![How to Take Your Pet Abroad | A Complete Guide to the Procedures [August 2026 Edition]](https://petair.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/how-do-i-take-my-pet-overseas.jpg)
Last Updated: August 1, 2026
Key points of this article
- When will the process begin?varies by destinationAs a general guideline, plan to start preparations 3 to 4 months in advance for destinations with simpler requirements, and at least 7 months in advance for destinations with more complex requirements.
- Regulations and quarantine systems vary significantly depending on the destination.
- This article is primarily aboutDogs & CatsThis applies to [...]. Other animal species, such as birds and rabbits, require a separate procedure.
- For dogs being imported into the U.S., online submission of the CDC Dog Import Form is required (effective August 2024; this requirement remains in effect).
- The new pet travel regulations for the EU areEnforced on April 22, 2026
Traveling Abroad with Your Pet: When Should You Start Preparing?
"How far in advance should I start preparing?" is the question I get asked most often.The amount of time needed to prepare varies greatly depending on the destination.. While the U.S. and some neighboring Asian countries may allow you to begin preparations in about 3 to 4 months, destinations that require antibody testing may take around 7 months, and in some cases, Australia and New Zealand may take 8 months or more. Once you’ve decided on your destination, be sure to check the required lead time as early as possible.
There are three main reasons why it takes time. (i)Rabies vaccination(1) The waiting period after vaccination before proceeding to the next step (such as an antibody titer test); (2) the number of days required to receive blood test results and obtain a certificate; (3) depending on the destination, a waiting period may be required after the blood draw for the rabies antibody titer test (whether this applies and the duration vary by destination)— —Because these three factors overlap, there is a high likelihood that you will not be able to complete the process in time if you start preparing at the last minute.
| Destination | Approximate minimum preparation time | special note |
|---|---|---|
| EU countries | Subject to change based on the destination's requirements | Please check the country-by-country list on the European Commission’s official website to determine whether a rabies antibody titer test is required. |
| United States of America | Approx. 3-4 months | For dogs, submission of the CDC online form is required. For cats, the requirements are different, so please check the official CDC website. |
| United Kingdom | Subject to change based on the destination's requirements | There are separate requirements distinct from those of the EU. Please check the official website for details, including whether an antibody test is required. |
| Australia | Approx. 8 months or more | Facility quarantine upon arrival (minimum 10 days) is required |
| New Zealand | Approx. 8 months or more | Facility quarantine is required upon arrival. Please check the MPI official website for the duration. |
| Singapore | Approx. 4-6 months | Customs clearance through an AVS-certified pet agent is mandatory (starting April 2026) |
| Asian Neighboring Countries | Approx. 3-6 months | Varies widely from country to country |
*The information above is for reference only. It may vary depending on the dog’s breed, age, health condition, departure airport, and airline. Please check with us during a free consultation for details on the preparation period. (Source: Animal Quarantine Service(Official information from various authorities, including the CDC, GOV.UK, DAFF (Australia), MPI (New Zealand), and NParks/AVS (Singapore); verified on August 2026)
Preparation timeline: work backwards from 7 months in advance
The required preparation period varies depending on your destination, but here we’ll assume a destination with many requirements and present a timeline starting 7 months in advance. For destinations that require a shorter preparation period, please proceed by following the relevant steps starting from the later stages of the process.
7 months to 6 months before] Information gathering and start of medical treatment
The first thing to do is,Confirmation of destination regulations and consultation with a veterinarianIt is. Main items to check at this time of year:
- Latest import requirements of the destination country (always check with official agencies)
- Type and schedule of vaccines required
- MicrochipAvailability of (If not installed, prompt action will be taken)
- Assess your pet's current health status
The main medical procedures performed during this period areAttachment of microchipandrabies vaccinationAs a general rule, it is recommended to have your pet microchipped before receiving vaccinations. Since destinations that require antibody titer testing typically require a blood sample to be taken a certain period after vaccination, it’s best to complete this process as early as possible. Please check with the Animal Quarantine Service or the authorities at your destination to confirm whether a specific order is acceptable.
5 months to 4 months prior to the start of antibody titer testing and document preparation
If you are traveling to a destination that requires an antibody titer test, once a certain amount of time has passed since your vaccination,Rabies antibody titer testWe will conduct this test. The reference antibody titer values are determined based on the destination (for travel to the EU,0.5 IU/ml or higher), Since the date of the blood draw for this certificate serves as the starting point for the subsequent schedule, it is important to keep track of the dates.
- Antibody Titer Testing (The designated testing facility may vary depending on your destination)
- Obtain certificate of results (in some cases it takes 2-3 weeks to be revealed)
- Advance consultation for export quarantine certificate (to the animal quarantine station at the departure airport)
- Start applying for an import permit for the destination country, if required.
Whether a rabies antibody titer test is required for travel to the EU, and the waiting period after blood collection if a test is required, are determined based on the country-specific lists published by the European Commission. Before traveling,List of Countries on the European Commission's Official WebsiteBe sure to check the latest requirements and eligibility criteria. Since certificate validity periods and quarantine periods vary by destination, please check the official websites of the relevant authorities for the latest requirements for other destinations as well.
3 months to 2 months in advance] Airline reservations and cage preparation
We’ll finalize our choice of airline and book our reservations during this time. The number of pet transport spaces is limited, and many airlines impose transport restrictions—especially during the summer—due to rising temperatures, soEarly reservations are essential.Please note that the periods during which these restrictions apply vary by airline, so be sure to check the airline's official website. Also,Snub-nosed breeds(French Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, etc.) are subject to transport restrictions by many airlines, so be sure to check in advance.
- Cages that meet IATA standardsSelection and purchase of
- Starting Crate Training
- Consult with the animal quarantine office with jurisdiction over the departure airport in advance and confirm the schedule
- Listing of local veterinary hospitals
1 month prior to departure】Final confirmation and completion of documents
We will have all the necessary documents ready one month before departure. This includes health certificates, etc.Documents with a short validity periodSince this is the case, be sure to coordinate the schedule with your regular veterinarian well in advance. The export inspection isAt least 14 days before your preferred inspection datetoAnimal Quarantine ServiceSubmit the application via NACCS (Animal Quarantine-Related Operations), andWithin 10 days of departureI will undergo an examination.
- Application for Export Inspection (by 14 days prior to the desired inspection date)
- Undergoing Export Inspection (Within 10 Days of Departure)
- Before Departure: Final health checkup and dietary management in accordance with the airline’s and veterinarian’s instructions (whether dietary restrictions are necessary and when to start them will vary depending on the animal’s condition and the airline)
- Verify the expiration dates of documents (to ensure they are all up to date) and make copies and save them digitally (cloud storage recommended)
Overall picture of required procedures and documents
(1) Microchip installation
In the case of dogs and cats, in almost every country,A microchip that complies with both ISO 11784 and ISO 11785The microchip must be implanted. A veterinarian will perform the implantation, after which the registration process will be completed. As a general rule,"Get the microchip implanted before getting vaccinated."We recommend following this order (in some countries, documents will be invalid if submitted in the reverse order). Please check with the Animal Quarantine Office or the authorities at your destination to confirm specific requirements.
Rabies vaccination
In many travel destinations,A certain age or olderThis is a requirement for rabies vaccination. Be sure to check the official government website for the age requirements specific to your destination. Since some destinations specify the type of vaccine (such as an inactivated vaccine), please consult your regular veterinarian in advance regarding which vaccine to use. For destinations that require an antibody titer test, it is standard practice to wait a certain period after vaccination before drawing blood, depending on the specific destination.
Rabies antibody titer test (for destinations that require it)
This is required for travel to many destinations, including Australia and New Zealand. The United Kingdom has established its own requirements, separate from those of the EU; please check the official GOV.UK website for information on whether an antibody titer test is required and the applicable standards. For travel to the EU, the requirement for a rabies antibody titer test is determined by the European Commission’s country-specific list, and the standards that apply when it is required are0.5 IU/ml or higher. The designated testing facilities, certificate validity periods, and quarantine periods prior to entry vary by destination. The latest requirements for travel to the EU areList of Countries on the European Commission's Official WebsiteBe sure to check the official websites of the authorities and animal quarantine offices in your other destinations as well.
(4) Obtain export quarantine certificate (animal quarantine station)
When exporting dogs and cats from Japan,Animal Quarantine Service, MAFFAn export health certificate issued by [...], is required. Please contact the animal quarantine office with jurisdiction over the departure airport,At least 14 days before your preferred inspection dateApply for an export inspection using NACCS, andWithin 10 days of departurewill undergo an inspection (Source: Animal Quarantine Service, “Procedures for Exporting Dogs", confirmed in August 2026). Since the certificate will not be issued if there are any errors in the documents, we strongly recommend that you have a draft reviewed via email in advance.
Details:Animal Quarantine Textbook｜The Complete Guide to Traveling Abroad with Your Dog or Cat
(5) Import permit and health certificate of the destination country
Depending on the destination country, in addition to the Japanese export quarantine certificate, the local authority'simport licensemust be obtained in advance (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, Singapore). In addition, a veterinarian-issuedHealth certificate(The format, language, and validity period vary by destination) are also required in many countries.
Latest Requirements by Country (as of August 2026)
Travel to EU Countries
- Microchip Implantation (Compliant with ISO 11784 and 11785)
- Rabies vaccination (after microchipping)
- Rabies Antibody Titer Test (Required or not depends on the country-specific list. If required, the threshold is 0.5 IU/ml or higher, and there is a waiting period after blood collection.)
- EU-formatted health certificates for animals
- Dogs: Proof of echinococcus extermination required in some countries
The latest requirements, including whether a rabies antibody titer test is required, areList of Countries on the European Commission's Official WebsitePlease be sure to check this.
Travel to the United States
- For dogs: Microchip (ISO standard) implantation
- For dogs: Must be at least 6 months old
- For dogs:CDC Dog Import Form Online submission (proof of receipt required). Japan is not listed on the U.S. CDC’s list of “high-risk countries.”
- The entry requirements for cats differ from those for dogs. Please check the CDC’s official website for details.
- Hawaiihas a separate specific requirement (confirmation required)
Travel to the United Kingdom
- Microchip implantation
- rabies vaccination
- A rabies antibody titer test may be required (the requirements and criteria are specific to the United Kingdom).
- GB-Format Veterinary Health Certificate
- Dogs only: Proof of tapeworm extermination required
The United Kingdom has established its own requirements, separate from those of the EU. For the latest requirements—including whether antibody tests are required, the applicable standards, and when to obtain a health certificate—please seeOfficial GOV.UK WebsitePlease be sure to check this.
Travel to Australia
- Obtain import permit in advance (required)
- Microchip implantation
- Multiple blood tests and various vaccinations
- Facility quarantine upon arrival (minimum 10 days)
- The estimated preparation period is at least 8 months.
The latest requirements areOfficial Website of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)Please be sure to check this.
Travel to New Zealand
- Requirements as strict as those in Australia
- Obtain import permit in advance (required)
- Facility quarantine is required upon arrival (please check the MPI official website for the number of days)
- The estimated preparation period is at least 8 months.
The latest requirements areOfficial Website of the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI)Please be sure to check this.
Travel to Singapore
- Advance import permit (AVS)
- rabies vaccination
- CAPQ Customs Clearance Through an AVS-Certified Pet Agent
- The quarantine period varies depending on the status of the country of departure.
The latest requirements areNParks/AVS Official WebsitePlease be sure to check this.
*Requirements are subject to change without notice. Please be sure to check the latest official information before traveling. For other countries, please contactPet Transportation Guide by CountrySee also.
Once you've decided on your destination, start by scheduling a free consultation to confirm your itinerary.
Please let us know your destination, breed, and desired departure date, and we will organize the necessary procedures and deadlines.
We provide comprehensive support, from preparing the necessary documents to guiding you through the process of communicating with the quarantine office.
Consultations are completely free | Available online | Open on weekends and holidays
Types of transportation methods and how to choose one
Checked baggage (checked into the cargo hold)
On international flights departing from Japan, many airlines do not allow pets to be brought into the cabin, andAvailability varies by airline and route.. A method widely used on international flights is,How to check your baggage in the cargo compartment as checked baggageis.IATA (International Air Transport Association) Standardsfilled cage and will be on the same flight as the owner. We can accommodate mainly small dogs and cats, but conditions vary by airline, season, and route.
Cargo Flight (Pet Transport via Cargo Flight)
This method involves transporting pets on a separate cargo flight (cargo plane) from their owners. Large dogs, multiple dogs,Snub-nosed breedsThis service is utilized for cases that cannot be handled with checked baggage, such as the following, or during seasons when airline companies have strict restrictions on accepting pets. The safety of pets is high, however, because they are arranged and managed by specialized carriers,Costs tend to be higheris available. For more information, see theThe Complete Guide to International Pet Transportfor more details.
Special cases: short, elderly, many animals
Short-headed breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, etc. have narrow airways and are at higher risk during transport.As a result, many airlines have imposed restrictions on transporting dogs. Since the affected dog breeds and conditions vary by airline, be sure to check each airline’s official website (e.g.,ANA Cargo Regulations on the Transport of Animals）。
Thorough medical examinations are recommended for senior dogs and cats.transportation of large numbers of animalsrequires documentation and procedures for each and every animal. For more information, please contactThe Complete Safety Guide to Flying with Petsfor more details.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel Abroad with a Pet?
Costs vary significantly depending on the destination, the pet’s size, the number of pets, and the method of transport. The amounts listed below for each category are general guidelines based on typical domestic veterinary clinics and testing facilities; actual costs may vary by facility. Since import permit application fees and air freight costs at the destination are subject to significant fluctuation, we do not specify specific amounts here.For more information, please contact us for a free estimate.
| cost item | Approximate (1 head, 1 time) |
|---|---|
| Microchip implantation | Approximately 5,000 to 10,000 yen (varies by veterinary clinic) |
| rabies vaccination | Approximately 3,000 to 8,000 yen (varies by veterinary clinic) |
| Rabies antibody titer test | Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 yen (varies by testing facility) |
| Medical Examination and Health Certificate | Approximately 10,000 to 20,000 yen (varies by veterinary clinic) |
| Export Quarantine Fees | For the latest information,Official Website of the Animal Quarantine Serviceplease check at |
| Air Freight Costs | This varies significantly depending on the destination, travel dates, and the pet's size (please check with the airline or request a free estimate). |
| PetAirJPN Support Fees | This varies depending on your pet's condition and destination. We'll provide a quote during a free consultation. |
*Costs are estimates only. It will vary depending on the airline, time of year, size of pet, and complexity of procedures.Click here for more information on fee plans.Please check from
Checklist of common mistakes and countermeasures
→ Depending on your destination, there may be cases where the required document order is not followed, necessitating that you start over. As a general rule,Microchip→ Please proceed in the order listed for vaccinations, and check with the Animal Quarantine Service or the authorities at your destination regarding specific eligibility requirements.
→ Revaccination and retesting may be required, and depending on the destination’s requirements and the veterinarian’s judgment, the schedule may be significantly delayed.Vaccine and Antibody Titer Testing GuideCheck in advance at
→ It is important to finalize the transportation method as early as possible, taking into account the breed and season.Shorthorse Flight GuideCheck the restrictions in the following table.
→ Prepare documents with short validity periods last. Keep a list of expiration dates.Guide to avoiding mooringsSee also.
→ You cannot enter the country without a receipt. Don't forget it.CDC Dog Import FormSubmit the
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary: The next move starts here.
When traveling abroad with a pet, following the correct steps and allowing plenty of time will ensure a smooth process. The key isStart early, get your paperwork in order, and make sure you know the latest regulations for your destination."The three points are
At PetAirJPN, we will ask you about your destination and pet's situation during a free initial consultation, and inform you of the necessary procedures and deadlines in an organized manner. Even if you are "still in the information gathering stagePlease feel free to contact us.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
Written by: PetAirJPN Editorial Department (International Pet Transportation Operations Team)
*The information in this article is current as of August 2026. Quarantine regulations in various countries and airline policies are subject to change without notice. This article is intended to provide general information only. To determine whether travel is permitted in your specific case, as well as the required documents and processing times, please be sure to check the latest official information from the Animal Quarantine Service, the authorities at your destination, and the airline.
🐾 Traveling abroad with your pet, start with a free consultation
Please let us know your destination, desired departure date, and pet situation.
A summary of the required procedures and deadlines will be provided.
Completely free of charge｜Online support available｜Open on weekends and holidays
English 
Japanese 
Chinese 
Korean 
German 
Spanish 
Portuguese 