Moving to Another Country with Your Dog
- K9 Curator
- Nov 26, 2025
- 3 min read
Important Steps You’ll Need to Take Before and After You Leave
By K9 Curator
Moving abroad is exciting, but when your four-legged best friend is coming along for the ride, there’s a lot more to think about than just packing boxes. From airline requirements to quarantine rules, every country has its own pet import process to plan for—and it can feel overwhelming to navigate.
Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Whether you’re relocating for work, adventure, or a lifestyle change, this guide will walk you through the key steps to make sure your dog’s big move goes smoothly. We’ll also highlight the Top 5 Most Popular and the Top 5 Easiest Countries for Americans to relocate (based on travel, quarantine, and dog-
friendliness).
And if you’re wondering—yes, some of these countries are on both lists and you might be surprised which ones!
We’ll provide official links so you can confirm current rules — because pet entry rules do change, and government pages are the single best source.
FIRST — The Essential Steps You Should Take Months Before Moving
Start early (3–6 months minimum) — Many countries require rabies vaccinations and waiting periods, plus blood tests for certain destinations. Starting months in advance prevents rushed complications. (USDA/APHIS recommends contacting a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as you decide to travel.) APHIS
Microchip your dog — Most countries require an ISO-compatible microchip. Do it before any rabies vaccine step so the chip number is linked to vaccination records. (If your chip is not ISO, you may need to carry a scanner or get an additional chip.)
Rabies vaccination & timing — Many destinations require a current rabies vaccine and a waiting period (often at least 21 days after the primary rabies vaccination) before entry. Keep the official vaccination certificate handy. (See specific country pages below.) GOV.UK
Get the right health certificate(s) — Most countries require a USDA-endorsed international health certificate (sometimes called an APHIS Form 7001 or country-specific form). Your USDA-accredited vet will prepare it and the USDA will endorse it. APHIS
Parasite & other treatments — Some places require tapeworm treatment (e.g., the UK) or other parasite checks within a window before travel; others have specific tick/parasite rules.
Research airline & route rules — Airlines differ about in-cabin vs cargo travel, approved crates, and paperwork at check-in. Confirm which airports accept pet arrivals and whether you need an approved route (the UK, for example, has specific approved routes). GOV.UK
image: Kyle Larivee Plan for the trip itself — Long flights are stressful. Book direct flights where possible, choose pet-friendly airlines, and ask about animal care at transfer points.
Consider a professional pet relocation service — For complex moves or long quarantines, a specialist can handle logistics, permits, and ground transport.
Don't attempt to ship your dog in a box. This lil guy is just pretending to be a cute parcel
The 5 Most Popular Countries Americans Move To With Their Dogs
These destinations are beloved not only for lifestyle and opportunity—but also for being dog-welcoming.
Check out the gallery below to see which countries snagged the top spots and what you'll need for your dog to move with you. Keep in mind that while these are popular destinations, some may not be very easy to bring your prized pooch along. We also included an honorable mention, so make sure you swipe through to the end!
Keep scrolling down to see which countries top our list of the easiest to move to with your dog.
The 5 Easiest Countries to Move to with a Dog
The criteria we used to classify “Easiest” were: quarantine (none or short), pet-friendliness, additional vaccinations/tests required, and travel logistics (direct flights, border crossings).
Gallery sources: Mia The New Yorker, APHIS, GOV.UK,
Countries that appear on both lists
Note: Australia appears on the “popular” list but not on the “easiest” list — it’s a beautiful destination many expats love, but it has strict quarantine and biosecurity steps (including Post Entry Quarantine in many cases), making it more complex. If you’re set on Australia, plan a year ahead and consider a professional relocator.
Always do your own research before making a life-changing move. You and your pet don't want to get stuck in an unwelcome situation! Follow us for more tips & tails!
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