Relocating overseas is complicated enough before you factor in a four-legged family member. Coordinating pet shipping alongside a household move means managing two separate logistics chains, each with their own timelines, paperwork, and regulations.
The good news is that with the right planning, thousands of pets make the journey from the UK to destinations worldwide every year. The key is starting early, understanding what your destination requires, and working with specialists who know the process inside out.
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At 1st Move International, we handle the household side: packing, removals, and customs clearance for your furniture and personal effects. And for pet travel, we’ve partnered with PetAir UK, a vet-led pet relocation specialist and British Airways Preferred Partner who have safely transported over 32,000 pets to more than 300 destinations worldwide. Together, we make sure both your belongings and your pets arrive safely. 1st Move International customers also receive 5% off PetAir’s services.
When to start planning pet travel
The single biggest mistake pet owners make when moving abroad is leaving pet travel arrangements too late. Pet travel timelines are dictated by vaccination schedules, blood tests, and government processing times that cannot be rushed, so it’s important to start the process early.
Here’s a rough guide to how far in advance you need to start, depending on where you’re moving:
| Destination | Minimum lead time | Why it takes this long |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 6-7 months | Rabies titre test, 180-day residency requirement, import permit, quarantine booking |
| New Zealand | 6-7 months | Similar to Australia: titre test, residency requirement, import permit |
| Singapore | 2-3 months | Import permit, rabies titre test, pre-export isolation |
| South Africa | 2-3 months | Import permit, rabies titre test, specific vaccination schedule |
| USA | 1-2 months | CDC Dog Import Form, microchip, dog must be at least 6 months old |
| Canada | 1-2 months | Rabies vaccination, health certificate within 5 days of travel |
| UAE (Dubai) | 1-2 months | Import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate |
| EU countries | 1 month minimum | Animal Health Certificate (post-Brexit), rabies vaccination (21-day wait) |
The practical takeaway: if you’re getting a removals quote from us for Australia or New Zealand, you should already be talking to a pet transport specialist. For closer destinations like the USA, Canada, or the EU, starting 2-3 months out gives comfortable breathing room.
A specialist like PetAir can map out the exact timeline for your destination and make sure every step happens in the right order, because getting the sequence wrong (for example, vaccinating before microchipping) can reset the entire clock.
Destination regulations at a glance
Every country sets its own rules for importing pets. Some are straightforward; others involve months of preparation. The table below summarises the core requirements for the destinations most popular with UK movers.
For official UK government guidance on taking pets out of the country, see the gov.uk pet travel advice.
| Destination | Microchip | Rabies vaccination | Titre test | Health certificate | Quarantine | Estimated cost (dog) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Required | Recommended* | No | Recommended* | No | £1,500-£3,000 |
| Australia | Required | Required | Yes | Required (govt endorsed) | Yes (10-30 days) | £2,500-£6,000 |
| Canada | Recommended | Required (over 3 months) | No | Required (within 5 days) | No | £1,500-£2,500 |
| New Zealand | Required | Required | Yes | Required (govt endorsed) | Yes (10 days min) | £2,500-£5,000 |
| Dubai / UAE | Required | Required | No | Required | No | £1,500-£3,000 |
| Singapore | Required | Required | Yes | Required | No (if compliant) | £2,000-£3,500 |
| South Africa | Required | Required | Yes | Required | No (if compliant) | £2,000-£4,000 |
| Cyprus | Required | Required | No | Animal Health Certificate | No | £1,200-£2,000 |
| Malta | Required | Required | No | Animal Health Certificate | No | £1,200-£2,000 |
Important notes:
- All costs are approximate and vary depending on your pet’s size, breed, and the level of service you choose. Cats are typically at the lower end of each range.
- The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. If this is done in the wrong order, the vaccination is considered invalid and you’ll need to start again.
- For EU destinations (including Cyprus and Malta), UK pet passports are no longer valid since Brexit. You now need an Animal Health Certificate issued by an Official Veterinarian.
- *USA: since August 2024, all dogs must be at least 6 months old and microchipped to enter the USA. The CDC does not require rabies vaccination or a health certificate for dogs arriving from low-risk countries (the UK is classified as low-risk), but individual states and airlines may still require both. In practice, most pet transport companies will arrange a rabies vaccination and health certificate regardless, as they are widely expected.
- Australia classifies the UK as a Group 3 country. The default quarantine period for Group 3 is 30 days, but this can be reduced to 10 days if your pet’s identity is officially verified before the rabies titre blood test. Getting this sequencing right is critical, and is one of the key reasons to use a specialist for Australia moves.
- Australia and New Zealand each have limited quarantine capacity (Mickleham in Melbourne for Australia; approved facilities in Auckland and Christchurch for New Zealand). Without a confirmed quarantine booking, your pet will not be permitted to enter either country.
Regulations change, and getting any detail wrong can mean delays, additional costs, or your pet being refused entry. This is one of the strongest reasons to work with a specialist pet transport company rather than trying to manage the process yourself.
How pet shipping and transport actually works
If you haven’t shipped a pet internationally before, the process can feel overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how it typically works when using a professional pet transport company.
1. Consultation and planning
A reputable company will start with a detailed consultation covering your destination, your pet’s breed, age, and health, and your travel timeline. They’ll map out every step and deadline so nothing gets missed. Companies like PetAir assign a dedicated coordinator who manages the entire process from start to finish.
2. Microchipping and vaccinations
Your pet will need an ISO-compliant microchip (15 digits) implanted before any vaccinations. The rabies vaccination must come after the microchip, and most destinations require a minimum 21-day wait after the primary rabies jab before travel.
Some destinations (Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa) also require a rabies titre blood test to confirm the vaccination has produced adequate immunity. This test must be processed by an approved laboratory, and results can take several weeks.
3. Health certificates and paperwork
Within a set window before departure (usually 10 days, though this varies), your vet must complete an official health certificate confirming your pet is fit to travel and meets all import requirements. For some destinations, this certificate then needs endorsement by APHA (the Animal and Plant Health Agency, the UK government body responsible for export health certification).
A vet-led pet transport company handles this paperwork on your behalf, which significantly reduces the risk of errors that could delay or prevent travel.
4. Travel crate preparation
Your pet will travel in an IATA-compliant crate sized specifically for them. The crate must allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. PetAir builds custom crates in their Dorset workshop, tailored to each pet’s measurements, which ensures both comfort and compliance with airline requirements.
Ideally, introduce your pet to their travel crate several weeks before departure so they’re comfortable and relaxed inside it by travel day.
5. The journey
Most pets leaving the UK travel as manifest cargo in a temperature-controlled hold, not in the passenger cabin. This is a legal requirement for pets entering many countries (including the UK itself on return). Your pet will be among the last to board and first to disembark.
Professional transport companies coordinate collection from your home, pre-flight boarding if needed, airport check-in, and delivery at the destination. You should receive updates throughout the journey.
6. Arrival and clearance
At the destination, your pet will go through customs and biosecurity checks. In countries with quarantine requirements (Australia, New Zealand), your pet will be transferred to a government quarantine facility for the required period. In non-quarantine destinations, your pet is typically cleared and available for collection or delivery the same day.
Preparing your pet for travel
The logistics and paperwork are only half the picture. How well your pet handles the journey depends largely on the preparation you do in the weeks before departure.
Crate training
Your pet will spend several hours in their travel crate, so it needs to feel like a safe, familiar space rather than something they encounter for the first time on travel day. Start at least 4-6 weeks before departure. Place the crate in a room your pet spends time in, with the door open, and add their usual bedding inside. Let them explore it at their own pace. Once they’re comfortable going in and out, begin closing the door for short periods while you’re in the room, gradually increasing the duration over several days.
Feed meals inside the crate to build a positive association. For dogs, try placing the crate near where they usually sleep overnight. The goal is for your pet to choose to rest in the crate voluntarily. If your pet is still reluctant after a couple of weeks, speak to your vet or a behaviourist, as forcing the issue can make travel anxiety worse.
Medication and health considerations
If your pet takes regular medication, plan carefully around the travel date. Make sure you have enough supply to cover the journey plus at least a week’s buffer in case of delays or disruptions. Discuss the travel plan with your vet, as the timing of some medications may need adjusting around the flight.
Pack medication with your pet’s travel paperwork or in your own carry-on, never in checked luggage or the cargo crate. If your pet will need medication administered during quarantine (in Australia or New Zealand, for example), notify the quarantine facility in advance and complete any required care declarations so staff can continue the routine without interruption.
This is also a good time to discuss any concerns about your pet’s fitness to fly. Older pets, those with heart or respiratory conditions, and brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds all carry higher risk during air travel. A vet-led pet transport company can assess whether your pet is suitable for the journey and recommend any precautions.
Temperature and seasonal restrictions
Airlines impose temperature embargoes and will not fly pets when ground temperatures at the departure, transit, or arrival airport fall outside safe limits (typically below 7°C or above 30°C, though thresholds vary by airline). This means summer departures from the UK can be risky, and arrivals into hot climates like Dubai or Australia may be restricted during peak months.
Brachycephalic breeds face tighter restrictions, as some airlines will only carry them during cooler months or refuse them entirely on certain routes. If you’re moving to a warm destination, your travel dates may need to work around these embargoes, so raise this early with your pet transport company. PetAir monitors weather conditions in the lead-up to departure and can advise on the safest routing and timing for your pet.
Costs and what to budget for
Pet transport costs vary significantly depending on your destination, your pet’s size, and the level of service you choose. Here’s a breakdown of what typically makes up the total cost.
Veterinary preparation covers microchipping, vaccinations, blood tests (if required), and the health certificate. Depending on your destination, this can range from £200-£500 or more.
The travel crate is usually included in a professional transport company’s quote. If buying separately, IATA-compliant crates range from £100-£400 depending on size.
The flight is the biggest single cost. Airlines charge based on crate dimensions and weight, and rates vary significantly between carriers and routes. As a rough guide, flights from the UK range from around £1,000 for a small cat to short-haul destinations, up to £4,000+ for large dogs to long-haul destinations like Australia.
Quarantine fees apply in Australia and New Zealand. These are paid directly to the government quarantine facility and vary depending on the length of stay and any additional veterinary care required. Check the current fee schedule with the Australian Department of Agriculture or New Zealand MPI before budgeting.
Import permits and government fees vary by country. Australia’s import permit costs approximately AUD $480.
Door-to-door services such as collection from your home, pre-flight boarding, airport handling, and delivery at the destination add to the total but remove significant stress and logistical complexity.
When comparing quotes, make sure you’re comparing like for like. Some companies quote all-inclusive prices; others list a base price with extras added later. Ask specifically what’s included and what’s not.
1st Move International customers receive 5% off PetAir’s services. PetAir includes everything in their quotes with no hidden costs, so the price you’re quoted is the price you pay. You can request a free quote from PetAir here.
If you’re in the early stages of planning your move, you can find out more about our international removals services on our key destination pages, including removals to Australia, removals to the USA, removals to New Zealand, removals to Canada, and removals to Dubai.
Choosing a pet transport company
Not all pet transport companies are created equal. Here’s what to look for when choosing who to trust with your pet.
Accreditations and memberships
The most reputable companies hold memberships with industry bodies such as IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association), comply with IATA Live Animals Regulations, and are registered with DEFRA. These aren’t just logos on a website; they indicate that the company operates to recognised standards for animal welfare during transport.
Veterinary involvement
Some companies are vet-led, meaning qualified veterinarians are involved in planning and overseeing your pet’s journey. This provides an extra layer of safety, particularly for older pets, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, or animals with health conditions.
Airline relationships
Companies with established airline partnerships can often secure better routing, handle check-in procedures more smoothly, and resolve issues faster if anything changes. PetAir, for example, is a British Airways Preferred Partner, which gives them direct access to BA’s cargo operations for pet shipments.
Transparency on costs
Ask for a fully itemised quote and confirm whether it’s all-inclusive. A reputable company will be upfront about every cost involved and won’t surprise you with additional fees after you’ve committed.
Reviews and track record
Check independent review platforms (Trustpilot, Google Reviews) for recent feedback. Look for comments specifically about communication, handling of paperwork, and the condition of pets on arrival.
Settling in at your destination
Once your pet arrives and clears customs (or completes quarantine, if applicable), there are a few practical steps to help them adjust.
Register with a local vet. Ideally, research veterinary practices in your new area before you travel so you have somewhere to go immediately if needed. Your pet may need follow-up vaccinations, parasite treatments, or a general health check after a long journey. If you’re moving to a country with different endemic diseases (heartworm in parts of the USA and Australia, for example), your new vet can advise on any additional preventative treatments your pet will need going forward.
Update your pet’s microchip. Contact the microchip database your pet is registered with and update your address, phone number, and country of residence. If your destination country uses a different microchip registry, you may need to register your pet on the local database as well. This is easy to overlook in the chaos of settling in, but it’s essential: a microchip is only useful if the contact details behind it are current.
Local registration. Some countries and municipalities require pets to be registered with local authorities within a set timeframe after arrival. Requirements vary, so check what applies in your specific area. Your pet transport company or new vet can usually point you in the right direction.
Give your pet time to adjust. A new home, different smells, an unfamiliar climate, and the stress of travel can all take a toll. Keep your pet’s routine as close to normal as possible in the first few weeks: consistent feeding times, familiar food (bring a supply from the UK if your brand isn’t available locally), and their usual toys or bedding. Avoid introducing too many new experiences at once. Most pets settle within a week or two, but some take longer, particularly cats, who are more sensitive to changes in environment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fly with my pet in the cabin from the UK?
For most international destinations, no. When departing the UK, cabin travel depends on the airline’s policy and the destination country’s rules, but most long-haul airlines do not permit pets in the cabin on routes from the UK. The standard method is for your pet to travel in a temperature-controlled cargo hold, which is specifically designed for live animal transport.
How long is quarantine in Australia for pets from the UK?
The UK is classified as a Group 3 country by Australia, which means the default quarantine period is 30 days at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne (the only quarantine facility for cats and dogs in Australia). This can be reduced to 10 days if your pet’s identity is officially verified before the rabies titre blood test, so getting the sequencing right during the preparation stage is essential. Quarantine spaces are limited and must be booked well in advance. If no space is available on your pet’s arrival date, they will not be permitted to enter the country.
Do I need a pet passport after Brexit?
No. Since Brexit, EU pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for travel to the EU. Instead, you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. This certificate covers rabies vaccination status, microchip details, and (for dogs) tapeworm treatment. Your pet transport company or vet can arrange this.
How much does it cost to move a pet overseas?
Costs vary widely depending on destination, pet size, and level of service. As a rough guide, shipping a cat from the UK typically starts from around £1,200-£1,500, while dogs range from £1,500 to over £6,000 for large breeds travelling to long-haul destinations like Australia. These figures include the flight, crate, veterinary preparation, and paperwork. Quarantine fees (where applicable) are additional. To get an accurate estimate, we’d recommend speaking to a specialist. Our partner PetAir UK offers free, no-obligation quotes and includes everything upfront so there are no hidden costs. 1st Move International customers also receive 5% off PetAir’s services.
Can I take a puppy to the USA?
Since August 2024, all dogs entering the USA must be at least 6 months old. This applies regardless of vaccination status or country of origin. If your puppy is younger than 6 months, you will need to wait until they reach the minimum age before they can travel to the USA.
Can certain dog breeds be shipped internationally?
Most breeds can travel internationally, but some face restrictions. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs are considered higher risk for air travel due to breathing difficulties, and some airlines restrict or refuse to carry them, particularly during warmer months. Some countries also have breed-specific legislation: the UK bans certain breeds (such as Pit Bull Terriers), and Australia prohibits breeds including the Japanese Tosa, Fila Brasileiro, and Dogo Argentino. Always check both airline policies and destination country rules for your specific breed.
What happens if my pet’s paperwork is rejected?
If documentation is incomplete or incorrect at departure, your pet may be refused boarding. If issues are discovered on arrival, your pet could face extended quarantine or even be returned to the UK at your expense. This is one of the strongest arguments for using a professional pet transport company: they check every document before departure and are experienced in avoiding the errors that cause rejections.
Should I sedate my pet for the flight?
Veterinarians generally advise against sedating pets for air travel. Sedatives can affect breathing and balance at altitude, which increases health risks, particularly on long-haul flights. Most pets travel calmly when properly crate-trained in advance. If you’re concerned about your pet’s anxiety, discuss non-sedative options with your vet or pet transport company.
Conclusion
Moving abroad with a pet requires careful planning, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is starting early, understanding your destination’s requirements, and working with professionals who handle this every day.
At 1st Move International, we take care of your household goods with our specialist packing and weekly removals services. For your pet, visit our partner PetAir UK to make sure the other member of your family is looked after too. You can request a free quote from PetAir here.
Ready to start planning your move? Get a free international removals quote from 1st Move International.
About 1st Move International
1st Move International are a specialist international moving and shipping company offering packing, shipping, and insurance for household goods and personal effects overseas. With a global network covering over 80 countries and 6,500 destinations, we provide safe, fast, and reliable relocation services. You can get an international removals quote, or find more information on our international moving services. We specialise in international removals to some of the world’s most popular destinations, including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Dubai.
