🐾 Animals Productions

Pet Travel Checklist
animalsproductions.site · © 2026

🐾 Pet Travel Checklist

Fill in your route, check each box as you complete it, then print or save as PDF (Ctrl+P / ⌘+P).

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📡 Identification
ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted
15-digit chip in the left side of the neck. Must be done before the rabies vaccine for the vaccination to count toward most countries' requirements.
Required
Chip number recorded in pet passport / health certificate
Ask your vet to note the microchip number on every official document. Numbers must match exactly.
Required
💉 Vaccinations
Rabies vaccination — primary course complete
First vaccination + booster (if required) before the trip. Vaccine must be given after microchipping. Note expiry date: ___________
Required
Rabies antibody titre test (RNATT / FAVN) ≥ 0.5 IU/ml
Blood test taken at an EU-approved lab ≥ 30 days after last rabies vaccine. Results valid 24 months. Required for AU, NZ, JP, UK, HK and others. Start counting waiting period from sample date.
If required
Core vaccines up to date (DHPP / FVRCP)
Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Para-influenza (dogs); Herpes, Calici, Panleuk (cats). Not always mandatory but strongly recommended and checked by some destinations.
Recommended
📄 Documents & Certificates
Official health certificate (issued by accredited vet)
Most countries require USDA APHIS Form 7001, EU Health Certificate, or the destination's own form. Usually valid only 10 days from issue. Issue date: ___________
Required
Government endorsement / apostille of health certificate
Some countries (USA, Australia, Canada) require the vet certificate to be endorsed by the national authority (USDA, CFIA, DAFF). Allow 5–10 business days.
If required
EU pet passport (travel within EU/EEA)
Issued only by an authorised vet in the EU. Contains chip number, vaccine records and vet details. Valid for travel within EU/EEA + Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein.
EU routes
Vaccination booklet / records
Carry originals plus a copy. Some border agents ask for the full vaccination history even if a pet passport is shown.
Required
🐕 Breed & Species Checks
Confirm breed is not banned at destination
Many countries (UK, Germany, France, NZ, Australia) ban or restrict Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and others. Always verify the official government list.
Required
CITES permit obtained (birds, reptiles, exotics)
Required for species listed on CITES Appendix I, II, or III. Apply to the CITES management authority in your country 6–8 weeks before travel.
Exotics
🪱 Parasite Treatments
Tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment
Required 24–120 hours before entering UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta, Norway. Treatment must be administered by a vet and recorded in the pet passport. Treatment date: ___________
UK/IE/NO +
Tick & flea treatment
Recommended for all international travel; required documentation may be needed for some island nations. Treatment date: ___________
Recommended
✈️ Travel & Airline
Airline pet policy confirmed (cabin vs. cargo weight limits)
Most airlines allow pets up to 8 kg (pet + carrier) in cabin. Some routes (UK, AU) require cargo/checked baggage. Book the pet spot when booking the ticket — often separate.
Required
IATA-approved carrier / crate sized correctly
Carrier must allow the pet to stand, turn and lie flat. Hard-sided crate for cargo. Carrier dimensions: _________ cm. Pet weight: _________ kg.
Required
Quarantine booking (if applicable)
AU, NZ, Hawaii: quarantine is mandatory. Must pre-book a government facility. Confirm booking reference: ___________
AU/NZ/HI
📅 Key Timing Milestones
6–12 months before
Research destination requirements
Check official government website for current rules — rules change. Use Animals Productions checker as a starting point, then confirm directly.
6 months before
Implant microchip
Must precede rabies vaccination for the vaccine to count. Required for titer test countries.
5 months before
Rabies vaccination (after microchip)
Record batch number and expiry in the pet passport.
4–5 months before
Titer test blood draw
≥ 30 days after last rabies vaccine. AU/NZ waiting period starts from sample date. Results take 2–3 weeks.
3 months before
Book quarantine (AU/NZ/HI)
Spaces fill fast. Confirm flight & quarantine booking together.
10–14 days before
Health certificate issued & endorsed
Must be issued ≤10 days before travel for most destinations. Government endorsement (USDA/CFIA) can take 5–10 business days — factor this in.
1–5 days before
Tapeworm treatment (UK/IE/NO)
24–120 hours before arrival. Exact timing varies — check destination rules.
Travel day
Carry all originals + copies in carry-on
Never put documents in checked luggage. Arrive 30+ minutes early to check in the pet separately at the airline counter.
🩺 Emergency Kit
Vet contact at destination
Research a vet near your accommodation before you leave.
Prep
Pet first-aid kit
Bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, tick remover, any prescription medication.
Prep
Enough medication for the trip + buffer
Carry a letter from your vet for any controlled substances.
If needed
🧳 Travel Day Pack
Food & water (+ collapsible bowl)
Small meal 3–4 hours before flight. Don't over-feed.
Comfort
Familiar blanket / toy in carrier
Reduces anxiety. Scent of home helps.
Comfort
ID tag on collar with your phone number
Include a local number reachable during transit.
Safety
📝 Notes
Animals Productions is an independent information service. Rules change — always verify with the official government source for your destination before travel.
Checklist prepared at animalsproductions.site · Free to print and share · © 2026 Animals Productions
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Travel

What documents do I need to travel with a pet?

Generally, you will need a microchip (ISO 11784), a valid rabies vaccination, a health certificate, and potentially a rabies titer test depending on your destination.

How early should I start preparing my pet for travel?

Start preparation at least 3-6 months before travel. Titer tests require waiting periods (up to 180 days) for countries like Australia or Japan.

What is a rabies titer test?

It is a blood test that measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet. It must be processed by an approved laboratory and show a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml.