You should basically start Planning Pet’s International Relocation 90 to 150 days before your moving date. Few countries have strict import rules, quarantine guidelines, vaccination deadlines, and paperwork approval that can take months to get complete.
The earlier you start the process, the smoother and stress-free the relocation will be for both you and your pets.
The usually recommended deadline for Planning Pet’s International Relocation
The 180 days before travel
You should start doing thorough research regarding the destination country. Few countries demand:
- Microchipping ahead of vaccination.
- The rabies antibody titer tests.
- Reservation for quarantine.
- Import permits.
- There are countries approved for specific breeds.
“I would suggest that if you’re relocating your pets for the first time, you take a suggestion from the pets’ relocation service and the veterinary doctors.”
90 to 120 days Before moving
Scheduled your pet’s medical preparation, which includes the following:
- Vaccination.
- Parasite Therapy
- Medical tests
- The rabies titer test if demanded
“You should confirm that airline pet transportation policy before travel because there are countries that have seasonal restrictions, breed bans, and limited pet booking slots.”
30 days to 60 days before travel
Prepare all Planning Pet’s International Relocation, including
- Vaccination documents.
- Health records.
- Import permits.
- Export documentation.
- Customs documents.
“This is also the most important time to start the crate training for your pets, because when the crate training begins, then your pets start to feel calm and comfortable inside the crate during relocation.”
7-15 days before departure.
You complete all the veterinary documents and confirm all the relocation bookings. Make sure you check once the airline’s requirements, food-feeding schedule, and journey arrangements.
“And make sure that the crate you choose meets the international standard, and include the proper label and water bowl and identification/identity label details.”
Why is planning in advance the most important?
The international pet relocation must involve multiple steps that should be in the proper order. Missing even one requirement leads to the following:
- Delays in Flights
- Refused to enter
- Quarantined
- Additional costs
- Leads to stress for your pets
“Starting in advance can give you enough to handle unexpected issues from the scratch.”
The process that adds the additional time for preparations.
Some relocation demands additional planning that depends on the following:
- Destination country rules and regulations.
- Restriction related to breeds.
- Multiple flight connections.
- Seasonal flight bans.
- Special medical needs.
- A custom crate was needed for larger breeds.
The countries like the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia have a stricter import process than any other destination.
Can we do the pets’ relocation suddenly?
Yes, pet relocation can be arranged within a few weeks in some kind of emergency situation, but it mainly depends on the destination country and pets’ existing vaccination records.
Friendly advice from my side: rushed relocation may lead to documentation errors and increase price and stress. Early preparation will always provide the smooth and safest experience for you and your pets.
FAQs asked by the international pet relocator
Most pet owners will need to get started at least 3 to 6 months prior to their travels. Certain countries have extensive vaccination protocols, blood work, and even quarantine permits that could be time-consuming.
It is likely that you will have to get a microchip inserted into your pet’s skin as a part of the import procedure in most countries. The microchip in some countries even has to be done prior to the rabies vaccination.
Typical documents include the following:
Valid vaccination certificates
Microchip information
Certificate of good health issued by a veterinarian
Pet import permits
Pet export permit
Travel permit from airlines
Vaccination periods, laboratory test results, official documents, airline booking, etc. can add up to a period of several months.
Some countries allow last-minute relocations, although the decision highly depends on the destination country’s regulations and the vaccination status of your pet.
It is ideal to schedule the pet’s transport when all relevant documentations and vet requirements have been met. Airlines have limited spots for transporting animals to the various destinations.
Absolutely, yes. It is wise to allow your pet to familiarize itself with the travel crate before leaving for the new destination.
The preparation period involves several veterinarian visits. The last examination before leaving should be made a certain number of days before the destination.