Travelling Abroad with Pets
Download PDFIf you’re relocating abroad, you’ll no doubt be busy scheduling everything in and preparing for the big move, and if your pets are moving with you, then you’ll need to be even more organised!
When travelling overseas with pets, there are certain rules and regulations that need to be followed in order for your pet to legitimately travel and enter the country. Depending on whether you are travelling from another European Union (EU) country or a country outside of the EU, you could face different rules which you need to adhere to.
We’ve highlighted all of the requirements that need to be carried out when travelling abroad with pets, so be sure to read through them carefully so you know exactly what you need to do prior to your travel date.
Travelling within the EU e.g. Spain and France
Vaccinations
Your pet should be vaccinated against rabies and you need to wait 21 days after the vaccination has been given before you travel. Please note that the vaccination should be done before your pet is microchipped.
If you are travelling with a dog, your dog must be given a tapeworm treatment. This should be no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before you enter the country you are travelling to.
Microchipped
Your pet must be microchipped before travelling so, should you be unfortunate enough to lose your pet, they can be easily be found. Remember, the microchipping should be done after your pet has been vaccinated against rabies.
Passport/certificate
Your pet will need a passport, regardless of which country they are travelling to. If your pet does not have an EU passport, then they will need a third-country official veterinary certificate instead.
The passport is proof of the vaccinations your pet has had, and proof of these will need to be shown when applying for the passport.
Travelling outside the EU e.g. America
In the same way as if you were travelling to a country within the EU, your pet will need to be microchipped, vaccinated and have a passport when travelling outside of the EU.
Blood test
A blood test needs to be taken 30 days after the vaccinations are given. This is for proof that the vaccinations were successful. After the blood test, you must wait 3 months before you can safely travel with your pet.
Declaration
A declaration form will need to be filled out, confirming that you do not intend to sell or transfer the ownership of your pet to someone else.
Approved route
When travelling outside of the EU, you must have an approved route of travel. For instance, you cannot bring a pet into the UK via a private boat or a plane from outside of the UK. You should also only use an approved transport company.
Travelling to Australia
Australia has some different regulations, so if you’re travelling there with your pet, have a read through some of these rules:
Banned breeds and animals
The following animals are not permitted to enter the country: fish, ferrets, chinchillas, guinea pigs, mice, hamsters, spiders, lizards and turtles.
And the following dog breeds are banned: Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino,, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, American Pit Bull, Fila Brasileiro or Presa Canario.
Entering by air
Pets must enter the country as air cargo via Melbourne or Sydney International Airports. All pets entering the country are subject to 10 days in quarantine – except those entering from New Zealand, the Keeling Islands or Norfolk Island.
This is a brief overview of the regulations to follow when travelling with pets, however we recommend you look up the specific rules and regulations of the country you are relocating to. This way, you can see the exact rules for pets entering your destination and be clear on the actions you need to take.
Here at Britannia Sandersteads, our qualified team of removals experts have relocated many of our customers abroad and can be on hand to help assist with all areas of your move. So whether you’re relocating to Spain, France, USA or Australia, simply contact us today for more information.