Book International Pet Shipping Services

✈️ How International Pet Shipping Works on PetWorks

International pet shipping involves more than arranging a flight or ground journey. Depending on the destination, your pet may need specific vaccinations, an ISO-compliant microchip, veterinary health certificates, USDA APHIS endorsement, import permits, customs documentation, and other country-specific requirements.

On PetWorks, you can browse international pet shipping professional profiles, compare credentials and client reviews, request free quotes, and choose the professional whose experience best matches your destination and needs. Your professional can help coordinate the documentation, transportation arrangements, and other requirements involved in your pet's international journey.

International Pet Shipping Requirements & Documentation

Every country has its own rules for bringing dogs and cats across its borders. Requirements can include rabies vaccinations, microchipping, health certificates, import permits, parasite treatments, laboratory tests, quarantine, and customs documentation. Some requirements must be completed within specific time windows before your pet travels.

For pets traveling from the United States, USDA APHIS may need to endorse the health certificate required by the destination country. The timing and process depend on the destination, your pet's species, and the country's current entry requirements. Your international pet shipping professional can help you understand which documents are required and when they need to be completed.

How Much Does International Pet Shipping Cost?

International pet shipping costs vary based on the destination country, your pet's size and species, the airline and travel route, the services required, and the amount of documentation or veterinary preparation involved. Additional expenses may include airline charges, travel crates, veterinary services, USDA APHIS endorsement, import permits, customs fees, and quarantine when required.

Because international requirements and travel arrangements differ from one move to another, there is no single price for international pet shipping. The best way to determine your expected cost is to request quotes from multiple professionals on PetWorks and provide your destination, travel dates, pet details, and any known requirements.

How Far in Advance Should You Arrange International Pet Shipping?

Start planning as early as possible. Some international pet moves can be arranged within several weeks, while destinations with extensive import requirements may require several months of preparation. Certain countries may require specific vaccinations, blood tests, permits, or quarantine arrangements that must be completed according to strict timelines.

Before booking travel, check the current requirements for your destination and discuss your timeline with an experienced international pet shipping professional. Starting early gives you more time to complete veterinary requirements, obtain documentation, coordinate airline arrangements, and address unexpected delays.

International Pet Shipping to Different Countries

International pet shipping requirements vary significantly by destination. Rules for bringing a dog or cat into Canada or Mexico may differ substantially from requirements for destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the United Kingdom, or countries within the European Union.

Your destination country determines the requirements your pet must meet before entry. Depending on the country, this may include an approved microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, laboratory testing, import authorization, parasite treatment, or quarantine.

Because regulations can change, always verify the current requirements for your destination before your pet travels. An experienced international pet shipping professional can help you identify the requirements that apply to your specific move.

What Should I Look for in an International Pet Shipping Professional?

International pet shipping requires knowledge of cross-border documentation, veterinary requirements, airline policies, and destination-country regulations. When comparing professionals, look for relevant international experience and credentials that apply to the services they provide.

USDA APHIS registration or authorization may be relevant for professionals performing certain regulated animal transportation activities, while IPATA membership or accreditation can indicate experience and adherence to industry standards for international pet and animal transportation. You can also consider professional experience, client reviews, insurance coverage, and familiarity with your destination country.

On PetWorks, you can review professional profiles and compare available credentials, experience, services, and client feedback before requesting a quote or booking.

Preparing Your Pet for International Travel

Preparing your pet for an international journey starts well before the travel date. Make sure you understand the destination's vaccination and identification requirements, schedule any required veterinary appointments in advance, and confirm that your pet's travel crate meets the applicable airline requirements.

Your veterinarian can advise you about your pet's health and fitness for travel, including questions about feeding, hydration, medications, and whether sedation is appropriate. Your international pet shipping professional can help coordinate the travel logistics and explain what to expect before, during, and after the journey.

What Happens When My Pet Arrives?

Arrival procedures depend on the destination country and may involve customs inspection, document verification, veterinary inspection, or other entry procedures. Some countries require pets to complete specific post-arrival procedures or quarantine requirements.

Your international pet shipping professional can help you prepare for the destination country's arrival process and coordinate the services needed to complete your pet's journey.

Why Use PetWorks for International Pet Shipping?

Choosing the right professional for an international pet move can be difficult when requirements vary by country and mistakes can cause costly delays. PetWorks makes it easier to compare professionals in one place.

Browse profiles, review credentials and client feedback, request free quotes, and communicate directly with professionals about your destination and travel requirements. When you book through PetWorks, our live Concierge team is also available to help with booking questions and issues throughout your experience.

🦔 Secure Payment Through PetWorks

Payment is handled securely through PetWorks using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Affirm, Link, or Klarna. Care Coverage at checkout also provides access to PetWorks' live Concierge team, including support with eligible booking issues and qualifying cancellations.

Frequently Asked Questions About International Pet Shipping

What is international pet shipping? International pet shipping is the process of coordinating a pet's journey across an international border while meeting the transportation, veterinary, documentation, customs, and destination-country entry requirements that apply to the move.

What documents does my pet need for international shipping? Requirements vary by destination, but may include a current rabies vaccination, an ISO-compliant microchip, a veterinary health certificate, USDA APHIS endorsement, an import permit, laboratory test results, parasite treatments, and customs documentation. Your destination country determines which requirements apply.

Does my pet need a USDA-endorsed health certificate? Many countries require a health certificate issued by a veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS for pets traveling from the United States. The exact certificate, endorsement process, and timing depend on the destination country. Check the current destination requirements before travel.

What is IPATA and why is it important for international pet shipping? IPATA stands for the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association, an industry organization focused on the safe and professional transportation of pets and other animals. IPATA membership or accreditation can be one factor to consider when comparing international pet shipping professionals, along with experience, credentials, reviews, and familiarity with your destination.

How much does international pet shipping cost? There is no standard price because costs depend on the destination, pet size and species, airline and route, crate requirements, veterinary documentation, import permits, customs procedures, and other services. Requesting quotes from multiple PetWorks professionals is the best way to compare the expected cost for your specific journey.

How far in advance should I arrange international pet shipping? It depends on the destination and its entry requirements. Some international journeys can be planned within several weeks, while destinations requiring additional testing, permits, or quarantine may require several months. Starting early gives you more time to complete every required step.

Can I ship my dog or cat internationally by air? Yes. International pet travel may involve different airline options and travel arrangements depending on the destination, pet, and airline's current live-animal policies. Your international pet shipping professional can help determine which travel arrangements are appropriate for your journey.

Does my pet need a special crate for international travel? Many international airline journeys require a travel crate that meets applicable airline and live-animal transportation requirements. Crate requirements can vary based on the airline, aircraft, destination, and size of your pet. Confirm the current requirements before purchasing or preparing a crate.

Do international pet shipping requirements vary by country? Yes. This is one of the most important differences between international and domestic pet transportation. Each destination country establishes its own entry requirements, which can include different vaccination, microchip, health certificate, testing, permit, customs, and quarantine rules.

❤️ Make Their Journey Across Borders Easier

International pet shipping can involve complicated requirements, strict timelines, and unfamiliar procedures. PetWorks makes it easier to find professionals who can help coordinate your pet's cross-border journey. Compare international pet shipping professionals, review credentials and client feedback, get free quotes, and book with confidence.