Moving a dog or cat between countries comes down to three things: a microchip fitted before the rabies vaccine, a rabies vaccination with the right waiting period, and, from many countries, a rabies antibody (titre) blood test months before travel. The EU and Great Britain both require a titre test from non-listed countries, with a three-month wait after the blood sample. The US now requires every dog to be at least 6 months old, microchipped and carrying a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Countries with strict rabies controls, such as Japan, Australia and New Zealand, are the slowest and most expensive to enter.
This is a wiki: members can edit this first post to add options, prices and experiences. Please keep it factual and say when you last used a service.
Last checked: October 2026
In short:
- EU entry from a non-EU country: microchip, rabies vaccine at least 12 weeks old plus 21 days, and in most cases a titre test at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before the health certificate is issued.
- Japan requires a 180-day wait after the antibody blood sample and 40 days’ notice. Australia’s minimum post-entry quarantine is 10 days, with government fees starting around AUD 1,877 for one animal.
- Pets into Great Britain on approved commercial air routes travel in the hold. American Airlines bans flat-faced breeds as checked pets and limits in-cabin pets to the Americas.
Rules by destination
Official requirements checked 6 October 2026.
| Destination | What it’s for | Price from (checked 6 Oct 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU (from non-EU country) | Dogs, cats, ferrets on non-commercial moves | Vet and lab costs only | Microchip; rabies vaccine at 12+ weeks, valid from 21 days; titre test unless exempt country; animal health certificate valid 10 days to entry checks; max 5 pets |
| Great Britain | Dogs, cats, ferrets | Vet costs only | Microchip before rabies vaccine; wait 21 days; dogs need tapeworm treatment 24 hours to 5 days before arrival; titre test from non-EU, unlisted countries, then 3-month wait; approved routes only |
| United States (dogs) | All dogs entering or returning | CDC form is online | 6 months or older, microchip, CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Extra rules if the dog was in a high-risk rabies country in the last 6 months |
| Japan | Dogs and cats from non-designated regions | Not confirmed | Microchip, 2+ rabies shots, antibody test at 0.5 IU/ml or more, arrival 180+ days after blood sample, notify 40+ days ahead. Non-compliant animals face up to 180 days’ quarantine |
| Australia | Cats and dogs from approved countries only | AUD 269 reservation + AUD 1,078 importation + AUD 53 a day (10 days = AUD 530) | Import permit, then post-entry quarantine at Mickleham, Victoria; minimum 10 days |
| New Zealand | Cats and dogs | Not confirmed | Per MPI’s by-vessel guide: import permit for category 2 and 3 countries (allow 30 working days); minimum 10 days’ quarantine; titre test 3 to 24 months before departure from category 3 countries |
The US dog rules since 2024
CDC’s rules, first published in July 2024, apply to every dog. Dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries need only the basics. Dogs that were in a high-risk country in the past 6 months need more: US-vaccinated dogs need a USDA-endorsed certification of US rabies vaccination, while foreign-vaccinated dogs need a CDC certification form, a valid titre from a CDC-approved lab and a booked arrival at an airport with a CDC-registered animal care facility. An unvaccinated dog from a high-risk country will not be allowed in.
Airlines
- Delta takes small dogs, cats and household birds in the cabin. The fee is $150 within the US and Canada for tickets issued from 8 April 2025, and $200 on international routes.
- American Airlines charges $150 per kennel for carry-on pets within and between the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. It only accepts checked pets from active-duty US military and State Department staff on orders.
- Into Great Britain, the government’s approved-route list says commercial airlines “transport pets in the hold of the plane.” Plan for cargo, not the cabin.
Policies change often. Confirm with the airline before booking your own seat.
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds
Some airlines refuse snub-nosed dogs and cats in the hold. American lists bulldogs, boxers, pugs, Boston terriers and Pekingese among dogs it won’t take as checked pets, and Persian, Himalayan, Burmese and Exotic Shorthair cats. If you own one of these breeds, check every airline on the itinerary.
Relocation agents and cost drivers
IPATA is a non-profit trade association of pet shippers. Its member directory lets you search pet shippers worldwide and filter for handlers certified for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) animals. Membership isn’t a guarantee, so ask for references.
Costs rise with crate size, number of flights and transits, titre tests and vet visits, government quarantine (Australia’s alone is over AUD 1,800) and agent fees. Get two or three written quotes.
How to choose
- Within the EU or to the UK: usually DIY with your vet.
- Into the US: check your dog’s last 6 months against CDC’s high-risk list first.
- Into Australia, New Zealand or Japan: start 6 to 7 months ahead and consider an IPATA agent.
- Flat-faced or very large dog: an agent who knows which airlines will carry them is worth paying for.
Member experiences
Reply below with which one you use and why: route, airline, breed and total cost.
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Quick answers
Q: Does my dog need a titre test to enter the EU?
Usually yes, if coming from a non-EU country that isn’t exempt. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the primary rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued. Start at least four months before you travel.
Q: What are the new US rules for bringing a dog in?
Every dog must be at least 6 months old, microchipped and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Dogs that were in a high-risk rabies country in the past 6 months need extra paperwork, and foreign-vaccinated dogs must arrive at an airport with a CDC-registered animal care facility.
Q: How long is pet quarantine in Australia?
The minimum is 10 days at the Mickleham post-entry quarantine facility in Victoria, for animals that meet all pre-export requirements. Government fees start with a AUD 269 reservation charge, a AUD 1,078 importation charge and AUD 53 a day. Longer stays and vet care cost extra.
Sources
- European Commission: Non-commercial movement of pets from non-EU countries
- GOV.UK: Bring your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain
- GOV.UK: Rabies blood tests
- GOV.UK: Approved air routes for pet travel
- CDC: Bringing a dog into the United States
- CDC: Frequently asked questions on dog importations
- Japan Animal Quarantine Service: Dogs from non-designated regions
- Australian Department of Agriculture: Bringing cats and dogs to Australia
- Australian Department of Agriculture: Post-entry quarantine fees
- NZ Ministry for Primary Industries: Bringing your cat or dog into New Zealand (by vessel)
- Delta: Pet travel overview
- American Airlines: Travelling with pets
- IPATA: Home and member directory
This is general information from the Nomad Forums team, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; check the official source or a qualified adviser before acting.
Over to you: Which airline actually carried your pet in the cabin on a long-haul route, and how did check-in go? If you used a relocation agent, was it worth the cost?