The paperwork is the hardest part of pet travel. Miss one document and your pet could be denied boarding — or quarantined at the destination. This checklist covers every document you might need, with timelines for when to get each one.
Microchip (6+ months before travel)
- What: ISO 11784/11785 compliant, 15-digit microchip
- Why: Required by virtually all countries for pet identification
- Critical rule: Must be implanted before rabies vaccination. If your pet was vaccinated before being microchipped, the vaccination may not be considered valid.
- Cost: $25–$50 at most vets
Rabies Vaccination (1–6 months before travel)
- What: Current rabies vaccination from a licensed vet
- Waiting period: Most countries require 21–30 days between vaccination and travel. The EU requires 21 days after primary vaccination.
- Proof: Rabies vaccination certificate with microchip number, vaccine batch number, and vet signature
- Booster: If your pet's booster is current (within validity period), there's no new waiting period
Rabies Titer Test (3–7 months before travel)
- What: Blood test (FAVN) measuring rabies antibodies. Must show ≥0.5 IU/ml.
- Required for: Japan, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, and other rabies-sensitive countries. Check your destination.
- Waiting period: Up to 180 days after the test before travel is allowed
- Lab: Must be done at an approved laboratory (EU or OIE approved)
- Cost: $150–$300
Health Certificate (5–10 days before travel)
- What: Official veterinary certificate confirming your pet is healthy, vaccinated, and free from contagious diseases
- Validity: Typically 10 days from date of issue
- Government endorsement: Most international destinations require the health certificate to be endorsed by a government agency:
- US: USDA APHIS
- UK: APHA
- EU: Official Veterinarian
- Canada: CFIA
- Timeline tip: Schedule your vet appointment 5–7 days before departure to allow time for government endorsement
Import Permit (1–3 months before travel)
- What: Advance authorization from the destination country's government to bring your pet in
- Required for: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, and others. Check your destination.
- Processing time: Can take 2–8 weeks, so apply early
- Cost: Varies by country ($50–$500)
Airline-Specific Documents
- Some airlines require their own pet travel form or waiver
- Cargo shipments may need an airway bill and shipper's declaration
- Certain airlines require a vet-signed fitness-to-fly certificate within 48 hours
- Check your airline's specific requirements
Get Your Personalized Checklist
The exact documents you need depend on your origin country, destination, airline, and pet's breed and vaccination history. Rather than guessing, use PawGo to generate a personalized document checklist with exact deadlines based on your departure date.