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Pet travel requirements by country
Taking a dog or cat abroad comes down to the same building blocks in the same order: an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccine given after the chip, a waiting period, and a health certificate in the last days before travel. Japan and Australia add a rabies antibody test and a 180-day wait.
Compare the rules
| Destination | Microchip | Quarantine | Plan ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇺 EU | ISO 11784/11785, 15 digits, implanted before the rabies shot | None if the rules are met | 4+ weeks |
| 🇬🇧 UK | ISO 15-digit chip, implanted before the rabies shot | None if the rules are met | 4+ weeks |
| 🇺🇸 US | ISO-compatible, implanted before any required rabies vaccine | None | 2+ weeks |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Not required by Canada for personal pets; strongly recommended | None for personal pets meeting the rules | 2+ weeks |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | ISO 11784/11785, implanted before the first rabies shot | None | 7+ months |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | ISO, implanted before the rabies vaccine | At least 10 days at Mickleham post-entry quarantine | 7+ months |
The order that works everywhere
- 1. MicrochipAn ISO 11784/11785 15-digit chip. It must go in before the rabies vaccine, or most countries will not count the vaccine.
- 2. Rabies vaccineFrom 12 weeks of age. Most destinations then need a 21-day wait; Japan and Australia add an antibody test and a 180-day wait.
- 3. Destination paperworkHealth certificate, import form or permit, usually in the last 10 days before the trip.
- 4. Last-minute treatmentsTapeworm treatment for dogs going to the UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway, 1 to 5 days before arrival.
Frequently asked questions
What does every country require to bring a pet?
Almost every country asks for an ISO microchip and a valid rabies vaccine given after the chip. Most add a health certificate issued in the last 10 days before travel.
Which countries have pet quarantine?
Australia has at least 10 days of quarantine for pets from most countries. Japan has none if the 180-day wait is complete. The EU, UK, US and Canada have no quarantine for pets that meet the rules.
How early should I start planning pet travel?
About 4 weeks for the EU and UK, 2 weeks for the US and Canada, and at least 7 months for Japan and Australia.
Sources
- European Commission: movement of pets
- GOV.UK: bring your pet to Great Britain
- CDC: bringing a dog into the United States
- CFIA: importing or travelling with pets
- Animal Quarantine Service: dogs and cats to Japan
- Australian Department of Agriculture: cats and dogs
Rules change. Always confirm with the official source above and your vet before you travel or change a vaccine plan.