International vs. Domestic Pet Transport: What's Different

International pet transport is fundamentally different from domestic. Instead of a health certificate and a verified driver, you're dealing with import permits, USDA-endorsed documentation, potential quarantine, and country-specific requirements that can take months to fulfill. Start the process as early as possible.

TL;DR

• International transport requires USDA-endorsed documentation, not just a standard vet certificate
• Most countries have specific vaccination, microchip, and health certificate requirements
• Some countries (Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Japan) have quarantine requirements
• Start 3 to 6 months before your move for most destinations
• Ferried handles domestic ground transport; international air transport requires a specialized service

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What Makes International Transport Different

Import regulations by country: Every country has its own requirements for pets entering from the US. These may include specific vaccines, titer tests, microchip standards, health certificate formats, advance import permits, and minimum waiting periods after certain vaccines are administered.

USDA endorsement: Most countries require that the veterinary health certificate be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian AND endorsed by the USDA APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) office. This endorsement typically takes 1 to 3 business days and may require an in-person visit to a regional APHIS office.

Timing requirements: Some vaccines must be administered a minimum number of days before entry. A rabies titer test must often be done after vaccination and must meet a minimum titer level. The process can take months when titer testing requirements are involved.

Quarantine: Some countries require quarantine on arrival regardless of documentation. Australia and New Zealand have particularly strict requirements with mandatory quarantine periods.

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How Requirements Vary by Destination

Destination	Key Requirements	Lead Time Needed
UK / EU	Microchip, rabies vaccine, USDA-endorsed certificate	4 to 8 weeks
Japan	Microchip, rabies vaccines, titer test, advance import application	6+ months
Australia	Microchip, rabies titer test, quarantine on arrival, advance approval	12+ months
New Zealand	Similar to Australia; strict biosecurity	12+ months
Canada	Rabies vaccination documentation, USDA health cert for dogs	2 to 4 weeks
Mexico	Health certificate, rabies vaccination	2 to 4 weeks
Most EU countries	EU pet passport or equivalent; microchip; rabies vaccine	4 to 8 weeks

These are general guidelines. Requirements change. Always verify the current requirements with the destination country's embassy or consulate AND the USDA APHIS pet travel website before planning.

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The USDA Accredited Vet Requirement

For most international moves, your standard vet may not be USDA-accredited. You need to:

1. Find a USDA-accredited veterinarian in your area (the USDA APHIS website has a search tool)
2. Schedule the examination and have the certificate issued by the accredited vet
3. Submit the certificate to the USDA APHIS office for endorsement
4. The endorsed certificate is the document that travels with your pet

Start this process well before your move date. Appointment availability at USDA-accredited vets and at APHIS offices varies by region.

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Air Transport for International Moves

Most international pet moves require air transport for at least part of the journey. This means either:

In-cabin: Small pets (under 15 to 20 lbs in an approved carrier) can fly in-cabin on many international routes, though airline-specific policies vary significantly. In-cabin is the safest option when available.

Cargo: Larger pets typically fly as checked baggage or cargo. Not all airlines accept cargo pets on international routes. Some airlines have suspended cargo pet programs entirely.

Pet relocation services: For complex international moves (particularly to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or other high-regulation destinations), a professional pet relocation service can manage the entire process: documentation, logistics, airline booking, and quarantine coordination. This is expensive but worthwhile for complex moves.

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How Ferried Fits In

Ferried handles domestic ground transport within the US. This is useful for the domestic leg of an international move: if you need your pet driven from your home to a major hub airport for an international flight, Ferried drivers can manage that portion.

For the international transport itself, you'll need a separate service. Professional pet relocation companies specializing in international moves are the right resource for the air transport, documentation management, and destination logistics.

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Domestic Moves That Feel International

Hawaii: Technically domestic, but Hawaii has quarantine requirements similar to international destinations. The 5-day-or-less quarantine program requires specific vaccines administered on a specific schedule, a documented titer test, and advance application. Start the Hawaii process at least 6 months before your move.

Puerto Rico and US territories: Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands have their own entry requirements for pets. These are not the same as continental US interstate transport. Verify requirements specific to your destination territory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my dog to Canada by ground? Yes, ground crossings to Canada are possible for dogs with a current rabies vaccination certificate and a USDA health certificate. Canada's requirements for dogs are relatively straightforward compared to most international destinations.

My EU move is in 6 weeks. Is that enough time? For most EU countries, 6 weeks is tight but potentially manageable if the rabies vaccination is already current and there is no titer test requirement from your specific country. Contact a USDA-accredited vet and a professional pet relocation service immediately to assess your specific timeline.

Are there breeds banned in other countries? Yes. Many countries have breed-specific legislation that prohibits certain breeds (typically Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and others). Research breed restrictions at your destination country before planning your move.

What happens to my pet during quarantine? Quarantine facilities vary by country. Australian quarantine facilities are government-run and provide regular care. Your pet will be housed, fed, and monitored during the quarantine period. You may be able to visit in some facilities.

How much does international pet relocation cost? Costs vary widely. A relatively straightforward EU move might cost $1,500 to $4,000 for documentation and logistics. An Australia or New Zealand move with quarantine can cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more depending on the size of the pet and the duration of quarantine.