For many families, a pet is as much a member of the household as any person, and the prospect of leaving them behind — or the complexity of taking them — can weigh heavily on an international relocation decision. The good news is that relocating with cats and dogs is entirely achievable to most destinations, though the requirements, timelines, and costs vary enormously by country. Planning well in advance is essential; some compliance steps require six months or more.
The UK Pet Travel Scheme
The UK Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) governs the requirements for taking a pet from the UK to other countries and, just as importantly, for returning to the UK with a pet. The key requirements are:
Microchipping: Your pet must be microchipped to ISO standard 11784/11785 (a 15-digit chip). Microchipping must be done before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination, not after — otherwise the vaccination does not count and the entire sequence must be repeated. This is the most common error and has stranded pets for months.
Rabies vaccination: Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies by an authorised vet. The vaccination must be given after the microchip has been implanted and verified. For primary vaccination, there is typically a 21-day wait before international travel is permitted.
Tapeworm treatment: Dogs (not cats) must receive tapeworm treatment (praziquantel or an approved equivalent) by an authorised vet between one and five days before entering the UK. Some destination countries require this for entry too.
Animal Health Certificate (AHC): For travel from the UK, an AHC replaces the EU Pet Passport (which UK-issued passports are no longer valid for travel to the EU). The AHC is issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) in the UK and is valid for entry to many countries. It must be issued within a specified timeframe before departure (typically 10 days). If your pet was previously on an EU-issued pet passport, check whether it remains valid for your destination.
For travel to the EU from the UK, UK-issued pet passports are no longer accepted. You need a UK-issued AHC. For travel from the EU back to the UK, an EU-issued pet passport from an EU member state remains valid.
Countries Requiring Quarantine
Most popular expat destinations accept pets with correct documentation and no quarantine. However, a number of island nations maintain strict quarantine requirements to protect their native wildlife from imported diseases:
Australia: Dogs and cats entering Australia are subject to quarantine, typically 10 days at the government's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) facility in Mickleham, Victoria. You must apply for an import permit well in advance (often six months minimum). Australia requires rabies vaccination, titre test (blood test confirming adequate rabies antibody levels — results take several weeks), and treatment for parasites. The total timeline from starting the process to flying your pet can be eight to twelve months.
New Zealand: A 10-day government quarantine applies. Requirements are similar to Australia: import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, titre test, and declared parasite-free status. New Zealand also has strict biosecurity rules around any items accompanying the pet.
Hawaii (USA): Hawaii is the only US state that maintains a quarantine programme (5 days for compliant pets, up to 120 days for non-compliant). As a rabies-free state, it applies requirements similar to Australia and New Zealand. If you are relocating to the continental US, Hawaii requires separate planning even for connecting flights.
Singapore: Singapore applies a quarantine period (typically 10 days, shorter for dogs from certain approved countries) and requires an import licence, rabies vaccination, titre test, and a number of additional health certificates. The process takes several months.
Most other popular expat destinations — UAE, Spain, Thailand, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, Egypt — do not require quarantine for vaccinated pets with correct documentation, but each has specific documentation requirements. Always verify current requirements with a pet relocation specialist and the destination country's agriculture or veterinary authority.
Airlines: Cabin vs Hold Policy
Airline pet policies vary significantly and change regularly:
In-cabin: Small pets (typically under 8kg including carrier) can travel in-cabin on many airlines. The carrier must fit under the seat in front. In-cabin travel is less stressful for the animal and allows you to monitor them throughout the flight. Not all airlines permit in-cabin pets — notably, British Airways does not allow pets in the cabin on most routes.
Hold (as checked baggage or cargo): Larger pets must travel in the hold in an approved IATA-compliant crate. Pets travelling in the hold are in a pressurised, temperature-controlled compartment, not in the unpressurised section. Airlines have restrictions on brachycephalic (flat-nosed) breeds such as French bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats, as these breeds are at higher risk of respiratory distress during flight — many airlines will not carry them at all.
Long-haul routes: On very long routes, some airlines do not accept live animals in the hold due to welfare concerns. In these cases, specialist pet relocation companies can arrange transport via approved routes, sometimes using dedicated charter or cargo services.
Book early. Airline pet places — particularly in-cabin — are limited and sold out for popular travel periods.
Specialist Pet Relocation Companies
For complex moves — particularly to quarantine countries or long-haul destinations — specialist pet relocation companies are invaluable. They manage:
- Veterinary documentation and timing of health procedures
- Import permit applications
- Quarantine bookings
- Airline coordination and crate compliance
- Customs clearance at destination
Reputable operators include PetAir UK, Happy Tails Travel, and Air Animal. Costs range from £500 for a straightforward European move to £5,000–£10,000 for Australia or New Zealand. Expect to pay more for large breeds and exotic species.
CITES Documentation for Exotic Pets
If you own a pet that is a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) listed species — certain parrots, reptiles, tortoises, and exotic mammals — international movement requires CITES documentation in addition to standard veterinary requirements.
CITES regulates trade in over 38,000 plant and animal species. Appendix I and II species require export and import permits. Failure to have the correct CITES paperwork can result in confiscation of the animal at the border — and legal action against you.
Common exotic pets affected include: African grey parrots (CITES Appendix I), many macaw species, certain tortoise species, and some reptiles. If in doubt, check the CITES species database before planning a move.
Pet Insurance During Relocation
Review your pet insurance policy before departure. UK pet insurance policies typically have limited or no cover for vet fees incurred abroad, particularly for conditions developing after departure. Some policies will cover emergency treatment on short overseas visits but not long-term residence.
Options for expats include:
- International pet insurance policies (available from AXA and specialist insurers)
- Pet cover bundled into comprehensive expat family insurance packages
- Self-insuring for routine care and covering catastrophic risk through an emergency fund
In the UAE, pet insurance is less commonly used and vet fees are typically paid directly. In Singapore, Australia, and Western Europe, pet insurance is standard and recommended given the high cost of veterinary care.
Finding Veterinary Care Abroad
In major expat cities — Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Barcelona — high-quality English-speaking veterinary practices are plentiful and well equipped. In more remote areas or some developing markets, quality can be more variable.
Before you move, identify at minimum:
- The nearest veterinary clinic with 24-hour emergency cover
- A specialist vet for your pet's breed if relevant (e.g., orthopaedic specialists for large dogs)
- The nearest animal hospital for serious procedures
Ask other expats in your destination city for recommendations — local expat Facebook groups and online forums are a good resource for up-to-date, first-hand recommendations.
Pet-Friendly Housing
Housing is one of the biggest practical constraints for expat pet owners. Many apartment buildings and managed developments in Dubai, Singapore, and other cities explicitly prohibit pets or restrict them by size and breed. In some buildings, rules that appeared permissive have been tightened mid-tenancy.
Be explicit in your tenancy agreement about pet ownership — including species and breed. A verbal landlord assurance is insufficient. If the lease is silent on pets, obtain written confirmation before signing.
Some cities have specific banned breeds (Dubai bans certain powerful dog breeds; Singapore has breed restrictions). Verify before arriving.
Ensuring that your pet's welfare needs can be met — outdoor access, exercise space, climate — should be part of your location planning, not an afterthought.
Important: Regulations for pet import and the requirements of quarantine countries change regularly. Always verify current rules with the destination country's veterinary authority and consult a specialist pet relocation company for up-to-date advice before making travel arrangements.
How Global Investments Can Help
Relocating with pets adds complexity and planning time to an already demanding process. At Global Investments, we work with relocation specialists across the international markets we work in and can connect you with trusted local contacts — including vetted pet relocation services — in Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Spain, and beyond. We help internationally mobile families plan their moves comprehensively, from property and finance to the practical details that make daily life work. Contact our team to begin your relocation planning.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.