expat network

Taking Your Pet Abroad? Ignore These Rules And Risk Being Denied Entry!

For many people their pet is part of the family and so take their pet with them when moving abroad. The international health insurance experts at William Russell have analysed pet relocation rules across 14 popular destinations to reveal everything you need to know when taking your pet abroad.

1. Microchipping

Microchipping is one of the first steps to take when travelling with your pet and is often a non-negotiable. Spain, Portugal, Italy, France and Germany require an ISO-compliant microchip, and it must be implanted before the rabies vaccine to be valid.

Canada is the only popular expat country where microchips are not required; however, it’s strongly recommended by officials to avoid any issues during customs or if your pet is lost.

2. Vaccinations

Ensuring your pet is vaccinated is another important step before travelling, especially against rabies. With the exception of the United States, every country included requires proof of rabies vaccination.

In most European countries, the rabies vaccine must be given after microchipping and at least 21 days before travel. Australia and New Zealand require not just the rabies vaccination, but often rabies titre blood tests and strict health timelines.

3. Health Certificates and Pet Passports

Every single country on the list requires official documentation that proves your pet is healthy to travel. These documents will confirm microchipping, vaccinations, and your pet’s general health. If you’re travelling within the EU, you can use an EU pet passport. If you’re travelling outside of the EU, pet owners must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or an official veterinary health certificate signed by an authorised vet.

4. Quarantine Rules

Most destinations in Europe, North America, and the UAE will not require your pet to quarantine once they arrive in your chosen country if all paperwork and vaccinations are correct and in order. However, if you are travelling to Australia or New Zealand, both countries will require your pet to spend a minimum of 10 days in quarantine on arrival.

5. Breed Restrictions

When looking to relocate with your pet, many countries will enforce breed restrictions, particularly for dogs classed as dangerous or high risk. Spain, Portugal, France, the USA and the UAE all have some form of restricted breed list, and may require muzzles, registration, or special permits.

Breed restrictions can also differ from region to region, so it’s essential to check local regulations for the specific city or area you’re relocating to.

Countries such as Sweden and Malta do not enforce any breed restrictions on imported pets.

Qian Huang, International Claims Manager at William Russell, comments:

“When taking your pet abroad, you should begin by visiting your vet. They can provide the necessary vaccinations and microchipping, and help you get started with the paperwork. You must also check with the embassy of the country you intend to travel to in order to find the relevant documentation to legally import your pet.

Make sure all paperwork is completed and submitted ahead of your planned travel date and that you comply with all laws, otherwise, your pet may be turned away at the border, quarantined, or you could face up to a significant fine.”

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.