Moving abroad.
Bringing them with you.

Start with the destination

There is no single document pack that covers every international pet move. Identify the destination country and review its requirements before choosing a fixed flight date.

The USDA APHIS destination-country resource is the starting point for a U.S. departure. Tell your veterinarian the species, destination, expected date, and any countries involved in transit.

Put the preparation in the right order

Work with your veterinarian to establish which identification, vaccinations, tests, or other steps apply, and the intervals between them. These can set the earliest feasible departure date.

Use one written timeline for the veterinary work and the travel arrangements. Do not assume that a flight reservation makes the documents ready, or that completed veterinary work guarantees space for a pet.

Health certificates and USDA endorsement

When the destination requires USDA endorsement, the health certificate must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Not every veterinarian has that accreditation.

The USDA process overview explains certification and submission for endorsement, including VEHCS. Check the destination’s timing and document-delivery requirements with your veterinarian so the certificate is valid for the actual journey.

Our role is travel and document coordination. Veterinary certification and official endorsement are performed by the veterinarian and authority responsible for them.

Confirm the flight separately

Tell the operating airline your pet’s details and check the travel format, carrier dimensions, booking conditions, and connections. Requirements for pet acceptance can differ from the destination’s entry rules.

We review the itinerary as a whole, including handovers and the people involved at departure and arrival. Read more about our international relocation service.

Plan for returning to the U.S.

If your dog may return to the United States, review the return requirements before leaving. A visit to a high-risk country can change the CDC pathway.

For the usual U.S.-vaccinated high-risk pathway, arrange the specific Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination and its USDA endorsement before departure. A newly issued outward health certificate does not replace it. CDC retains a limited option for qualifying USDA-endorsed export health certificates issued on or before July 31, 2025; an older document must meet all current conditions. Check CDC’s document options with your veterinarian.

Bring the plan together

• Confirmed destination and transit requirements.
• Veterinary preparation and certificate timing.
• Airline pet acceptance and the correct carrier or container.
• Required travel documents and any arrival arrangements.
• Named people for departure and collection.
• A review of the return journey, if relevant.

Send us what is already arranged and what remains open. We can assess the route and discuss the transport services and quote.