How to Travel with Your Pet: Requirements, Costs & Preparation

Thinking about taking your fur baby overseas? What should you prepare in advance? This Trip.com guide rounds up the pet travel policies of popular airlines—covering everything from estimating pet travel costs and finding pet-friendly flights, to getting your pet’s outbound paperwork ready and the key entry requirements at your destination—so pet parents can feel confident on their very first flight together!

Can You Fly With Pets? 3 Ways to Travel With Pets by Plane

Most commercial airlines offer three official pet transport options, each with strict eligibility, weight and container rules.

What should you Prepare before Traveling with your Pet?

"Taking your pet abroad" is no longer an unattainable dream—many pet parents are seriously looking into it. But traveling with a pet and a typical overseas trip are two very different things; it's definitely not as simple as getting a passport and buying a plane ticket. You should start preparing at least 1–3 months in advance, and if Japan is your destination, we recommend counting back at least 8 months from your departure date to plan your timeline! There are three main areas to prepare for when taking your fur baby abroad:

1. Health and Identification Documents

The most important part of your entire pet journey is the pre-trip prep—covering microchipping, vaccine timing, antibody titer testing, and import/export permits—and every step has strict timing windows. Miss one and it’s not something you can simply fix after the fact.

2. Choosing an Airline and Confirming Availability

Once you’ve chosen an airline, be sure to contact the airline to confirm pet availability and the required specifications for the pet carrier.

3. Destination Entry Requirements

Rules vary a lot from country to country—Japan might take up to six months of preparation, while South Korea is comparatively friendly, though it still requires paperwork. Be sure to sort out your destination’s pet entry requirements before you go so you can stay on top of the rest of the process.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Pet Abroad from Australia

Step-by-Step Export Process

1.Verify Destination Country Import Requirements：Prerequisite — Start 3 to 7 months before departure。

Research your destination's specific import laws via their government agriculture or animal health authority.

• Key requirements to check: Import permit necessity, required vaccinations (e.g., Rabies), parasite treatments, blood tests, and restricted breed bans.
• Return Planning Tip: If you plan to bring your pet back to Australia eventually, complete the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) before leaving Australia. Completing the blood test in Australia eliminates the mandatory 180-day overseas waiting period prior to re-entry.

2.Ensure ISO Microchip & Schedule Vaccinations：Timing: Sequence depends on destination rules。

Visit a registered Australian veterinarian to verify your pet's identity and treatment schedule.

• Microchipping: Your pet must have a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip implanted before or on the day of administering any required travel vaccinations (such as rabies).
• Vaccinations & Treatments: Administer required vaccinations and parasite treatments strictly according to the destination country's required timelines. Ensure the vet scans and records the microchip number on every single lab report and certificate.

3.Arrange Flight Logistics & IATA Crate：Scope constraint: Airlines generally require IATA-approved containers。

Book your pet's cargo flight directly with the airline or through an IPATA-certified pet transport agency (e.g., Jetpets, Dogtainers).

• Acquire an IATA-compliant flight container that gives your pet adequate space to turn around, sit, stand, and lie down comfortably.
• Acclimate your pet to the crate weeks in advance to reduce travel stress.

4.Lodge Notice of Intention to Export (NOI) with DAFF：Prerequisite — Must be submitted at least 10 business days before flight。

Submit a Notice of Intention (NOI) to Export Live Animals form to the DAFF Regional Live Animal Export office in your state.

• Include travel details, airline flight numbers, destination address, registered vet details, and the health preparation schedule.
• DAFF will assess the application to verify that your planned schedule complies with Australian export legislation and destination requirements.

5.Complete Final Pre-Export Vet Examination：Timing: Typically within 72 hours of departure。

Take your pet to a registered veterinarian for their final pre-export inspection.

• The vet performs a full physical health assessment to confirm fitness to travel.
• The vet administers any final parasite treatments required by the importing country and completes the Veterinary Health Certificate draft.

6.Attend DAFF Appointment for Export Permit & Health Certificate：Timing: Within 72 hours of departure (fee applies)。

Attend a scheduled pre-export appointment at a regional DAFF office (or have your pet transport agency attend on your behalf).

• Present all original health documentation, vaccination cards, laboratory reports, and import permits.
• Once verified, the government official veterinarian issues the official Australian Government Export Permit and endorsed Health Certificate.

7.Airport Check-In & Departure：Timing: Arrive 3 to 4 hours prior to scheduled departure。

Check in your pet at the airline cargo terminal or designated check-in desk.

• Hand over all original endorsed export permits, health certificates, and import documents.
• Ensure water containers inside the travel crate are filled and securely attached.

Key Documentation Checklist

Pet Entry Requirements by Country

Because Australia is rabies-free, exporting pets to other countries is often more straightforward than importing them back. However, every destination country enforces its own specific biosecurity and health import requirements.

Below is a breakdown of entry requirements for popular destination countries when travelling or relocating with pets from Australia.

1. New Zealand

New Zealand and Australia share similar high-standard biosecurity laws. Because both countries are rabies-free, the process is streamlined compared to other destinations:

• Microchip: 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip implanted prior to testing/treatments.
• Import Permit: Required from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
• Rabies Vaccine: Not required if traveling directly from Australia.
• Health Certificates & Inspections: Pre-export health check and internal/external parasite treatments administered by a registered vet.
• Quarantine: None, provided all documentation and health checks are completed correctly.

2. United Kingdom & European Union

The UK and EU countries categorize Australia as a "listed/approved third country" due to its rabies-free status.

• Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip (must be scanned and recorded before giving any vaccines).
• Rabies Vaccination: Required at least 21 days prior to entry (pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination).
• Rabies Titre Test (RNATT): Not required for entry into the EU/UK directly from Australia. (Note: If you plan to return to Australia later, doing the RNATT before leaving Australia is strongly advised).
• Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs only): Must be administered by a vet 24 to 120 hours (1–5 days) before arrival for entry into the UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta, and Norway.
• EU/UK Health Certificate: Official health certificate issued by a registered vet and endorsed by DAFF within 10 days of arrival.

3. United States

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the CDC regulate pet entry:

• Microchip: ISO-compliant microchip required.
• CDC Dog Import Form: Must be completed online prior to travel for all dogs entering the US.
• Rabies Vaccine: While Australia is classified as a rabies-free country by the CDC, rabies vaccination is still strongly recommended (and required by most individual US states upon arrival).
• Screwworm & Parasite Inspection: Dogs traveling from Australia must have a vet certificate stating they have been inspected for screwworm within 5 days of travel.
• Quarantine: None for healthy pets with complete documentation.

4. Canada

Canada’s import rules are managed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA):

• Microchip: Highly recommended / standard for international travel.
• Rabies Certificate: Not strictly mandatory for dogs/cats entering directly from Australia if accompanied by an official DAFF certificate confirming Australia has been rabies-free for at least 6 months. However, an up-to-date rabies vaccination certificate simplifies border clearance.
• Health Inspection: Visual health inspection at the port of entry (inspection fee applies).

5. Japan & Singapore

Both Japan (MAFF) and Singapore (AVS/NPARKS) have strict biosecurity protocols:

• Microchip: Mandatory 15-digit ISO microchip.
• Advance Notification: Must notify arrival authorities (e.g., Japan MAFF at least 40 days prior to arrival).
• Vaccinations & Treatments: Full core vaccines plus rabies vaccination (Japan requires 2 rabies doses administered after microchipping).
• Quarantine:
• • Japan: If all microchip, vaccination, and paperwork requirements are met, quarantine is usually short (under 12 hours). Otherwise, up to 180 days.
  • Singapore: Category A country rules (Australia) allow quarantine-free entry provided health certificates and parasite treatments meet AVS standards.

6. China

Under Announcement No. 5 (2019) of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), Australia is classified as a "Designated Non-Rabies Country/Region." Because Australia is rabies-free, taking a pet to China is streamlined and enjoys an exemption from mandatory 30-day quarantine, provided all official documentation is present upon arrival.

• Species & Quantity Allowance: Strictly one dog or one cat per passenger per entry (must be accompanied by the owner's passport and flight booking).
• ISO Microchip: Must have a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted.
• Rabies Vaccination: Must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate issued by a registered Australian veterinarian.
• Rabies Titre Test (RNATT): Not required for pets originating directly from Australia.
• Official Health Certificate: Must hold an official Australian Government Health Certificate endorsed by DAFF within 72 hours of departure.
• Quarantine: Quarantine-Free Entry. As long as the microchip, rabies documentation, and DAFF certificates are verified and the pet passes a visual clinical inspection by customs at the port of entry, the pet is released immediately.

Rules for Flying with Pets: In-Cabin, Checked Baggage, or Cargo—How to Choose?

Photo credit: IG@Paula's Diary

How Much does Pet Travel Cost? Airfare, Quarantine, and other Expenses

Exporting a pet from Australia—or bringing one back—involves significant administrative, medical, and logistical expenses. Because Australia is a rabies-free island, exporting a pet out of Australia is generally cheaper and easier than importing one in.

The total cost to move a pet internationally from Australia typically ranges between $3,500 AUD and $12,000+ AUD, depending on the destination, pet size, crate requirements, and choice of pet transport agency.

📌 Actual costs vary based on your pet’s weight, the airline you choose, your destination, and whether you use an agent to handle the process. Before you depart, check with your airline and the Ministry of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine agency for the latest fee schedule.

Comparing Pet Policies Across Different Airlines

In 2024, more than 5,000 people signed a petition on the public policy platform calling for pets to be allowed in the cabin. China Airlines and EVA Air both said they’ll continue to watch market trends before making further evaluations, and Starlux Airlines said it would study the issue carefully.

China Airlines Pet Policy

No later than 48 hours before departure, contact the Reservations department; at the airport, complete check-in at least 2 hours before your flight; prepare two copies of the declaration form in advance, with one given to ground staff and one attached to the kennel; pets more than 40 days pregnant or within 7 days after giving birth are not accepted; this service is not available on B738 aircraft or on codeshare connecting itineraries; a maximum of 8 kennels are accepted per flight, and each passenger may bring up to 2 kennels.

Virgin Australia

It permits accredited service animals as well as small domestic pets (cats and dogs under 8 kg including carrier) inside the aircraft cabin on select domestic routes, while larger pets travel in the cargo hold.

Qantas

Qantas strictly restricts in-cabin travel to accredited service animals only, requiring all standard domestic pets to travel as cargo via Qantas Freight.

EVA Air Pet Policy

Only dogs, cats, and rabbits are accepted for transport in the cargo hold; pets are not permitted in the cabin, with the exception of service dogs. Pregnant pets and those under 4 months old are not accepted. There is a limit of 5 crates per flight (excluding A321 and B787 aircraft), and pet transport services are limited to EVA Air and UNI Air operated international flights; connecting flights on other airlines are not included.

STARLUX Airlines Pet Policy

Notify customer service no later than 24 hours before departure, or submit via the online form by 48 hours before departure; pets under 10 weeks old are not permitted for transport, and fees are calculated based on route and weight.

Pet-Friendly Airline Recommendations: Korean Airlines Are Currently the Best Choice

If you want your furry friend to skip the cargo hold and sit right next to you in the cabin, flying with a Korean airline to South Korea is currently the most viable option. Korean Air and Asiana Airlines allow pets in the cabin with a combined weight limit (pet plus carrier) of approximately 7 kg. Low-cost carriers like Jeju Air and T'way Air offer a slightly higher limit of around 7–9 kg, but their policies are generally stricter and have more limited availability.

Tips for Traveling with Pets: Health, Safety, and Adapting to New Environments

Health Assessment Before Traveling with Your Pet

Photo credit: IG@Paula's Diary

Before you depart, we recommend taking your furry friend to a veterinary clinic with experience in international pet travel and quarantine for a comprehensive checkup, so the vet can confirm basics like temperature, heart rate, and respiratory health to ensure they're fit to fly. This is especially important for senior pets or those with chronic conditions—discuss everything thoroughly with your vet before arranging a long-haul flight.

In-flight care

Pets traveling in the cabin must stay inside their carrier for the entire flight. You cannot open the carrier to hold them, nor can you feed them—only water is allowed. If your furry friend tends to get nervous, start getting them used to their travel crate a few weeks before your trip so the space feels familiar rather than scary. You can also tuck one of your old shirts inside the carrier; the familiar scent will help keep them calm and comforted.

Getting settled in and adjusting to your new surroundings

Photo credit: IG@Paula's Diary

After a flight of several hours, your fur baby might be a bit dehydrated or anxious upon arrival. Let them rest and rehydrate first—don't rush them straight into your itinerary. Observe their energy levels and appetite over the next day or two, and only start your adventures once you're sure they're doing well. When staying at pet-friendly hotels or B&Bs, keep in mind that most accommodations strictly prohibit leaving dogs alone in the room. Even if it isn't explicitly stated in the rules, it's best not to take the risk; after all, any incident could lead to these places no longer welcoming pets in the future. Before you head out, it's a good idea to look up nearby veterinary clinics and check their service scope—some clinics even offer consultations in English. Being prepared is the best way to ensure you can truly enjoy your trip with peace of mind.