Pet import rules by country
Cross-border movement of dogs and cats follows three regulatory tracks: rabies-free destinations (AU, NZ, JP, UK, IS, SG) require 6-7 months of preparation, rabies-controlled destinations (US, CA, EU) require 1 month, and EU intra-bloc travel uses the Pet Passport. This matrix summarises 10 destinations.
Australia
Australia is rabies-free; pet import requires 6-month preparation: microchip, rabies vaccination, FAVN/RFFIT titre test, then 180-day wait, then post-entry quarantine at Mickleham (10 days minimum, AUD 2,000+).
New Zealand
NZ is rabies-free; same 6-month preparation as AU plus 10-day post-entry quarantine. MPI permit must be obtained before flight booking.
United Kingdom
Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) — microchip, rabies vaccination, then 21-day wait. Tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before arrival for dogs. EU pet passport accepted; non-EU need GB Health Certificate.
Japan
Japan rabies-free; pre-arrival notification 40+ days before, microchip, two rabies vaccinations 30 days apart, FAVN titre, then 180-day wait. No post-entry quarantine if all paperwork is correct.
United States
Dog imports require CDC Dog Import Form effective Aug 2024; rabies vaccination required; high-risk-country dogs need additional 30-day observation. Cats: USDA-endorsed health certificate from origin vet.
Canada
CFIA requires rabies vaccination certificate (English / French). Microchip not mandatory but recommended. No quarantine.
Germany
EU pet passport accepted intra-EU. Non-EU: microchip + rabies vaccination + 21-day wait. Tapeworm treatment for dogs entering GB / Ireland / Malta.
Thailand
DLD requires rabies vaccination + FAVN titre test for some origin countries. Health certificate within 10 days of travel. Generally no post-entry quarantine.
United Arab Emirates
MOCCAE Import Permit required before travel. Microchip + rabies vaccination. Banned breeds: pit bull, mastiff, Argentine dogo, Brazilian fila, Japanese tosa, Doberman, Rottweiler, German shepherd, Boxer.
Singapore
Strict 180-day pre-arrival preparation. AVS Import Licence + 10-day quarantine at Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (≈SGD 1,500).