Pets & Relocation

Moving abroad with pets

Pets come too — for most people reading this, that's not up for discussion. The good news is that moving abroad with cats and dogs is entirely doable for most popular retirement destinations. The less good news is that it requires more planning lead time than almost any other part of the move, and the paperwork is less forgiving than people expect.

Start the pet paperwork first. Rabies titer tests — required by many countries to prove your pet is immune — can take three to six months to process and validate. If you start this step late, your pets may not be able to travel when you do. This is the one part of moving abroad where there is no shortcut.

6+ months before you move

Research your destination's import requirements

Every country has different requirements for importing pets. Some require a rabies titer blood test with a months-long waiting period. Some require specific vaccinations given in a specific sequence and timeframe. Some require an accredited veterinarian to complete government-issued health certificates. Research the exact requirements for your specific destination — not general information, the actual current rules.

4–6 months before

Start vaccinations and any required testing

Rabies titer tests, microchipping, and any required vaccinations need to happen in a specific order and within specific timeframes. Your vet needs to be USDA-accredited for most international pet travel. If yours isn't, find one who is — not all veterinarians can complete international health certificates.

1–3 months before

Book travel and arrange logistics

Not all airlines transport pets the same way, and large dogs in cargo is a different calculation from cats in cabin. Research airline pet policies carefully — they vary by airline, route, season, and aircraft type. Some routes have no in-cabin pet option at all. If you have multiple pets, you may need to think through whether they travel together or in stages.

At destination

Find a vet before you need one

Finding a veterinarian you trust — ideally English-speaking — before a pet has a health crisis is one of the most important things you can do in the first weeks. Ask in expat groups for personal recommendations rather than relying on general listings. A vet who other pet owners trust is worth finding early.

Pet relocation checklist

Research your specific destination's current pet import requirements — these change
Confirm your vet is USDA-accredited for international health certificates
Schedule rabies titer test well in advance if your destination requires it
Get microchips installed if not already done — required by most countries
Research airline pet policies for your specific route and aircraft
Check whether your destination country requires quarantine — most popular retirement destinations don't, but verify
Research whether your rental allows pets before signing anything
Find an English-speaking vet in your target destination before you arrive
Budget honestly for ongoing vet care, food, and any medications your pets need
Consider pet relocation specialists for multiple pets or complex moves

verify current import requirements directly — rules change without much notice ↑ Back to top