Useful links for flying with pets

Pet travel requirements depend on where you fly, not just on the airline. These are the official sources we use ourselves, because your destination decides which documents your pet needs.

The most common pet travel requirements

Although every country has its own rules, most ask for the same basics. First, a microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccination. Next, a valid rabies vaccination, often with a waiting period of 21 days. In addition, a health document: an EU pet passport, an animal health certificate or an official veterinary certificate. Finally, some destinations also want a tapeworm treatment for dogs or a rabies antibody blood test.

Pet travel requirements in the European Union

• European Commission: dogs, cats and ferrets · EU pet passport, rabies vaccination and entry from non-EU countries.

United Kingdom

• GOV.UK: bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain · approved routes, microchip, rabies, tapeworm treatment for dogs.

Great Britain only accepts pets on approved routes, so most airlines won’t fly them there in the cabin.

United States

• CDC: bringing a dog into the United States · the CDC Dog Import Form and age rules.
• USDA APHIS: travel with a pet · export and import requirements, including rabbits, birds and reptiles.

Since August 2024, every dog entering the United States needs a CDC Dog Import Form receipt and a microchip, and must be at least six months old.

Pet travel requirements in other countries

• Australia: bringing cats and dogs
• New Zealand: importing pets
• Japan: Animal Quarantine Service
• Switzerland: traveling with pets

Carriers and crates

• IATA Traveler’s Pet Corner · how to size a crate, and why sedating pets for flights is not recommended.
• IATA container requirements for cats and dogs (PDF)

Airline rules

• All 62 airline pet policies · cabin and hold limits, fees and how to book.

Rules change, so always check the official rules of every country on your route before you fly.