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Moving a pet abroad comes down to three things: meeting your destination’s entry rules, choosing how your pet flies, and getting the timing right. For easy destinations such as Canada and Mexico, that takes days. For rabies-free countries such as Japan and Australia, it takes six months or more. A full-service international pet relocation costs about $4,000 to $6,000 for one pet, and $10,000 or more for strict destinations, large breeds or several pets.
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How long it takes, by destination
| Destination type | Examples | Lead time |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico | Days to 2 weeks |
| Moderate | EU countries, UK | 3 to 4 weeks (longer if a new rabies vaccine is needed) |
| Strict, rabies-free | Hawaii, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore | 4 to 7+ months |
Step by step
- Check the destination’s rules. Start with the USDA APHIS pet travel page for your country. Note every test, form and waiting period.
- Microchip and vaccinate. An ISO microchip first, then the rabies vaccine. A vaccine given before the chip often doesn’t count.
- Do any blood tests. Rabies-free destinations require a rabies titer test and long waits.
- Choose how your pet flies. In the cabin, in the hold or as cargo. See the next section.
- Book the flight. Reserve your pet’s space when you book your own ticket, and check embargoes on the route.
- Final vet visit and health certificate, usually within 10 days of arrival.
- USDA APHIS endorsement of the health certificate.
- Plan the arrival. Import permits, customs, quarantine bookings and transport from the airport.
- Plan the return. Dogs coming back to the US must meet CDC rules.
Cabin, hold or cargo
A small pet that fits under the seat can fly in the cabin to many countries on airlines such as Delta, United and Lufthansa. Larger pets fly in the hold on airlines that still offer it, such as Lufthansa and Air Canada, or as cargo. Some destinations, including the UK and Australia, accept pets only as cargo. The cabin or cargo checker shows which options fit your pet, and the airline comparison lists each airline’s rules.
Do you need a pet shipper?
For a small pet flying in the cabin to an easy destination, most owners handle it themselves. A pet shipper earns its fee when your pet must fly as cargo, the destination is strict, or you are short on time. Pet shippers book cargo space, prepare the paperwork, arrange crates and customs, and coordinate vets on both ends. Look for members of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), and get at least two quotes.
What international pet relocation costs
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Vet exams and international health certificate | $300 to $600 |
| USDA APHIS endorsement | $101 to $275 |
| Rabies titer test (strict destinations) | $200 to $400 |
| IATA-compliant crate | $50 to $200+ |
| Cabin pet fee, each way | $100 to $200 |
| Full-service pet relocation | $4,000 to $6,000 for one pet |
| Strict destinations, large breeds or several pets | $10,000+ |
Read our full pet shipping cost breakdown for more detail.
How to cut the cost
- Fly a small pet in the cabin with you if the destination allows it.
- Start early, so you avoid rush fees and last-minute flights.
- Fly in cool months, when cargo and hold space is easier to book.
- Handle the vet work yourself and hire a shipper only for the flight and customs.
- Compare at least two quotes for the same route and service.
Country guides
Pet move timeline (free tool) · Hawaii · Canada · Mexico · Puerto Rico · Europe and the EU · the UK · pet passports
International pet relocation FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a dog internationally?
About $4,000 to $6,000 for a full-service move of one pet, and $10,000 or more for strict destinations or large breeds. Flying a small pet in the cabin yourself can cost under $1,000 including vet work.
What is the cheapest way to move a pet abroad?
Flying a small pet in the cabin with you and handling the vet paperwork yourself.
How far ahead should I start?
At least a month for most destinations, and six months or more for rabies-free countries such as Japan and Australia.
Can my pet fly in the cabin internationally?
Often, if it fits under the seat. Some destinations, including the UK and Australia, require pets to arrive as cargo.
