Moving Pets Overseas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moving to a new country can be an exciting time filled with anticipation and unknowns. And if you're a devoted pet owner, leaving them behind may not be an option you're willing to consider. If you're embarking on a new adventure, find out what you need to know and do before you and your pet travel abroad. 

Taking a pet from the U.S. to another country isn't as simple as deciding which shipping method will get your pet to their new home. Several requirements include vaccinations, tests, treatments, and health certification requirements, all of which can be complicated and time-consuming.  

The information below will give you a general overview to help get you started with international pet travel planning. Keep in mind that specific requirements can vary depending on where you are going. At a minimum, you will need to know the type of animal traveling, the destination country, the date of departure from the U.S., and how your pet will be traveling – alone, as cargo, or with a person in the plane cabin. 

1. Check Country Requirements – Start This Part Early! 

First, pet owners should visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) website to review country requirements for pet arrival. Pet certification requirements vary from country to country. Most countries require that your pet be checked and certified by a federally accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA.  

An USDA-accredited veterinarian can help you learn more about the destination country's requirements for pets, including vaccinations, tests, or treatments. It may be useful to create a schedule to ensure that all requirements are met within a specified timeframe. 

• Use the worksheet list to plan and gather information required for your pet's trip and complete the process for obtaining a health certificate. Pet Owner Worksheet for Preparing Visit with Accredited Veterinarian to Complete Health Certificate 

Lastly, call the appropriate embassy in Washington, DC to confirm entry requirements for the country you're moving to. Some countries do no permit importation or have long quarantine requirements. 

2. Read These Resources 

• Pet Travel Guidance for Pets Traveling to Another Country From the United States 
  
• Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling With Your Pet

3. Check Airline Pet Policies 

Check your airline for their policies regarding pet travel. For example, some airlines state that animals 100 lbs. or larger (including the weight of the cage) will be charged as cargo even if they travel on the same plane as you. Also, some countries won't require a health certification, but a particular airline will, and additional USDA endorsement fees may apply. 

Note: the travel policies of U.S. airlines are subject to change at any time. 

If your pet must be shipped as cargo using a commercial shipper, contact a provider early in your moving process using IPATA. 

Traveling with a Service Animal 

As of December 2020, only trained service animals may assist owners with either physical or psychiatric disabilities will be allowed to travel in the cabin free of charge. Emotional support animals will no longer receive the same entitlement. Read the final rule at the U.S. Department of Transportation Final Rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals. Again, airlines may also have their own policies and requirements, so confirm directly with the airline in the early planning stages. 

More information can be found here - Service Dog Registration of America (SDRA) | VetDogs.org  

4. Don't Forget About Emergency Planning for Your Pet!

As overseas pet owners, the possibility of emergency situations that could require an evacuating an area, so consider your resources and options if an unpredictable event requires a rapid departure or shipping of a pet.  

Please refer to the following guidelines on preparing for pet evacuation from the U.S. Department of State. 

What if I'm returning to the U.S. with my Pet? 

Visit the USDA APHIS Pet Travel Website's Bring Your Pet into the U.S. From a Foreign Country to obtain detailed and important information for pets entering the U.S. 

Wrapping Up

As daunting as the task may seem with all the detailed steps involved, some early planning and understanding the requirements can help make moving your pets overseas less intimidating. The information provided here is a starting point and is not comprehensive of any additional fees, tests, or certifications that may be required. Please conduct your own research with the links provided and be sure to stay current with country requirements and airline policies. 

Hiring Overseas?

Are you a company planning to hire overseas? TCWGlobal can help with that! Check out our Country Hiring Guides here.

Good luck! 

Note: this information only pertains to only cats and dogs. For other pets, you'll want to check country requirements and airline policies for more information. 

Additional Resources:

Pet Owner Worksheet for Obtaining an International Health Certificate for Pets 

Pet Owners Checklist for Shipping Health Certificate(s) to a USDA Endorsement Office 

Cost to Endorse Your Pet's Health Certificate 

Find an Accredited Veterinarian 

USDA Endorsement Offices