7 Things to Prepare Before Moving Abroad with Your Pet [2026 Edition with Q&A]

Last Updated: August 1, 2026

What should you check first when looking for pet-friendly properties abroad?

When looking for pet-friendly housing abroad, it’s essential to confirm in writing before signing the lease that pets are allowed, and to check whether there are any additional security deposits, restrictions based on dog breed or size, and the distance to the nearest veterinary clinic. Since some areas have even fewer pet-friendly properties than in Japan, it’s crucial to start gathering information early.

Key Points to Check When Looking for a Property

Things to Check in the Surrounding Area

It’s not just the property itself—the surrounding area also plays a major role in determining how comfortable life will be with a pet. For peace of mind, be sure to check the following during your viewing: whether there are parks or green spaces nearby; the distance to a 24-hour or emergency veterinary clinic; access to pet supply stores; and the availability of pet-related facilities such as dog parks.

How do I find a local veterinary clinic?

When choosing a local veterinary clinic, you should generally base your decision on factors such as online reviews, its reputation within the local Japanese community, operating hours and emergency care availability, languages spoken, and whether it has an appointment system. Since many countries abroad operate on an appointment-based system, we recommend selecting a regular veterinarian early on after your arrival so you won’t have to panic in an emergency.

Medical costs vary greatly by country, region, and veterinary clinic, so it’s impossible to provide a standard rate. To avoid being caught off guard by unexpected expenses, it’s a good idea to check with local residents or review materials from pet insurance companies before your trip to get a sense of basic consultation fees, vaccination costs, and general treatment expenses. Considering pet insurance is also an effective way to prepare for medical expenses while abroad.

How do pet-related laws and regulations in other countries differ from those in Japan?

Laws and regulations regarding pets vary significantly by country and region, and in some cases, requirements such as mandatory microchip registration, required vaccinations, leash laws in public places, and penalties for violations are more strictly defined than in Japan. Once you’ve decided where to move, it’s essential to first familiarize yourself with the local legal framework.

Minor differences in regulations by region include restrictions on owning certain dog breeds, limits on the number of dogs allowed, regulations on keeping dogs on balconies, and rules for cleaning up after dogs during walks (Source for the table above: CDC official website for the U.S.; European Commission official website for EU countries. Date checked: August 2026). All of this information comes from the official websites of government agencies and local authorities in your destination country, or from the embassies in Japan; be sure to check the latest information before traveling.

How can I help my pet adjust to a change in climate?

The measures for coping with climate differences vary between hot and cold regions. In hot regions, the focus is on adjusting walk times and managing indoor temperatures, while in cold regions, the focus is on cold-weather protection and protecting their paw pads. In both cases, ensuring adequate hydration and monitoring their condition are essential.

Precautions in Hot Climates

In hot climates, it’s generally best to avoid walks during the day when temperatures rise and instead take your dog out early in the morning or in the evening. Since paved surfaces can get hotter than the air temperature, be sure to check how the heat affects your dog’s paw pads. Use air conditioning or other means to keep indoor temperatures from getting too high, and ensure your dog always has access to fresh water. Breeds that are particularly susceptible to heat, such as brachycephalic breeds, require even more careful temperature management. Points to keep in mind when caring for or transporting brachycephalic breeds include:The Complete Guide to Flying with Brachycephalic DogsIt also explains that.

Measures to be taken in cold climates

In cold climates, the main priorities are preparing cold-weather clothing appropriate for your pet’s build and coat length, protecting their paw pads from de-icing agents, and managing indoor humidity. If you’re concerned about the strain on your pet’s joints or would like to review their diet, it’s best to proceed in consultation with your local veterinarian or your pet’s regular veterinarian in Japan.

List of Items to Pack

What if you can't find pet supplies where you are?

It’s not uncommon to find that the Japanese pet supplies you’re used to aren’t available locally. While you can take advantage of large local pet stores and online shopping, it’s a good idea to bring items from Japan—such as food and medication—that are difficult to switch to local alternatives.

Items You'll Feel More Secure Bringing From Japan

It’s a good idea to bring a sufficient supply of the food recommended by your regular veterinarian, as well as any medications or supplements your pet is used to, to help prevent any health issues caused by the change. Favorite toys and your pet’s own grooming supplies can also help your pet feel more at ease in a new environment. Since there may be restrictions on bringing medications into certain countries, please check the regulations of your destination in advance.

How can I connect with the local pet community?

Connecting with the local pet community provides access to the latest information, mutual support in emergencies, and opportunities for your pet’s socialization. If you start gathering information through social media groups and apps before your trip, it will make settling into life there much smoother.

When joining a community, make an effort to understand cultural differences and observe basic etiquette, and be sure to value communication with your neighbors. Establishing an emergency contact network in advance will also give you peace of mind.

When should I start preparing for my return to Japan, and what do I need to do?

If you plan to return to Japan at some point,Dogs and catsFor entry from areas other than the designated regions, a series of procedures is required—ranging from microchipping to a waiting period of at least 180 days after the blood test—so,Counting backward from your planned return date, at least 7 to 8 months in advance; allowing for some leeway, 9 months to 1 year in advanceWe recommend that you start preparing now. From the very beginning of your stay abroad, keep your return schedule in the back of your mind.

Entry from designated regions (Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, the Fiji Islands, Hawaii, and Guam—a total of six regions) is subject to separate procedures. The microchip, rabies vaccination, antibody titer test, and 180-day waiting period described below are,Dogs and cats outside the designated areasThis applies to those entering Japan from (Source: Animal Quarantine Station “Designated Area”(Confirmed in July 2026). If you are returning to Japan with animals other than dogs or cats—such as rabbits or birds—the procedures are different, so pleaseAnimal Quarantine ServicePlease check with them individually.

If dogs or cats arrive in Japan without meeting these requirements, they may be subject to a quarantine period of up to 180 days (Source: Animal Quarantine Service: "Importing Dogs and Cats (From Areas Other Than Designated Regions)"(Confirmed in July 2026). Since any procedural errors can significantly delay your return to Japan, it is crucial to start preparing as early as possible. For more detailed instructions, seeComplete Guide to Returning to Japan with Your PetThis is explained there.

What are some common mistakes people make when living abroad?

There are four common mistakes people make when living abroad: failing to confirm whether pets are allowed until right before signing a lease; overestimating the time needed for the return trip; confusing the repatriation procedures for designated areas with those for other areas; and relying solely on online testimonials to determine regulations. All of these can be prevented by checking official information early on.

Summary: Key Points for Getting Your Life Abroad on Track

The key to getting your life with your pet off to a good start abroad is,Plan ahead for the following seven key areas—housing, local healthcare, legal regulations, climate, supplies, community, and preparations for returning home—from an early stage.is.

1. Preparation: I start researching pet policies for housing, veterinary clinics, and local laws and regulations before I travel.
2. Adaptation to the Local Environment: We make arrangements early on in our stay to prepare for the local climate, secure necessary supplies, and build connections with the community.
3. Long-term perspective: In addition to establishing a health management system, if there is a possibility of returning to your home country, you should be mindful of that schedule from the very beginning of your stay.

Circumstances are bound to change even after you arrive. It’s important to have contingency plans in place in case of unexpected events, while also remaining flexible enough to adjust your plans as needed.

If you’re wondering, “I don’t know how to prepare for my trip,” or “I’d like some help organizing my return schedule,” please contact PetAirJPN. Just let us know your destination and planned departure date, and we’ll provide a summary of the necessary preparations and deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Written by: PetAirJPN Editorial Department (International Pet Transportation Operations Team)

*The information in this article is current as of August 2026. Quarantine regulations, laws, and airline policies in various countries 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 and to confirm the requirements, please be sure to check the latest official information from the relevant national authorities, animal quarantine offices, and airlines.