foot space on the plane .
• Airlines can require service animals to be harnessed, leashed, or tethered in the airport and on the plane .
• Airlines can deny transport to service animals that show aggressive behavior or pose a threat to the health or safety of others .

Please note that these rules are subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to check the latest airline-specific regulations before you travel.

Traveling with Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) no longer recognizes emotional support animals as different from a pet . If you’re planning an international trip with your ESA, the rules and regulations for ESAs are the same as those for traveling with a pet . 

Regarding the most recent U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) regulations for transporting emotional support animals by air , here are some key points:

• Under the DOT’s rule, emotional support animals are not considered service animals .
• Airlines are not required to recognize emotional support animals as service animals — a service dog is a canine that has been specially trained to carry out certain tasks or work for a person who has a disability.
• The DOT permits airlines to treat an emotional support animal the same as any other travel pet .

Please remember that these rules can change, so it’s always wise to check the most recent regulations before you travel.

Returning to the U.S. with Pets

When returning to the United States from another country with a pet or service animal, there are regulations and requirements imposed by the USDA-APHIS, CDC, and airlines that you must follow. 

Pets may need to meet health requirements upon their return to the U.S. Most notably, certain countries are classified as high-risk for dog rabies. The CDC has temporarily suspended entry for dogs without a current U.S. rabies vaccine from these high-risk countries until July 31, 2024. Please check with the U.S. Department of State before you travel back to the U.S. for the most current information on bringing a pet into the U.S. from another country.

Likewise, returning travelers with pets should check with the specific airline for any recent policy changes , as returning pets may need to travel as cargo . If a pet is arriving separately from its owner, the person collecting the pet must have the correct paperwork and permission. Travelers are advised to check the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) webpage for additional guidance and access CBP Form 7523 if needed.

You’re Ready To Travel Abroad with Your Pet

With the rise in US pet ownership and the increasing interest in traveling abroad with pets, traveling pet owners must consider all of the key factors that come with taking your pet companion abroad. Exploring new countries with your pet can be a lot of fun and make for beautiful, lasting memories, but it requires careful planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable time. This involves understanding your chosen airline and destination country’s requirements, rules, regulations, and etiquette as well as selecting the best accommodations, transportation, and appropriate pet carrier—not to mention managing associated costs!

We hope that our comprehensive guide to traveling abroad with your pet provides valuable advice and insights to these ends as you plan your next international adventure!

Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more of the latest updates and expert travel advice!

About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.

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Moving Abroad with Pets: 15 Expat Tips (2024)

Table of Contents

Are you wondering about moving abroad with pets?

I’ve lived in 18 countries in the last 10 years and recently planned a move with my golden retriever to Europe. While the trip fell through due to some other issues (like grrr a car rental company that wanted to give me a million grey hairs), we got all the paperwork done, had him approved for travel, and even contacted a myriad of pet relocation specialists, pet travel agents (they’re hard to find, but they exist!), and embassies.

I think I’m on a watchlist now of people not to answer the phone for at Heathrow Customs too!

With all this knowledge burning a hole in my head, and probably replacing high school math, I want to share it with you so you can take your family pet with you when you move abroad.

Transporting pets abroad isn’t for the faint of heart, as there’s a lot of admin involved. But together we’re going to go through the steps.

🐾 Thinking of moving abroad with your dog? Ensure you have a proper carrier or crate! I recommend this large airline approved crate for dogs in cargo and this breathable carrier for dogs/cats being carried on the plane.

15 Tips for Moving with Pets

1) Pick a Country

The very first step, like with my moving abroad checklist , is to figure out where you’re going.

Different countries have different laws about moving with pets.

You’ll want to consider a few places, as some countries might be written off your list due to their quarantine policies (I’m looking at you, New Zealand and Australia !).

Or your dog breed may be banned in countries (a lot of bully breeds (like pit bull terriers) cannot be moved into other countries, especially those in Europe).

You should also consider your dog’s needs. My golden retriever , Theo, cannot stand the heat.

In summer in Ottawa , he straight up melted anytime it was over 25C. I had to get him cooling mats, a doggy swimming pool, and his own fan in my office just to keep him in his solid form.

So I would never move him somewhere on the equator. Or if I did, I’d have to do a lot of prep to ensure his comfort while we were there!

2) Research the Local Pet Import Laws

Again, every country is different.

When I was planning our move to Europe (it was a temporary one, so we’d be moving throughout the EU and beyond for about 6 months), I had to consider where we would first enter.

The UK has some of the strictest dog import laws, and some of the vaguest. As my dog is a service dog (assistance dog in the UK), he typically has different requirements than a pet.

But literally nowhere on the UK government site tells you about any other service dog than a UK one. And since we’re not from the UK, he doesn’t have UK credentials.

That’s how I ended up spending 6 weeks calling every assistance dog program in the UK, Heathrow’s customs, and all of the UK embassies in Canada.

To this day, I’m only 90% sure I know the rules and that we would be admitted to the UK.

So I pivoted and planned for us to enter via France instead.

France, like most of the EU, is much chiller about your dog entering. From my research, they seem equally as accepting of cats.

However, other pets like birds, rodents, and lizards depend on the species. You will want to contact an embassy to discuss this more.

3) Check Your Government’s Website

The best place to find out the rules to move from your country to another country with a dog or cat is on your government’s website.

I Googled “moving dog from Canada to France” and it came up with a page detailing the exact steps for all of the EU.

This matters because the foreign country’s website will talk about general entry requirements. However, your country may have a specific arrangement with them for what you need to bring.

When I took Theo to Mexico in March, I didn’t need a pet passport or health certificate to bring him because I’m Canadian. Same for when we moved to California in December.

However, the US and Mexican government sites state that a health certificate or passport is required. That’s because they’re speaking generally.

This page should also tell you the steps you need to take to get a health certificate or pet passport (the term varies based on where you live. In the EU, everyone gets a pet passport. In Canada, we get health certificates, which are way less cute).

4) Contact Your Vet

No matter where you’re moving or how you’re taking your dog, you will want to contact your vet.

Pets need to be up to date on their rabies vaccination, and have gotten it at least 21 days before the move. They need to be clear of heartworm, fleas, ticks, and any other parasites. And they often need to be microchipped and spayed/neutered.

If your pet does not have the above, you’ll need to get them sorted ahead of time.

You’ll also want to check that the vet feels your pet is healthy enough to travel.

My dog is young, but my sister has 2 dogs over 10. One of them definitely wouldn’t be cleared for travel, but the other one might be depending on a vet’s opinion.

I recommend getting a copy of your pet’s full medical record before you move with them. You may not need it just to enter the country, but much like a with a human doctor, it’s good for their new vet abroad to understand their health history.

For example, Theo is allergic to basically everything. Seriously, this dog is even allergic to Kangaroo!

That means we did a lot of tests to figure out his allergies, what allergy meds work for him for the allergies he can’t avoid, and even what works to help him with his vet anxiety so he doesn’t hide from the staff.

A new vet should know all that information.

Lastly, you need to book an appointment with your vet for a health certificate or pet passport.

In some countries, like the US , you don’t do this with your own vet. You have to do it with a certified vet who only does pet travel.

In Canada, you need to do it with your usual vet (unless you get the full medical records and go elsewhere) so they can attest to giving them the shots.

5) Determine How to Move

Moving abroad with a dog or cat is challenging.

Most airlines have size and weight restrictions for animals to come in cabin.

If you decide to fly with your small dog or cat, you will need to look into pet carriers that are airline approved, and plan for their potty needs for the duration of the flight.

Larger dogs , like my 70lb golden retriever , cannot fly with most airlines unless they are checked in cargo.

I personally don’t believe in putting a dog in the hold of the plane due to a lot of traumatic news stories about how they’re treated, and how much they have to be drugged for it.

Instead, I recommend finding an airline that allows large dogs to fly, such as K9 Chartered Planes , or joining this Facebook group and sharing a private jet booking with other pet parents to get your dog abroad (and get to fly on a private jet!).

When at all possible, I recommend driving for travelling abroad with pets.

Driving Theo from Canada to the USA for our new 6 month road trip was way easier than flying ever has been, even with him being a service dog .

Another option is to take a cruise. There are a few dog friendly cruises in the world.

The Queen Mary II is one that many people use to get from North America to Europe. It has a 2 year waiting list to put your dog in the kennels on the ship, so I’d book ASAP if you’re planning this!

Lastly, you can have a pet relocation service ship your dog. This almost always means they go in cargo on some form of plane, but they are at least with a pet nanny and get to immediately go to a play area when they arrive.

Typically, without this, they’d be essentially treated like baggage and not let out to pee ASAP.

6) Start Desensitizing Your Pet

Before I do anything significantly different with Theo, I work to ease him into it.

We flew to Nova Scotia for the first time together in September, and for weeks leading up to this, we practised.

I played loud airplane noises on my laptop while he chewed his bones. Then I made him sit between my chair and a wall that I measured to be the same room as he’d get on the plane, while I played the airplane noises.

My roommate even tried to help make it more difficult for Theo by shaking my chair like turbulence and doing pilot noises … but I’m pretty sure that was more for his entertainment than actual helping.

I used a rolling pan while Theo sat to “wand” him like they would need to at security.

We did sit and stay drills for when he’d have to go through the metal detector after me.

And honestly so much more, but I’m getting exhausted writing it all.

For most people, they can do way less of this. But I’m very anxious so I like to overprepare.

If your dog or cat need to be in a crate, start making that crate a safe space. Same with carriers and backpacks.

Put treats in there. Play games with it. Leave it out all the time so they can smell it.

7) Budget & Save Up

Moving internationally with pets is expensive, I won’t lie to you.

The flights cost more – especially if you use a pet relocation service.

The pet passport and vet visits cost more. Hotels and rental cars cost more if they’re pet friendly.

You’ll need to either bring more luggage or less of your own items, which means buying things abroad.

There’s so much time that goes into it as well, which let’s be real time is money so that’s expensive too.

If you hope to one day move abroad with your pet, start saving up.

I know someone who spent $11k to fly her two dogs to France one-way . It cost another $500 for her partner to bring their small dog on a plane with him (not counting the costs of their vet visits, pet passports, gear, etc.).

8) Call the Airline

This was the major mistake I made that ultimately led to the downfall of our trip (it wasn’t the only issue, it could have been resolved, but still it was the beginning of the end for my plan to move overseas with my dog.

Airlines are very particular about their rules for travel with pets, even service dogs.

You will need to check their size requirements, paperwork requirements (this could differ from your end destination’s requirements, as they’ll be based on the airline’s headquarters location), the price for a dog as carry on or in cargo, crate requirements (some airlines now require crates to be meet certain standards), and their other specific pet policies.

I booked a flight with Air Canada and Lufthansa (it was through Air Canada but had a connection in Munich where it switched airlines). Although the website just said “training certificate”, I was informed via email that my training certificate was not valid as it needed to include more information.

This was information that’s illegal to ask for in Canada, and honestly much of it is hard to determine. Like the exact number of hours Theo was trained in each of his medical alerts for me.

I definitely did not stopwatch our training either alone or with our trainer . Nor did I have a breakdown of how long for each task.

So my trainer and I had to come up with a rough estimate and hope for the best.

Don’t rely on their websites. Call them to ask (which I know sucks, especially as someone with massive phone anxiety).

You can circumvent this by working with a pet relocation company who will do this kind of stuff for you.

9) Have a Document Folder

One of my best tips for any traveler – whether you’re moving or not – is to have a folder with 2 copies of all of your documents.

I usually have 3-5 (cause yeah anxiety).

Mine is a simple brown manila folder I took from my last office job. I have collated packages of Theo’s documents and any of my own documents I might need (such as my vaccine proof).

I usually also use this to hold the info for our accommodations and car bookings . Sometimes they need to know the address you’re staying at, and it’s easier to have it handy.

Start putting everything in here early on and keep it at your desk or in a central location. Then when you need to run to the vet for their appointment or go to any other location to get things set up for travel, you can find them easily.

10) Invest in a Tracker

I have 2 of these for my dog Theo, and an air tag for my luggage on top of it.

My dog has a Fi Smart collar and a Tractive clip on for his collar (which you can also put in their crate).

Whether your dog is going on the plane with you or in cargo, you want to ensure you can track them just in case.

You never know if something could happen.

In Mexico , they made me take off all of Theo’s gear except his Halti. So he was naked going through security and basically decided he was off duty so he could run around. Luckily he’s such a people dog he just ran up to the first women he saw to get pets.

But if he wasn’t a service dog or wasn’t as social, he could have been loose in the airport and hard to find.

Same goes for dogs under the plane. There have been so many news stories about people tracking lost dogs via an air tag when the airline loses their pet.

I 100% think it’s worth the investment in something to keep them safe. In fact, I keep the collar on Theo at all times so I can always find him. Plus the collar is waterproof, which any of y’all who have a golden retriever will know is a necessity.

For cats, birds, reptiles, and rodents, you’ll be better off affixing these to a carrier instead.

🔖 I use the Fi Smart Dog Collar for Theo and air tags to keep track of him and our belongings when we travel so I never lose my most important things

11) Stock Up Their Crate

To get them comfortable for the flight (cause let’s be honest, planes aren’t comfortable even for us people), stock up their crate or carrier.

You’ll want to include plenty of water, pee pads for dogs (especially small ones), a blanket that smells like home, and if they’re under your supervision, a toy of some sort to entertain them.

If your pet is not sedated, then bring some treats for them too. I always go with really high value ones for Theo, like dried salmon or rabbit.

You may not be able to bring these past customs at your arrival location, but that’s fine if you let them gobble them up on the plane.

I’ve also brought a Kong with frozen peanut butter or yoghurt inside for Theo before, but do note this counts as one of your liquids/gels, so you’ll have to check those if you want to do this.

Do not put anything that’s a choking hazard in with an unsupervised pet!

🐶 This TSA approved crate is great for use with an airline in cargo. We used one like this growing up for our dogs because it’s secure and they can’t wreck it, plus it’s more covered than a wire crate.

12) Get Something for Anxiety

Whether it’s calming treats or anxiety meds, or even sedatives, get something to make this easier on your dog.

The first flight is always a lot for them, so we want to make it as good of an experience as possible.

I’ve used anxiety meds with Theo before to take the edge off of our first 6 hour flight.

I’ve also used some hemp calming treats, although I had to give them to him before we crossed the security border, and couldn’t take them through with me. Some places will allow this – it just depends on the airport.

They also make lavender ones that are allowed through security.

I use peanut butter pill pockets for Theo to take his anxiety meds. I used to just buy a yoghurt and shove them in there, but that was quite messy.

Seriously, pill pockets are a miracle!

You may also need travel sickness meds if your dog gets car or air sick.

13) Get Your Pet Passport or Health Certificate

In most cases in North America, you have to get your health certificate within a certain time frame of arriving in the new place.

In Canada , you have 10 days (although it says 14 on the government website, but the customs people I spoke to all said 10) from the date of your vet visit (not the CFIA appointment) to then land in the new country and go through customs there.

That’s why I put this lower on the list as it’s one of the last things you can do.

In Europe, pet passports are more like human passports, so you can just use them whenever.

Pro tip: If you’re emigrating with pets to Europe (or even just visiting), arrange an appointment to get them an EU pet passport ASAP. Then you can travel much more easily in the future.

14) Tire Your Pet Out Before the Flight

The best behaved pets are tired pets.

Before a flight (even the day before if needed), I take Theo on a long hike or play fetch until my arm feels like it’s gonna fall off.

We do brain games if we’re in a hotel, like having him jump over my legs for food or sniffing out treats I’ve hidden around the room.

This gets him much calmer before he has to sit still and behave for hours on end.

15) Find the Pet Relief Areas

For pets coming on the flight with you, the first thing you do past security, before even finding your gate, is find the pet relief area.

These are potty spots in the airport for dogs.

They’re often in far off corners of the airport that are really hard to get to, unfortunately. I always ask security where they are as they aren’t usually well sign posted.

Plan to take your dog before you board the flight.

On the flight, if it is a long one, you’ll want to have pee pads handy. For small dogs, these can go inside their carrier, and then you just switch them out.

Do not flush these! You can shake the poop off into the toilet, but the rest should be put in the garbage bin in the restroom of the plane.

For large dogs, like Theo, you can put a pee pad on the floor of the bathroom for him to go. Then use a Lysol wipe to clean up the floor beneath it out of respect for other passengers.

We’ve never needed to do this as Theo can hold it for a long time. But I’m always prepared just in case.

So those are my tips for how to move overseas with a dog or cat, or really any other animal!

🐶 I use these pee pads for Theo. I’ve used them since he was a puppy and couldn’t aim well, since they’re large enough that it’s hard for him to miss the target.

Best Countries to Move to With Pets

Oddly the easiest countries I’ve found to move to with pets are Australia and New Zealand .

That’s not because they have easy requirements, but because they list them so clearly on their government websites!

Sure, they both have quarantines and require more extensive vaccines. But because I know that, I can plan for it.

Other very pet-friendly places to move to are:

• Switzerland

Most countries are pet friendly once you get the animal past customs. It’s customs and the pet passports that are the hardest, like with the UK .

Easiest Country to Move to With a Dog

The easiest countries for moving with a dog depend on what breed your dog is. Some countries, like the UK and Australia , have strict quarantine laws.

However, if you are traveling from North America or Europe to another European country, those places usually have relatively easy regulations and paperwork to take your pup with you.

Here are my top 5 easiest countries to move to with a dog:

Moving Overseas with a Large Dog

Moving overseas with a large dog can be tricky, but it is possible.

The most important thing to do when traveling with a larger dog is to make sure they have enough space on the plane. This means booking an extra seat or cargo space for your pet.

It might even mean booking a shared private jet (I’ve found these opportunities in this Facebook group).

Most airlines will also require you to show proof of vaccinations and other paperwork for your pet.

You’ll also want to make sure you have a proper travel kennel or crate that meets the airline’s size standards. This can make it easier on both you and your pup during the flight – it will give them enough space to move around in, yet still keep them secure.

I do not recommend certifying your dog as a service animal just to fly with them.

Doing so properly with Theo has cost me tens of thousands of dollars between his care, his training, etc. While he is allowed on planes, it’s a massive hassle and no easier than flying with a large pet dog.

How Much Does it Cost to Move a Dog Overseas?

The cost of moving a dog overseas depends on the country you are traveling to and how far in advance you plan.

Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000. This includes things like airline tickets, pet passports, vaccines, blood tests, quarantine fees, and more.

However, for certain breeds who cannot fly on commercial airlines (such as snub-nosed breeds and giant breeds like Great Danes), you are looking at closer to $8,000-$10,000 for a private jet seat.

To move Theo, my golden retriever, with me to Europe, cost $300 for his health certificate, $75 for his anxiety meds since it’s a long flight, and $2,000 since I had to get a seat for him each way (it was just before peak summer, so this could have risen to over $6,000 for his seats a few weeks later). [These costs are in CAD.]

That’s not including the costs for any treats, toys for the flight, and also time I lost dealing with all of the stress of it. I swear it took a year off my life trying to plan it all with how little information is online!

It will cost more if you get health insurance for your pet. I do recommend this if your pet is going in cargo. 

Pet Relocation Services

The easiest way for moving animals overseas is with a pet relocation service.

These services handle all of the paperwork, take care of your pet’s health certificates and vaccines, book their flights, and even provide a door-to-door service if you’d like.

They can be quite expensive – but in my experience, it is worth it to have professionals help with this stressful process.

If I’d known they could help with service dogs, I 100% would have used one. But I thought they were just for pets.

I know a few people who used pet relocation companies to get their pets abroad, and they always had great things to say about the experience. Even if their pet needed to go in cargo, the animals were treated really well and came out untraumatized.

Military Members Moving Pets Abroad

If you are in the military or have a service dog due to your time in the military, I’ve been told by some followers on Instagram that they have special pet services that help you relocate with your animals – even after you are out of active service.

It’s the only time I’ve ever thought there was a benefit to joining the military, to be honest.

I don’t know the specifics for different militaries, so you’ll want to reach out to your branch for that. But they usually have people who help arrange travel all the time for families being deployed to different areas, so it makes sense that they’d be pros with pet travel.

Conclusion: Moving Abroad With Pets is Worth It

Moving abroad with pets can be a scary and stressful process, but it is totally worth it.

It may seem like a huge hassle to get all the paperwork sorted out – but in the end, you’ll have your furry best friend by your side during a new adventure.

I love travel so much more because I get to have Theo with my all over the world. He’s made new doggo and people friends, experienced amazing hikes, and has helped me feel less overwhelmed with the change of a big move.

I could never imagine a new home without him, and I’m sure my fellow pet owners can agree. 

If you’re flying with your pet to move, check out my tips on handling travel with your dog . I developed these tips after a dozen flights with Theo, so I know how hard it can be!

Read More About Living Abroad:

• How Living Abroad Changes You: 15 Ways You’ll Grow
• Inspirational Living Abroad Quotes for Expats [Best Moving Abroad Quotes]
• Moving and Living Abroad Guide
• Pros and Cons of Living Abroad: Why You Should Move to Another Country
• Best Suitcases for Moving Abroad
• Challenges of Moving to a New Country to Overcome
• I Regret Moving to Another Country for Love
• Quiz: What Country Should I Move To?
• Best Laptops for Digital Nomads Remote Work
• 50+ Countries with Digital Nomad Visas
• 40+ Countries with Working Holiday Visas

Living Abroad Travel Planning Guide

🚑  Should I buy expat travel insurance?

100% YES!  — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Safety Wing!

🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?

It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!

📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?

It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.

Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!

💼 How do I get a job as an expat?

You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.

If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!

💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?

Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.

I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. ( Read more )

👯‍♀️ How do you make friends abroad?

Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.

🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?

Learn languages in no time with iTalki ! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.

💻 Do I need a VPN?

Yes! – VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.

🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?

This is my favourite luggage set f or long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here .

🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?

Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.

✈️  What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?

To find cheap flights, I recommend  Skyscanner . ( Read more )

🏨  What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?

To find cheap hotels, I recommend  Booking.com . ( Read more )

Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!

🚗  What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?

To find cheap rental cars, I recommend  Discover Cars .

🚗  What’s the best site to find tours?

To find epic tours, I recommend  Viator .

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Nina Out and About. She has lived in 18 countries in the past 10 years, explored more than 30 countries, and has done most of it solo. A Canadian native, she also shares her favourite things to do in the True North. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their expat adventures and Canadian trips.

Want to move abroad, but don’t know how to start?

Get an expert’s tips & tricks, pick which country to move to – and do it.

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New rules for pet travel from 1 January 2021

Pet owners will need to follow new requirements before taking their pet to the European Union or Northern Ireland at the end of the transition period.

Pet owners are being encouraged to check the latest government advice about travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland or the European Union with their pets at the end of the transition period.

The government has worked alongside the European Commission to ensure pet travel can continue between Great Britain and the EU and Northern Ireland at the end of the transition period.

From 1 January 2021 onwards, the UK will have Part 2 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, meaning that people travelling from GB with their pets and assistance dogs will need to follow new requirements in order to travel to the EU and Northern Ireland.

Before taking their dog, cat or ferret to the EU for the first time after 1 January 2021, pet owners must complete the following steps. The only new requirement for travel to the EU is the use of a certificate, rather than a pet passport:

• Ensure their dog, cat or ferret is microchipped.
• Ensure that their dog, cat or ferret is vaccinated against rabies – pets must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated.
• Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel
• Dogs must be treated against tapeworm 24-120 hours before landing, if they are travelling to a tapeworm free country.
• Visit their vet to get an animal health certificate (AHC) for their pet, no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.

Pets and assistance dogs will also need to enter the EU through a travellers’ point of entry (TPE) , which includes all the major French ports such as Calais, Caen and Dunkirk.

All of these requirements will also apply for movements of pets and assistance dogs from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. However recognising that these changes will take time to adjust to, the UK Government is working with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland on an enforcement approach that takes this challenge into account. This approach will be implemented in a way which supports pet owners and assistance dog users while the Government pursues a permanent solution.

There will be no change to the current health preparations or documents for pets entering Great Britain from the EU or Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021.

Christine Middlemiss, UK Chief Veterinary Officer, said:

We have been granted ‘Part 2’ listed third country status by the EU which will ensure that travelling with your pet continues from 1 January onwards. Your vet will be able to advise what you need to do in order to obtain the correct documentation to travel and you can find the latest pet travel advice on gov.uk or by searching ‘pet travel’.

Updated guidance on pet travel has been available since November 2018, ensuring that owners will be ready for any future scenario, so many pet owners will already be familiar with that they need to do.

The UK government is continuing to press the European Commission to secure Part 1 listed status. The UK has one of the most rigorous pet checking regimes in Europe and currently meets all the requirements for Part 1 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme.

The latest advice for pet owners seeking to travel to the EU after 1 January 2021 can be found here .

Further information

• Passengers should always check the rules of the country they are travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before they travel.
• For information on commercial imports and exports of dogs, cats and ferrets to the EU – please refer to the Border Operating Model
• There will be no changes or new requirements on movements from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.
• There will be no changes to the current health preparations or documents for pets entering Great Britain from the EU in the immediate term, as the disease risks remains unchanged.
• There are no restrictions on bringing pet rodents, rabbits, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles to the UK from EU countries.
• Contact the Centre for International Trade (Carlisle) for more information on the rules for travelling with other species of pet.

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Money blog: Apple overtaken as world's second most valuable company

Nvidia has overtaken Apple to become the world's second most valuable public company; Disfrutar in Barcelona has been named the world's best restaurant; there's a new cola-flavoured Jaffa Cake launching. Read these and the rest of today's consumer news in the Money blog.

Thursday 6 June 2024 17:42, UK

• ECB cuts interest rates - and it could boost your holiday money
• McVitie's launches first ever non-fruit flavoured Jaffa Cake
• There's a new best restaurant in the world - this is how much it costs to eat there
• Now is the time to lock some of your cash away - here's why
• Asda goes from cheapest to most expensive supermarket for petrol

Essential reads

• How brands get you to buy more, more, more
• Top chef shares his take on an Italian classic - and Warwickshire Cheap Eats
• Ed Conway : Claim of £2k tax rise under Labour is over four years - same maths suggests Tories have raised taxes by £13k in last four years
• How much are student loans, when do you start paying back and what is the interest?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Some Lloyds, Halifax and the Bank of Scotland customers will be charged more to use their overdrafts as of August. 

The three major banks, which are all part of Lloyds Banking Group, are set to launch a new tiered system for determining interest rates which could see some customers paying an extra 10%. 

At the moment, Lloyds has a standard rate of 39.9%, but the overhaul will see some forced to pay 49.9% for using their overdraft. 

The new rates are set to be: 

The 27.5% rate currently being offered to Club Lloyds customers will also be axed. 

There will be specific criteria for each tier based on a customer's credit information and account activity. 

For those who will see a rise, the banks will introduce a temporary tier for six months, which means the initial impact will be no more than 7.4% of what they are paying at the moment. 

"We are writing to our customers to let them know we're introducing new interest rate tiers on our overdrafts," a Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson said.

"The changes mean many will continue to pay the same or less than they do today, while some may see an increase." 

Nvidia has overtaken Apple to become the world's second most valuable public company.

The AI microchip maker's share price has risen to be worth more than $3trn (£2.34trn) for the first time. 

Only Microsoft is a more valuable company listed on a stock exchange, while Apple has fallen into third place.

Nvidia shares rose 5% after a year of growth - with one share now costing $1,224.40 (£957).

Nvidia's chips are powering much of the rush into AI, which has seen it become a poster child of the AI boom.

Demand for its processors from the likes of Google, Microsoft and Facebook owner Meta have been outstripping supply. 

Nvidia's shares - up nearly 150% so far this year - are also being boosted by an upcoming move to split its stock by 10-to-one on Friday. 

Ian Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, said the stock split will "bring its share price down and make it more affordable to investors". 

Tech companies - including Microsoft and Apple - have been racing to develop AI and embed it in their products.

Nvidia is a younger company than some of its peers, having been founded in 1993. Similar to many tech giants, it was founded in California in the US.

Britain is less likely to lose power this winter than it was last year, according to the company that runs the grid.

National Grid's Electricity System Operator (ESO) said it expects power plants, wind farms and other generation methods to be able to provide more than enough power to meet demand this time around. 

In an early outlook, it said the grid would have an average margin - the difference between supply of electricity and demand for it - of 5.6 gigawatts (GW) this coming winter. 

This means the period when demand might outstrip supply is just 0.1 hours.

The increased margins are in part because of improved capacity, thanks to a new 765km high-voltage cable that connects the UK's electricity network with Denmark.

The cable, called an interconnector, is known as the Viking Link, and started transporting wind power between the two countries in December.

New gas generation, growth in battery storage capacity and increased generation connected to the distribution networks have also contributed to the higher margins. 

Despite this, ESO's chief operating officer Kayte O'Neill has said it will still need to be "vigilant" due to uncertainties around global energy markets.

"As a prudent system operator we remain vigilant, continuing to monitor potential risks and working closely with our partners to establish any actions necessary to build resilience," she said.

The continent's energy system has been forced to reinvent itself in recent years, faced with potential gas shortages due to the war in Ukraine.

The 20 countries using the euro currency have seen interest rates cut from record highs following progress in the battle against inflation over the past two-and-a-half years.

The Frankfurt-based European Central Bank (ECB) said it was "appropriate" to trim its main deposit rate from 4% to 3.75%.

It followed an assertion last month by its president, Christine Lagarde, that the pace of price increases was now "under control".

But the Bank declared in a statement that the battle was not won - signalling data-driven caution on future policy decisions in the months ahead.

Its staff even revised upwards their forecasts for inflation this year and next.

As we have been discussing in Money this week, the cut before the US and UK could weaken the euro - potentially making Britons' holiday money go further.

McVitie's is selling a new flavour of Jaffa Cake - and it marks the first ever non-fruit flavour since the treat launched in 1927.

Shelves across the country will soon be stocked cola bottle flavoured cakes.

The new flavour will launch in Asda stores from 10 June and be available in other UK supermarkets - including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Iceland and Co-op - in the coming weeks.

Adam Woolf, marketing director at McVitie's, said: "Jaffa Cakes Cola Bottle is certainly one of our more unexpected product launches – stepping away from fruit flavours for the very first time. 

"Jaffa Cakes have always stood out from the crowd (and the biscuit aisle), but we really wanted to try something new with this one. It's no doubt going to cause some debate among our Jaffanatics, and we can't wait to hear what they think."

By  Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

Are we entering an era of interest rate cuts? Probably not. Or at least, not yet. 

But the European Central Bank (ECB) which controls the euro currency does look set to make their first cut in four years this afternoon. 

And Canada yesterday became the first country in the club of G7 industrialised nations to bring down borrowing costs by lowering their benchmark interest rate. 

The UK, however, isn't currently expected by markets to make a cut until September. 

Elsewhere, oil prices remain below $80 but are slightly more expensive than earlier this week. A barrel of the benchmark Brent crude oil costs $79.10.

The good news for people going on holidays to countries using the euro continues - the pound is still doing well against the currency with £1 equal to €1.1757. 

That could go even higher after the ECB decision at 1.15pm. A pound also can buy $1.2783. 

Like in the US, the UK's most valuable companies have become more valuable as the FTSE (Financial Times Stock Exchange) 100 and 250 indices are up 0.33% and 0.41% respectively.

Every Thursday  Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes  gives an insight into the savings market and how to make the most of your money...

Can you believe we are almost halfway through 2024?

Although the rate rises that we have seen this year have slowed compared with the previous couple of years, and we have even seen some falls, savers are now able to find hundreds of savings accounts that pay an interest rate higher than inflation.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics showed inflation was still higher than predicted, however - which means the anticipated base rate cut is likely to be pushed back again – into the second half of this year.

While bad news for borrowers, this is great news for savers.

Incredibly, the latest statistics from the Bank of England show there is over £253bn sitting in current accounts and savings accounts earning no interest at all.

With top rates available paying 5% or even a bit more, that is potentially £12.65bn of gross interest that is not being claimed by savers.

So now really is the time to move your money if you have cash languishing, earning less than inflation, especially if you can lock some away with a fixed rate, as a base rate cut will happen at some stage, we just don't know when.

Easy access

If you think you'll need access to your money, an easy access account is a wise choice.

The base rate cuts that we have been waiting for are yet to start, so the top rates on offer are still paying almost as much as they were at the beginning of the year.

Fixed-term bonds 

There is a strange phenomenon with fixed-term bond rates at the moment: the longer you tie up your cash, the lower the interest rates on offer.

Normally, you'd expect to be rewarded for tying up your cash over the longer term - but base rate forecasts have flipped this.

Fixed-term cash ISAs

A frequent complaint that I hear from savers is that the tax-free rates on ISAs are usually lower than the pre-tax rates on the equivalent non-ISA accounts – and this is particularly true with fixed-term accounts.

As many more savers are paying tax on their interest once again, cash ISAs are more popular than ever, as the tax-free rate of the ISA can still be considerably more than the interest earned after tax has been deducted on the non-ISA bond equivalents.

The renowned "50 Best" list of the world's best restaurants was revealed in Las Vegas last night - with a new restaurant taking top spot.

Disfrutar in Barcelona took the crown from Central in Lima, Peru (previous winners are ineligible and instead join a Best of the Best list).

Eating the standard menu costs £247 (€290) - with an extra £136 (€160) if you want the wine pairing.

To be fair, you do get around 30 courses.

They also offer a unique menu for your table for between €1,050 and €390 per person - the more people, the less it costs.

The 50 Best list says: "The combination of brilliantly imaginative dishes, unsurpassed technical mastery and playful presentation results in the dining experience of a lifetime, as full of surprises as it is memories."

Dishes include:

• Caviar-filled Panchino doughnut
• Frozen gazpacho sandwich
• Thai-style cuttlefish with coconut multi-spherical
• Squab with kombu spaghetti, almond and grape

Two UK restaurants made the top 50 but the UK was eclipsed by countries from across South America as well as Thailand, Italy, France and Spain.

London's Kol moved up slightly to 17, while Ikoyi, which we reported on a few weeks ago following a link-up with Uber Eats, came it at 42.

Three whiskies created by Aldi have been named among the best in the world.

The budget supermarket took home three golds at the International Spirits Challenge awards for: 

• Glen Marnoch Highland Single Scotch Whisky (£18.49, 70cl)
• Highland Earl Blended Scotch Whisky (£16.89, 1L)
• Samuel Joe’s Straight Kentucky Bourbon (£14.99, 70cl)

In the single malt category, Aldi's submission beat the likes of M&S as well as premium brand Lochlea Distillery, which costs around £45 a bottle. 

Other gold winners included Johnnie Walker, Jameson and Glenfiddich. 

Aldi was also given three silver medals for its Highland Black Blended Scotch Whisky, Glen Marnoch Speyside Single Malt Whisky and Glen Marnoch Islay Single Malt Whisky. 

"This industry recognition helps to prove that great quality doesn't have to come with a luxury price tag and customers can be confident they're saving money with us, whilst getting the best whisky taste and experience," said Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK. 

As we've previously discussed in the Money blog, holidaying Brits can avoid costly roaming charges by using their own travel eSim - and there's now another mainstream option to choose from courtesy of Uswitch.

UK travellers who want to use their phones abroad usually rely on their roaming plans and data passes or sign up for a local SIM at their destination, which can often require time-consuming ID checks and additional documentation.

That can be costly. 

Since Brexit, the UK no longer benefits from several EU-mandated rules, including a worldwide data roaming cap of £45.

Roaming costs, especially in countries outside the EU, can now be as high as £9 for every 1MB of roaming data - equivalent to streaming Netflix for 14.4 seconds.

The savings with eSims are potentially massive, as our cost of living specialist Megan Harwood-Baynes outlined here last month...

USwitch product

Using 10GB of data in Morocco on a UK Pay As You Go network with uncapped fees would cost on average of £56,166, compared to just £17 with a USwitch eSim.

eSims are available online and are entirely digital - meaning customers don't need to visit a phone network store or wait for a physical SIM card to arrive in the post.

Most new smartphones are already compatible with eSim technology, including every iPhone released from 2018 onwards and most Samsung devices released from 2020 onwards.

"eSIMs offer them a newfound freedom that's cheaper than traditional data roaming and with none of the hassle of finding a local SIM card provider when you arrive," said CEO and co-founder of (USwitch's partner in this project) eSIM Go Zacchary Couldrick.

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