Moving Abroad with Your Dog: Prepare for a Successful Move

1. Start Planning Earlier Than You Think

International pet relocation rarely comes together at the last minute.

Depending on where you’re moving, you may need to:

• Update vaccinations
• Schedule veterinary appointments
• Obtain a health certificate
• Apply for an import permit
• Complete additional testing, such as a rabies antibody test

Some destinations require several months of preparation, particularly if blood tests or waiting periods are involved.

2. Finding Pet-Friendly Housing May Be Harder Than You Think

Many people spend weeks planning the flight but only start looking for housing once everything else is booked. In reality, finding a pet-friendly home can be one of the biggest challenges of relocating with a dog.

Rental rules vary widely between countries, and even between cities. Some landlords welcome pets, while others may have restrictions on:

• Dog size or weight
• Certain breeds
• The number of pets allowed
• Access to shared gardens or common spaces

Before signing a lease, ask:

• Are dogs allowed?
• Are there any size or breed restrictions?
• Is there a pet deposit, pet fee, or monthly pet rent?
• Are there nearby parks or walking areas?
• Is there a veterinarian close by?

In some countries, particularly the United States and Canada, landlords may also charge a refundable pet deposit, a one-time pet fee, or monthly pet rent. These costs can add up, so it’s worth including them in your relocation budget.

3. Every Country Has Different Entry Requirements

There isn’t a universal process for bringing a dog into another country.

Depending on your destination, you may need some combination of:

• Microchip identification
• Rabies vaccination
• Veterinary health certificate
• Parasite treatments
• Import permit
• Government endorsement of documents

Rather than trying to memorize every rule, focus on understanding the process and then check the official requirements for your destination.

→ Related guide: International Dog Travel Requirements: What You Need to Know

4. Your Airline Has Its Own Rules Too

Meeting your destination’s entry requirements doesn’t automatically mean your dog can travel on your preferred flight.

Every airline has its own policies regarding:

• Cabin versus cargo travel
• Maximum carrier dimensions
• Breed restrictions
• Seasonal heat embargoes
• Documentation required at check-in

Before booking, make sure both your airline and your destination allow your dog to travel under the same conditions.

→ Related guide: Cabin vs. Cargo: Which Option Is Best for Your Dog?

5. Budget for More Than the Flight

When planning an international move, it’s easy to focus on visa costs, shipping, and flights.

Don’t forget to budget for your dog as well. Potential expenses include:

• Veterinary appointments
• Health certificates
• Vaccinations
• Import permits
• Airline pet fees
• An airline-approved travel crate
• Pet relocation services (if you choose to use one)
• Pet-friendly housing fees or deposits

Planning these costs in advance can help avoid surprises.

6. Your Dog Will Need Time to Adjust

Moving abroad isn’t just a change of scenery — it’s a completely new world for your dog.

New smells, unfamiliar sounds, different routines, and even a new climate can all affect how quickly they settle in.

Some dogs adapt within a few days. Others may need several weeks before they feel completely comfortable.

Be patient, keep routines as consistent as possible, and give your dog time to explore their new environment at their own pace.

7. The First Weeks Can Be More Challenging Than the Flight

Many owners worry most about travel day.

In reality, the adjustment period after arrival is often the bigger challenge.

During the first few weeks, your dog may:

• Eat less than usual
• Sleep more
• Seem anxious or clingy
• Be hesitant in unfamiliar places
• React differently to new sounds or environments

These behaviors are often temporary as your dog adapts to their new home.

If you’re ever concerned about your dog’s health or behavior, don’t hesitate to contact a local veterinarian.

8. Find a Veterinarian Before You Need One

One of the first things to do after arriving is to identify a trusted local veterinarian.

Even if your dog is perfectly healthy, you’ll know where to go if you need:

• Routine care
• Vaccinations
• Prescription refills
• Emergency treatment

If you’re moving to a country where you don’t speak the language, you may also want to look for an English-speaking clinic or ask local expat communities for recommendations.

9. Keep Every Travel Document

Don’t throw away your paperwork once you’ve arrived. Documents such as:

• Vaccination records
• Health certificates
• Import permits
• Microchip information

may be useful if you:

• Move again
• Return to your home country
• Register your dog locally
• Visit another country in the future

Keeping both printed and digital copies is a simple habit that can save time later.

10. Help Your Dog Feel at Home

Your dog won’t understand why you’ve moved but they’ll notice that their environment has completely changed.

One of the best ways to help them settle is to recreate familiar routines as quickly as possible. After arriving:

• Set up their bed and favorite toys first.
• Stick to familiar feeding times.
• Keep regular walking routines.
• Introduce new places gradually.
• Give them plenty of positive reassurance.

For many dogs, consistency is the key to building confidence in a new home.

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A Quick Relocation Checklist

Before moving abroad with your dog, make sure you’ve:

• Researched your destination’s entry requirements.
• Confirmed your airline’s pet policy.
• Scheduled any required veterinary appointments.
• Budgeted for pet-related relocation costs.
• Found pet-friendly housing.
• Identified a local veterinarian.
• Packed your dog’s travel essentials.
• Saved digital and printed copies of all important documents.