What is the procedure to transfer my pet to a different country?

From vaccinations to microchipping to quarantine laws, here are the ways to ensure safe travel in the U.S., UK, Canada, Middle East, and Australia with your pet.

It can be a big decision to move away, and there will be a lot of planning that requires thought. This can be even bigger when you have a pet to take with you. With different import regulations for each country, procedures can be quite confusing. But not to worry, we are here to explain the different steps to keep in mind while flying to a different country with your pet. Every step is important. Since the process is time-bound, making sure everything has been done to guarantee your pet’s safety starts now.

What are the steps?

Aside from certain country specifications, the general outline for international travel remains the same. To make the process easier and to prevent your pet from being denied entry or having an extended quarantine, here are a few guidelines that you must keep in mind.

Microchip: A crucial step under international travel procedures is to implant a microchip in your pet (dog or cat). It is a painless process where a tiny device is implanted between the shoulder blades. This is essential in most countries and only takes a few seconds. The microchip consists of your pet’s health records, vaccination information, contact information, and other necessary data that can be retrieved by a vet or customs officials by just scanning the chip.

Country Types: Depending on their rabies status, countries in the world have been divided into three categories. This includes rabies-free countries, rabies-controlled countries, and high-rabies countries. If the individual is moving from a rabies-free country, they only require an approved permit along with the vaccinations mentioned. In contrast, if it is from a high-risk country, the procedure asks for further certifications and higher surveillance on vaccine checks. Otherwise, the process remains the same.

Tip: Make sure the country you are travelling from is mentioned under the listed countries of the destination country to make it an easier process.

Vaccinations: When relocating, the owner must present a record of their pet’s vaccinations. Vaccines for rabies and other vaccines like DHLPP are mandatory. Depending on the country you are travelling to, additional vaccines may be required. The applicants' pet cat needs both the FVRCP and the rabies vaccines, while pet dogs may require additional vaccinations for canine influenza, coronavirus, Lyme disease, etc., depending on the country. Vaccinations against chlamydia, feline leukaemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, etc. may also be required for cats. Also, don’t forget to administer the pet's booster shots on schedule to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.

They need to submit an EU pet passport for further details, but under travel procedures for Canada, they can also submit a health certificate that has been verified by a licenced veterinarian in the origin country.

Tests for Rabies:

Where does India stand in terms of rabies?

According to the WHO, “India is endemic for rabies, and accounts for 36% of the world’s rabies deaths.” Rabies causes 18,000-20,000 deaths per year in India. 30-60% of these rabies cases are in children under the age of 15, which, as per WHO, could be because dog bites in children tend to go “unrecognized and/or unreported.”

Most rabies-free and rabies-controlled countries call for an RNAT, or Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test. This test is used to measure the antibodies present in the pet’s dog after the vaccination. This test determines whether the pet can be permitted entry to a rabies-free country. This test is applicable to Australia, Canada, the U.S.A., and the Middle East.

When travelling to the UK, an applicant must get their dog, cat, or ferret vaccinated for rabies along with blood tests. They are only permitted to bring their pet into the country 21 days after the primary vaccination. In addition, if they are travelling from countries that are not listed, they must have a blood sample taken thirty days after the vaccine was taken. The results must show that the vaccine was successful and must be recorded on the pet's passport or a health certificate, followed by the date the blood sample was taken. Getting booster vaccinations and keeping track of the due dates is also a requirement when travelling to the UK.

Important: The pet will only be allowed to travel three months after the blood sample is taken. It will also remain valid as long as these vaccinations are up to date.

Pet insurance and taxes: Spain’s new Animal Welfare Law passed in March 2023 makes pet insurance mandatory for dog owners. Pet insurance is usually a state/province issue, with some states in western countries making pet insurance mandatory in recent years. Check on official government websites of the city/province you’re moving your pet to. Switzerland has CHF 100 (~Rs 9200) dog tax that all dog owners need to pay annually. Many towns in Germany also levy an annual tax on dog owners, and subsequent dogs (more than one) are charged higher taxes. The Netherlands also levies a dog tax (hondenbelasting) on dog owners.

Laws for quarantine: The rules for quarantine are currently minimal. However, if you are travelling to Japan, the pet will be in quarantine for ten hours, compared to ten days in Australia.

The right certification: Before travelling, make sure to carry proof to explain that the pet is healthy and fit, either as a letter from the vet or through adequate information recorded on the pet passport. Carry proof of rabies vaccination and documents that prove treatment for tapeworm, screwworm, or other parasites according to the country you are travelling to, followed by an application for an import permit.

Make sure to apply for a Great Britain pet health certificate before travelling to the UK, along with the other documents.

The right crate: Finally, the last step in the process. After making sure you find the right airline, asking for guidelines for your travel and identifying the right crate for your pet are crucial. Make sure to find the right size according to the specifications of the airline. In addition, your pet must be placed in an IATA-compliant crate for safe transport. The comfort of your pet is also a priority. Making sure they get used to the crate and training them accordingly will be helpful during travel.

All done! Here is a quick reminder:

If you haven’t checked out the guidelines for your destination, now is the time. Making sure your pet is comfortable while also knowing how it will be taken care of becomes the owner’s priority. Do not forget to carry the right documents and evidence while travelling to avoid denial of the pet’s entry. Make sure to check official government websites for detailed information if necessary.

Box Content/Extra Info:

How much does relocation cost?

Depending on the country you’re travelling to, the cost of relocating your pet may also differ. For instance, the cost to take your pet to the UK may range between £500 and £4,000, depending on the size of your pet. While the estimated cost required to relocate your pet to Canada may range between Rs. 2 lakhs and Rs. 8 lakhs based on the size of the crate, cargo, and airline chosen,

In Australia, the cost of bringing your pet is $4,000 (USD), and international pet travel in the U.S. is around $4,500. Travelling to the Middle East may cost between AED 2,979 and AED 3,585.

How long does the process take?

The procedures may range from three months to a year, depending on the process and country the applicant is travelling to.

Useful Tips:

Breeds such as the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasilerio are banned in the UK.

If ever your dog gets lost in the country and is collected by the police, you may need to pay a fine and show vaccination certificates and other documents to prove that the pet is yours.

It is compulsory for all dogs to be leashed and for big dogs to be muzzled in the Middle East, Australia, and Canada. While regulations in the UK and U.S. are restricted to certain places like parks, roads, and play areas. 

While there are no quarantine requirements for cats, it is mandatory for dogs to be in quarantine for at least 10 days in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Singapore.