I’ve been covering the live, retire, and do business abroad beat for more than three decades now and there are some questions that come up more than most. Chief among them: Can I bring my pet overseas?
According to 2023 figures, 66% of U.S. households and 60% of Canadian households own a pet. Numbered among them are some 128 million cats and dogs.[1] Little wonder then that it’s such a big issue for North Americans considering a move outside home borders.
The good news is, bringing your pet cat or dog along on your expat adventure is indeed possible in most all cases, but there some exceptions…
Your first step will be to look at your chosen country’s embassy website. This should help you to clarify the latest requirements. Bear in mind that country procedures for transporting pets change from time to time so be sure to check regularly for any updates.
It’s also important to note that some countries have outright bans on certain breeds, notably those deemed “aggressive”, and also restrictions on importing pets who have undergone procedures banned within certain countries such as ear cropping or tail docking.
If your chosen destination involves taking a flight, there are several checks you will need to make with your carrier before purchasing tickets. Some airlines are more pet-friendly than others and all of them have rules about pet travel. Indeed, airline regulations can be more restrictive than that of many countries.
You will need to check if your dog or cat is a permitted breed on board. Some airlines won’t accept certain breeds in the cabin, in cargo, or in either. You are also usually restricted to one pet per person.
Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds that are prone to respiratory problems are at a higher risk during flights and as a result many airlines won’t permit them on board at all. In addition, most airlines have a set maximum weight for dogs so large breed dog owners will need to check this, too. As a general guide, cats and dogs weighing less than 15lbs can accompany you in the cabin.
There are also weight, dimension, and container specifications for both cabin or cargo. Again, these can change from time to time so make sure to double-check prior to confirming your booking.
Another consideration will be the season in which you are planning to travel. If it’s too hot or cold at either your arrival or departure points, the times of year at which you can bring your pet will be restricted, sometimes to as short a period as just a few weeks a year.
The next step is to ensure your pet’s health requirements are in order.
You’ll need to have an international health certificate (in the United States it’s the APHIS Form 7001, in Canada it’s the Canadian International Health Certificate)
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