Whether you are moving across country with pets or moving internationally with pets, there are some things you must know. We’ve created a comprehensive guide that includes valuable information about costs, vaccinations, documents, and more. Keep reading and make your relocation easier!
It’s very important to know what you need to prepare before moving to another country with pets. You need to take into consideration aspects such as pet vaccines, microchipping, and health certificates.
You must do this before the rabies vaccine. It is required in most countries, especially in the EU, Australia, and the UK. The microchip must meet the ISO standards 11784 and 11785. In case your pet already has a microchip implanted that does not meet these standards, you will need to implant a second microchip.
The vaccination should take place after implanting the microchip. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old when having the first rabies vaccination. After the vaccine, you must wait 21 days before departing for your new destination.
You have to request a health certificate from a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) accredited veterinarian. It must be endorsed by a CFIA vet office after revision no later than 10 days before departure. You must book an appointment for this act.
Look up the official government page of the country you are moving to, in case other regulations might apply. Some countries may require extra pet vaccines such as the DHP Vaccines (Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus).
You must provide proof of all the vaccines and the microchipping. It is best to prepare them early and store them in a safe place until you start your moving process.
The cost of relocating your pet outside of Canada depends on various factors, such as your destination, vaccines and microchip costs, and much more.
Have a look at the table below to get an overview with estimated costs:
Item | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
Microchip + Rabies Vaccine | $80 – $160 |
Health Certificate (CFIA-endorsed) | $100 – $250+ |
Pet Crate (IATA Approved) | $75 – $400 |
Airline Cargo Fee | $500 – $3,000 |
Pet Relocation Service (optional) | $1,500 – $5,000+ |
Disclaimer: These are mere estimates.
The cost of moving overseas with a cat can be cheaper than moving abroad with a dog. This is because of the weight difference, as cats are lighter and occupy less space.
Due to the size of the dogs, which are usually heavier and larger than cats, the transportation costs are higher.
The best way to move with pets overseas is to transport them through air travel. If your pet is of small size, you may be allowed to carry it in the cabin. If not, they will travel in the cargo area.
Follow these steps to have a smooth transition:
If you prefer hiring a professional moving company to take care of the transportation of your pets, we’ve gathered some of the best international moving companies best suited for your situation.
Mexico allows pets in many places, including malls and markets
Spain is known for being pet-friendly. Most people own a pet.
Portugal welcomes pets, especially in outdoor settings.
Thank you for reading our article. We truly hope the information we provided helped you to better understand the process of moving internationally with pets. We wish you a great new experience!