posted 8th October 2026
Moving abroad takes on a different meaning when a much loved pet is coming too. You can explain the adventure to the children. Explaining to the cat why its favourite chair is being packed into a van may be rather less successful. For many families, getting their pet safely to their new home is one of the biggest concerns of the entire move.
The best starting point is to plan your pet’s journey as soon as relocation becomes a serious possibility. Preparation can take weeks or months, depending on the animal and the destination. There is no single worldwide pet passport or universal checklist. Check the current requirements with the relevant government veterinary or animal import authorities, including any countries your pet will pass through.
Depending on the route, your pet may need a microchip, vaccinations, blood tests, parasite treatments, an import permit and a veterinary health certificate. Some paperwork must also be endorsed by a government authority. Ask your vet and relocation company to turn those requirements into a clear timetable, showing what must happen first and what needs completing shortly before departure.
The details deserve careful attention. Check that names, microchip numbers and vaccination dates match across the documents, and confirm who is responsible for obtaining each certificate or approval.
Keep digital copies, but make sure any required originals travel with your pet. If the travel date changes, ask whether tests, treatments or certificates need repeating. A folder full of paperwork is only useful if it is the right paperwork for that journey.
Check early whether your particular animal can enter the destination and whether quarantine applies. Restrictions may concern breeds, species, age or the animal’s country of origin. Birds, reptiles and other pets can need different arrangements from dogs and cats, including additional wildlife permits.
Quarantine can be a normal entry requirement on some routes, so do not assume that correct paperwork always removes it.
Your pet’s health and temperament should shape the travel plan. Discuss existing conditions, medication, age and anxiety with your vet before booking. Flat faced dogs and cats can face additional airline restrictions and need particular attention when planning transport. Ask whether the proposed journey and time of year are appropriate for your animal.
For flights, confirm the pet booking before committing to your own ticket. Cabin travel depends on the airline, route, animal and carrier size. Please bear in mind that other arrangements may be necessary. Ask where your pet will travel, how it will be handled and who will receive it. Connections, temperature restrictions and arrival facilities all need consideration. For journeys by road or ferry, ask about secure transport, ventilation, water and suitable rest arrangements.
The travel carrier deserves attention well before departure. It must meet the requirements for your animal and journey, with enough room for normal standing, turning and lying down. Let your pet become familiar with it gradually at home. A carrier that already feels familiar is a much better introduction to travel than one first encountered at check-in.
Do not assume that sedation will make flying easier. IATA discourages routine sedation during air transport because of the risks involved. Discuss anxiety and any medication with your vet, and check the carrier’s policy before travel.
Budget for the whole move. Ask for a written breakdown covering veterinary work, documents, the carrier, transport, handling charges, collection and delivery, plus any boarding or quarantine. Clarify what could cost extra if a flight changes or clearance takes longer than expected. Ask about insurance too, including exclusions, limits and whether cover applies throughout the journey.
This is where an experienced pet relocation company can be particularly valuable. Coordinating appointments, transport and arrival arrangements while organising your own move can become a substantial job. A capable specialist should explain the process clearly and identify problems before they become expensive or distressing. If other handlers or overseas partners are involved, you should understand their roles.
Choose a company with relevant experience of your type of pet and proposed route. Read recent reviews about comparable journeys, ask for references where useful, and verify any claimed professional memberships. Check the business’s identity, applicable licences and insurance. Its answers should be specific enough for you to understand exactly what you are paying for and who is responsible.
Ask who your main contact will be, when you will receive updates, and who you can reach outside normal office hours. Find out what happens if travel is delayed or your pet needs veterinary attention. A responsible provider should be comfortable discussing these possibilities and explaining the limits of what it can promise. Trust grows through clear answers and a practical plan.
Prepare for arrival as carefully as departure. Confirm that your permanent and temporary accommodation will accept your pet, and arrange a secure, quiet space with familiar bedding. Allow time to settle rather than immediately introducing a busy social schedule. Cats in particular need time indoors to become familiar with a new home before any outdoor access is considered.
Identify a local vet and transfer your pet’s medical records. Ask about local parasite prevention and any registration requirements, and update identification and microchip contact details as appropriate. Check whether your existing pet insurance continues after relocation. These small practical arrangements help you deal with everyday life once the excitement of moving has passed.
At EXAPS (Expats Alliance of Professional Standard), we believe that families moving abroad should be able to find professionals who take their responsibilities seriously. That matters particularly when you are entrusting someone with a much loved pet.
EXAPS members have signed our Code of Conduct and committed to standards that include clear communication, transparent fees and fair treatment. They also commit to meeting the licensing and insurance requirements of their profession and cooperating with our process for concerns about their conduct. Use that commitment alongside checks of a provider’s experience and suitability for your particular move.
EXAPS is expanding throughout the world, so keep an eye on our directory as the Alliance grows. Look for current EXAPS members who have signed our Code of Conduct, explore their services and ask which animals and routes they handle. It is a useful place to begin finding trusted support for your move, including the part of the family most likely to claim the new sofa first.
