Moving to another country with your beloved pet dog can be stressful when you start thinking about costs, scheduling, how comfortable your dog would be, and if they will be safe. If you are in a predominantly English-speaking country like the UK, Canada, the US, or Australia, and you may need help with relocating with your dog, please read on! We will try to provide a step-by-step guide on how to safely move with your dog between the UK, Canada, the US, and Australia.
We will refer to the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA for short), which is dedicated to providing professional, competent, and caring pet transportation relocation services throughout the USA and around the world. The organization works to enforce humane and compassionate standards for transporting pets. There is a list of air carriers that comply with IPATA regulations and can help you with relocating your pet. IPATA also gives out awards for air carriers and land transport experts in the pet relocation industry.
How to Fly a Dog From the US to the UK
The first step is to choose a UK-approved route for pet arrivals. You should ask your preferred airline about its acceptance conditions (cabin/cargo), crate standards, and arrival handling at the UK Animal Reception Centres or Border Control Posts. Start 30-60 days ahead of your travel so you have time to cover the 21-day rabies wait, document issuance, and the USDA endorsement window. If you will have transit via other countries, inform your USDA-accredited vet since intermediate stops can affect the health certificate content and timing requirements.
Your dog must be microchipped before they receives a rabies vaccination. After a valid primary vaccination, you must wait at least 21 full days before entering the UK. Check your vaccine’s datasheet to ensure schedule compliance. Since your journey starts in the US, you will have to work with a USDA-accredited veterinarian. They will confirm UK entry requirements, perform exams/treatments, and issue the appropriate health certificate. They submit documents for USDA endorsement (typically electronically via VEHCS), so your paperwork is recognized by the UK authorities.
Do not forget to administer a vet-certified praziquantel treatment (medicine against various types of worms) not less than 24 hours and not more than 5 days before arrival in the UK. Ensure the certificate records the product ID, date, and time.
In summary, you need a valid veterinary certificate (often an Animal Health Certificate or GB pet health certificate), as well as an accompanying microchip and rabies details. Additionally, you will have to file a declaration confirming that the pet is not being sold or changing ownership. You will be expected to carry a printed copy with your travel documents.
On arrival, pets are checked for route compliance, microchip match, vaccination dates, tapeworm treatment, and health certificate validity. Non-compliance can result in quarantine up to 4 months or refusal of entry if arriving by sea routes not permitted for pets.
If you prefer to work with a professional team to help you with transporting your beloved paw partner, then you may wish to work with “Pets Abroad UK” and get a quote from them. You could also work with a Texas-based organization called “PetRelocation Inc.” that appears to facilitate transport to many regions in a global context.
How to Fly a Dog From Australia to the UK
You must ensure your flight arrives at a UK airport authorized to process pets arriving from abroad and verify whether the dog will travel as cargo and be processed through the Animal Reception Centre upon arrival. There is a list of the approved international airports online that we recommend checking in advance.
All dogs must be microchipped and have a rabies vaccination. Even from a rabies-controlled country like Australia, the UK requires proof of vaccination. You will have to obtain a UK-acceptable veterinary certificate detailing microchip, vaccination, and treatments. Australian veterinarians must comply with the country's strict biosecurity protocols, and dog owners must make sure they are working with qualified professionals.
Tapeworm treatment is mandatory for all pets going abroad or coming into Australia. Please make sure to work with your vet to administer praziquantel 24–120 hours before arrival in the UK. If you are looking for a certified vet in Australia, please consider using the online tool from the National Register of Accredited Veterinarians.
The UK airport authorities will expect to see microchip verification and a detailed health certificate when you enter the country with your pet dog. If you are accompanied by a banned dog breed, you may need a special permit. Please keep that in mind.
We recommend travellers from Australia to use airlines and cargo services familiar with live animal handling as per the IPATA standards. You may want to check the services offered by "Jet Pets" and "Skye Pets". A notable IPATA-certified transport service that you may wish to check is "Dog Trainers Pet Travel".
How to Fly a Dog From Canada to the UK
As mentioned earlier, you will need to enter the UK via an approved international airport that handles animal imports. Microchip implants are mandatory, as is a rabies vaccination.
It is vital to obtain a valid UK-acceptable health certificate from your Canadian veterinarian that includes a microchip, rabies details, and any treatments. Keep originals and copies for airline and border checks. Your vet can download the health certificate model from the UK GOV site. UK authorities will not permit dogs that have not undergone praziquantel treatment to enter the country. Make sure you have the paperwork to prove your pooch is healthy and safe before you land in the UK.
Border officials verify route approval, microchip match, vaccination status, tapeworm treatment, and certificate validity. Non-compliance can lead to quarantine of up to 4 months or refusal of entry.
If you will be handling the pet relocation yourself, please make sure to carry both printed and digital copies of all your documents so the animal and border inspection go smoothly. However, if you prefer to rely on the services of professionals in the field, then you may want to check the offers from the “PawsEnRoute” company.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can our pets fly out of our local airport?
Sometimes they can, but your local airport has to be approved for exporting pets abroad.
2. Do I need a pet passport for the UK?
The UK used to issue and accept EU Pet Passports when it was part of the European Union. Since BREXIT, the local authorities only require the pets to have a microchip and a valid Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
3. Where will my pet be located in the aircraft?
Depending on the transport service, your pet may travel on the same aircraft as you in the cargo hold, or they may travel on a separate craft that is specially designed for pet relocation. The IPATA-verified carriers use heated, pressurised, and dark cargo holds. This will keep your pet calm, and most pets will settle down and sleep once the aircraft is in the air.
4. Should my pet be sedated?
No. No reputable air carrier will accept the transport of any animal that appears to be sedated or unresponsive.
5. Can my pet have food and water in the carrier?
For their own comfort, it is advised that they are fed only lightly the day prior to travel and not fed at all on the day of the flight. Depending on the terms of transport, some airlines may permit water in the carriers.
6. Can my pet have toys during the travel?
Not advisable as the pet may choke on the toys, and the staff on the aircraft may not have time or opportunity to provide assistance. However, a familiar item such as clothing or a blanket is acceptable.
7. How big should the pet carrier be?
Your pet should be able to lie down, sit up, and turn around comfortably. Please, talk to your pet transport agency and airline about the suitable size, the acceptable carriers, and the permissible construction material.
8. How long is the Animal Health Certificate valid?
It is valid for 10 days (after collection) if you are looking to enter the UK from the US, Canada, or Australia.
