Global pet travel rules: fly with your dog or cat safely

TL;DR:

Check country entry rules, airline policy, and transit rules for every stop.
Microchip first, then rabies vaccine, then health certificate within set windows.
Use IATA-size carriers and expect heat or breed limits for cargo.
U.S. rules for dogs returning from high-risk rabies countries changed on 31 July 2025.
Some countries require quarantine or permits. Start 2 to 6 months ahead.

Flying with a pet is possible, but the rules are strict. You must meet three sets of rules at once: your departure country, your airline, and the destination country. This guide explains the moving parts, with examples for the EU, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Dates in this guide refer to 19 September 2025. Laws and airline policies change, so confirm details before you book.

The 3-rule checklist you must pass

Destination rules. Health documents, microchip, vaccines, tests, treatments, and sometimes permits or quarantine. The EU and GB require a microchip and rabies proof. Some countries add extra steps.
Airline rules. Carrier size, weight, fees, and route limits. Airlines can cap pet weight in the cabin and embargo cargo during heat.
Transit rules. Every layover country and airport can add checks. Missing a rule for a 2-hour stop can stop your pet.

Timeline: when to start

Use this standard sequence. Adjust to your route.

6 months out. Check destination rules and lead times. Book a USDA-accredited or official vet visit. For some routes to Australia or New Zealand, you will need quarantine space and permits.
3 months out. Confirm microchip standards, rabies timing, and any blood tests. For EU and GB, rabies must follow microchip placement.
30–10 days out. Get the official health certificate in the required window. For GB and the EU Animal Health Certificate, the window is up to 10 days before entry.
Week of travel. Recheck airline rules, reserve pet space, and prepare carriers to IATA specs.

Step 1: Microchip and vaccine in the right order

Most countries require an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. Vets should scan the chip before vaccinating for rabies. The rabies shot must come after microchipping or the vaccine will not count for entry. Keep all old rabies records to prove there was no lapse.

Young pets

Some EU countries allow limited travel for pets under 16 weeks, but many do not. Double check the specific country. When in doubt, wait until the pet is old enough for a valid rabies shot plus the required wait time.

Step 2: Know the documents you will likely need

Your exact set may differ, but most trips need:

Official health certificate issued by an authorized vet within the country’s time window, sometimes endorsed by a government office. The USDA APHIS site lists the process and forms for each destination.
Rabies proof that matches the microchip ID. Some routes also require a rabies antibody titer.
Country-specific items. Tapeworm treatment for dogs to some countries, import permits, or quarantine bookings. Australia and New Zealand require quarantine for most cats and dogs.

Bring paper originals and digital copies. Keep them with your passport.

Step 3: Airline booking, carrier size, and where pets ride

Airlines set their own limits.

In the cabin. Your pet must fit in a ventilated soft or hard carrier that slides fully under the seat. Some airlines cap combined pet + carrier weight, for example 20 lb on American Airlines. Space is limited, so you must reserve. Fees apply each way.
In hold as checked or cargo. Use an IATA-compliant crate with fixed bolts, water bowl, absorbent lining, and “Live Animals” labels. Follow IATA Live Animals Regulations. Two adult pets up to 14 kg each may share a crate only if compatible. Heavier animals must travel alone.
Heat and cold limits. Many airlines embargo pet cargo when the tarmac is above about 85°F or during summer at specific stations. Expect seasonal restrictions.

Breeds with extra risk

Brachycephalic breeds often cannot fly in cargo due to breathing risk. Policies vary by airline and route, so check yours early.

Step 4: Service animals and emotional support animals

Rules differ for trained service dogs versus pets. In the United States, DOT’s 2020 rule means airlines must accept trained service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs, and may treat emotional support animals as pets. Airlines publish matching policies. If you travel with a trained service dog, complete any required DOT forms for behavior, training, and health.

Step 5: U.S. re-entry updates for dogs from high-risk rabies countries

CDC rules changed on 31 July 2025. If your U.S.-vaccinated dog has been in a CDC high-risk country in the past 6 months, you need two items to return: the CDC Dog Import Form receipt and the Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form endorsed by USDA. Export health certificates issued after 31 July 2025 no longer work for re-entry. Dogs must be at least 6 months old, microchipped, healthy, and arrive at the port listed on the form.

Country snapshots

European Union

Travel between EU states uses the EU Pet Passport for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Non-EU arrivals use an EU Animal Health Certificate issued before entry, which mirrors the passport fields. Both require microchip and rabies records.

Great Britain

After Brexit, you enter GB with a GB pet health certificate or an EU pet passport when eligible. The certificate must be completed by an official vet.

Australia

Expect quarantine on arrival at the Post-Entry Quarantine facility near Melbourne. Many pets serve a minimum 10-day stay if eligible. The department has new ID check steps for pets departing the UK. Book space early.

New Zealand

All cats and dogs, except those from Australia, must complete at least 10 days in an MPI-approved quarantine facility. You must have a booking letter before your import permit is approved.

Crate and carrier quick guide

Use IATA’s pet container rules as your baseline.

The pet must be able to stand, turn, and lie down naturally.
Ventilation on multiple sides, secure door, no wheels attached.
Label the crate and attach water bowl and absorbent padding.
One crate per animal over 14 kg. Up to two compatible adults under 14 kg can share.
Check the airline page for any extra measurements or materials.

Packing and airport day tips

Exercise and acclimate. Get the pet used to the carrier weeks ahead.
Food and water. Follow airline rules. Freeze water in the bowl so it melts slowly after loading.
Documents on top. Keep certificates, permits, and vet letters handy.
At security. You will remove the pet from the carrier for screening. Use a leash and harness.
Delays. If heat embargoes hit, call your airline and your pet transporter to rebook on cooler flights or overnight runs.

Common route blockers and how to avoid them

Wrong chip or vaccine order. Microchip first, then rabies. Keep proof.
Expired rabies or missing booster trail. Bring full records to prove no lapse.
Late health certificate. Many certificates must be issued within 10 days of entry. Plan the vet visit early.
Overweight in-cabin pet. Weigh pet plus carrier at home. Some airlines have firm caps.
Cargo embargoes or breed bans. Check heat windows and breed rules when you pick the route.

A one-page planning table

Step	What to do	When
Rules	Check destination, airline, and transit rules.	6 months out
Microchip	ISO-compliant chip, verify scan.	5–6 months out
Rabies	Vaccinate after the chip. Track booster dates.	5 months out
Permits	Book quarantine or permits if needed.	4–5 months out
Airline	Reserve pet spot and check carrier size and weight.	2–3 months out
Health cert	Schedule official certificate in its time window.	10–30 days before entry
Re-entry to U.S.	If a dog visits a CDC high-risk country, get the CDC Dog Import Form and the Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination.	Week of return

FAQs

Can my pet fly in a cabin internationally?
Sometimes. Many carriers only allow in-cabin pets on certain routes or aircraft. Always check your exact flight.

Are emotional support animals still allowed for free?
No. In the U.S., airlines are only required to accept trained service dogs. ESAs travel as pets under airline pet rules.

What crate should I buy for cargo?
Buy an IATA-compliant crate sized to your pet’s height and length, with secure door and ventilation.

Will my pet be quarantined?
It depends. Expect quarantine for most pets going to Australia or New Zealand. The EU and GB do not quarantine compliant pets.

Why it matters

Good prep keeps your pet safe and avoids refused entry, seizures, or long quarantine. A clear timeline reduces stress, keeps flights on schedule, and protects animal welfare on the day you travel.