How to Travel With a Dog Internationally

For the full picture, start with my complete dog travel guide.

If some of your trips will be by rail, my guide to train travel with a dog breaks down the rules country by country.

For a country-specific walkthrough, see my guide to dog travel in France.

Fast forward a few years, and Puglo has now traveled to more than 16 countries across Europe, North America, South America, and Asia. He’s climbed mountains in Bulgaria, worked remotely with me in Buenos Aires, celebrated his birthday in Colombia, and flown internationally more times than most people I know.

And if Mexico is your destination, my local guide to dog friendly Puerto Vallarta covers arrival paperwork, beaches, and vets.

For US-based flights, start with my guide to flying with your dog on United, one of the carriers I get asked about most.

But here’s what I quickly learned: traveling internationally with a dog is absolutely possible, if you understand the rules and plan ahead.

The first time I researched how to travel with a dog internationally, I felt overwhelmed. Between microchips, vaccines, import permits, and airlines with different cabin weight limits, It felt like one small mistake could mean denied boarding or quarantine.

Whether you’re moving abroad, planning an extended stay, or simply don’t want to leave your dog behind, I’ll walk you through exactly how to fly internationally with a dog, what documents you need, how to plan your timeline, and how to make the journey safe and smooth.

If a rescue pug can handle international travel, your dog probably can too, with the right preparation.

Can You Travel Internationally With Your Dog?

Yes. You absolutely can travel internationally with your dog. But the real answer is: it depends on the destination.

There isn’t one universal rule for flying internationally with a dog. Every country sets its own entry requirements based on rabies risk, biosecurity policies, and public health laws.

Some destinations are surprisingly straightforward while others require months of preparation.

Many countries in Europe, North America, much of Latin America, and some areas of Southeast Asia allow dogs to enter as long as you have:

• An ISO microchip
• A valid rabies vaccine and or rabies titer test
• An official health certificate issued within a specific time window
• Other core vaccines and parasite treatment

For example, moving between rabies-controlled countries can be relatively smooth if your paperwork is correct.

I’ve traveled with Puglo between 16 countries without quarantine because we followed the timeline properly.

Some destinations are much more complex.

Places that are rabies-free or have strict biosecurity policies often require:

• A rabies titer blood test months in advance
• Government-endorsed health certificates
• Import permits
• Specific parasite treatments within tight time windows
• In some cases, quarantine on arrival

Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and certain island nations are known for very strict pet entry rules. If you miss one detail, your dog could be denied entry.

When you travel internationally with your dog, there are always two sets of rules to think about: export requirements from the country you’re leaving and import requirements for the country you’re entering.

Sometimes the paperwork overlaps, and sometimes one country barely requires anything at all. But you should always double-check both sides.

Export and Import Requirements

Export Requirements

Export requirements are the rules set by the government authority of the country you’re departing from. They confirm that your dog is healthy and meets the minimum standards for international travel.

Every country has its own system. Here are some common examples:

United States

Exports are governed by USDA. To leave the U.S., many destinations require a USDA-endorsed health certificate completed by an accredited veterinarian. The vet completes the exam and paperwork, and the USDA signs off.

Canada

The CFIA manages export requirements for pets. If a destination requires an endorsed certificate, owners must submit documents through CFIA for approval.

Mexico

If you are flying anywhere except the U.S. or Canada, you must get an export slip from SENASICA or the airline will not issue your boarding pass.

Here’s how it works when I fly with Puglo:
• I bring his vaccine records and vet-issued health certificate to the SENASICA office
• Within a few days, they prepare the export document.
• On travel day, I return to the office so they can do a quick inspection of Puglo and issue the final stamp.

Once you land, the importing country reviews this export document at entry.

Import Requirements

On top of export paperwork, many countries have their own import rules. These can include permits, forms, or advance approvals.

A few examples from my own travels:
• Colombia requires travelers to apply for an import permit before arrival.
• Thailand has a formal import application that must be submitted ahead of time.

Some countries only check vaccines and a standard health certificate. Others want very detailed documentation or a rabies titer test.

The key is understanding that import rules are separate from export rules, and you must satisfy both.

How to Find Import and Export Requirements

1. The official agricultural or animal health authority of each country

For travelers leaving the U.S., the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides a fantastic step-by-step tool to check requirements for every destination.

I cover import/export requirements for 50+ countries in my dog travel academy course! Along with detailed guides, you’ll find a spreadsheet with official government authority websites for over 80 countries.

2. Facebook Groups and Travel Communities

This is one of the best places to get real-world, current information because travelers share exactly what happened at the airport, border, or vet office that week.

There are several great general Facebook groups for dog travel, including mine. You can always ask questions there, especially if you’re stuck or unsure about a specific country’s rules. Reddit can also be a good source to find informations.

If you can’t find what you need, search for country-specific groups. Many harder-entry destinations have entire communities devoted to them because their processes are so detailed.
Examples include:
• New Zealand dog import groups
• South Africa pet travel groups
• Australia quarantine and pet import groups

These niche groups are often gold because members share timelines, approved vets, exact costs, and anything unexpected that came up during their application process.

3.Ask a Local Vet

This is one of the most underrated but useful steps.

Local vets usually know the export rules for their country because they help travelers with this every day. Many can prepare the paperwork, sign the health certificate, and even coordinate directly with the responsible government agency on your behalf.

When I’m traveling long-term, I often rely on local vets for this because they already know the system and the exact requirements of the airport or border you’ll be using.

How to Get a Health Certificate for Travel

A health certificate is one of the most important pieces of paperwork in dog travel. In most cases, you can’t get an export certificate without it, and you can’t enter most countries without showing proof that your dog is healthy, vaccinated, and fit to travel.

A health certificate is a signed document from a licensed veterinarian confirming that your dog:
• is healthy
• shows no signs of infectious disease
• is free of parasites
• is up to date on required vaccinations
• is fit for travel

Different countries use different forms, but the purpose is the same: proving your dog is healthy enough to cross borders.

Not all vets can issue travel certificates.
• In the US: You must visit a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
• In Canada: A licensed vet can issue it, but CFIA endorsement may be required.
• In Mexico: A regular vet can issue the certificate, but SENASICA must approve the export.

If you’re unsure, ask your vet directly, “Do you issue international travel certificates?”

What Happens at the Appointment

A normal health exam plus paperwork.

Your vet will:
• check your dog’s weight, temperature, and overall condition
• look for signs of disease
• confirm vaccines
• administer any missing treatments
• fill out the official health certificate

This part is usually quick, but paperwork takes longer than people expect.

Do You Need Government Endorsement?

Whether you need government endorsement depends on both the country you’re departing from and the country you’re entering. There is no universal rule, and requirements change frequently.

In general, government endorsement is required when:

• You are exporting a dog internationally
• The destination country specifically requires official government validation
• The airline requires endorsed paperwork to accept your dog

If endorsement is required and you skip it, airlines will deny boarding, even if your paperwork is otherwise complete.

These are common scenarios, but always verify for your specific route:

• Leaving the United States: Many destinations outside North America require a USDA-endorsed health certificate
• Leaving Mexico: SENASICA export certificates are required when leaving Mexico for international destinations outside Canada/U.S.
• Certain countries almost always require endorsement: Examples include Japan, Argentina, Thailand, Australia, and many rabies-free or tightly regulated countries.

Because of these variations, always check the destination country’s official import page and your airline’s pet policy before assuming endorsement is or isn’t required.

Understanding Rabies Rules in Dog Travel

Rabies is the single biggest factor that shapes a country’s pet import requirements. Once you understand how countries classify rabies risk, the paperwork starts making a lot more sense. This section breaks down the three main categories and how they affect your travel plans.

Rabies-Free Countries

Rabies-free countries have zero tolerance for risk. Because they’ve eliminated rabies, they protect that status with strict entry rules.

Examples include:
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• Iceland
• Hawaii

What this means for you:
These destinations often require:
• Rabies titer tests
• Long waiting periods
• Government-endorsed paperwork
• Advance import permits
• Quarantine

Australia is a perfect example; it is one of the most difficult places in the world to enter with a dog. This isn’t because they dislike pets, but because they cannot risk rabies entering the country.

Low-Risk Countries

Low-risk countries have controlled rabies, but they don’t require the intense measures that rabies-free countries do.

Examples include:
• United States
• Canada
• Most European Union countries
• United Kingdom

Typically you’ll need:
• A valid rabies vaccine that was done after the microchip
• A microchip
• A health certificate

Low-risk countries are usually the easiest to travel between.

High-Risk Rabies Countries

High-risk countries have widespread rabies, and because of that, the CDC and other authorities impose stricter rules for dogs entering FROM them.

Common high-risk countries(full list here) include:
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Peru
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Philippines
• India
• Much of South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia

Because these countries are considered high-risk, re-entering low-risk countries often requires extra steps.

Example: Entering Europe from High-Risk Country

The European Union also has strict rules for dogs entering from high-risk rabies countries. These rules are designed to prevent rabies from entering the EU, which is why the process can feel more detailed than entering from low-risk places.

To enter the EU from a high-risk country, your dog typically needs:

• A rabies vaccine given after the microchip
The vaccine must meet EU standards and your dog must be at least 12 weeks old.

• A rabies antibody titer test
Required for high-risk countries.
The blood must be drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine and tested in an EU-approved laboratory. Once passed, the titer is valid as long as boosters stay up to date.

• A 3-month waiting period after the titer test (in many cases)
This applies to dogs entering from high-risk countries for the first time. If your dog has a previously approved EU titer test and valid continuous boosters, this waiting period can be bypassed.

Important Note for Travelers Who Live In or Frequently Return to the United States

If you live in the U.S. or travel back to the U.S. regularly, it is strongly advisable to get your dog’s rabies vaccine administered in the United States by a USDA-accredited veterinarian USDA certificate of rabies vaccinations.

Why this matters:

In 2024, the CDC introduced much stricter rules for dogs entering the U.S. from high-risk rabies countries. Under these new rules, dogs that received their rabies vaccine outside the U.S. face significantly more paperwork and restrictions when returning from a high-risk country.

If your dog has a valid U.S.-issued rabies vaccine and the proper USDA documentation, re-entering the United States from a high-risk country is far simpler and often avoids quarantine or the need for a rabies titer test.

If your dog is foreign-vaccinated, returning from a high-risk country can require:
• Additional government-endorsed forms
• A rabies antibody titer test
• Reservations at a CDC-approved animal care facility
• Possible quarantine periods

Even if you spend most of your time abroad, maintaining a current U.S.-issued rabies vaccine can save you months of stress, delays, and unexpected costs if your travel plans change.

This topic is covered in full detail in the United States entry requirements lesson inside the country-specific module, where I break down exactly how the new CDC rules work.

Why the Rabies Vaccine Timing Matters So Much

Almost every country requires a rabies vaccine that meets three criteria:

1. Your dog must be microchipped before the vaccine.
2. The vaccine must be valid
3. The documentation must come from the correct authority.

If the order is wrong, your dog’s vaccine may not count.

When I first tried to take Puglo to Europe, I ran into a huge problem. His rabies vaccine had been given before he was microchipped, which the EU does not accept. Because of that, the CFIA in Canada couldn’t issue his export paperwork.

To fix it, I had to:
• give Puglo another rabies vaccine
• restart the 21-day waiting period
• reapply for the paperwork

It delayed my trip and reminded me how strict these systems are.

If the microchip is even one day after the vaccine, the entire vaccine becomes invalid for EU entry.

Other Common Health Requirements

Rabies is the biggest factor in dog travel, but it’s not the only one. Many countries have additional health requirements to keep diseases from spreading.

The good news is that most of these are straightforward, and with the standard vaccines your dog already has, you can access a huge portion of the world.

This lesson covers the most common requirements you’ll see when traveling internationally with your dog.

Core Vaccines Most Countries Expect

While not always checked at the border, many countries want to see that your dog is up to date on basic vaccinations. These often appear on your health certificate.

The most common ones include:

• Distemper
• Parvovirus
• Adenovirus
• Leptospirosis (required or recommended in many tropical climates)
• Kennel Cough (Bordetella), often needed if your dog will be around other dogs, dog daycares, or trainings

Even when not mandatory for entry, staying current on core vaccines protects your dog from local diseases you may encounter while traveling.

Tapeworm Treatment Requirements

Some countries require a tapeworm treatment given by a licensed vet within a specific timeframe before arrival, usually 24–120 hours (1–5 days) before entry.

Countries that commonly require tapeworm treatment include:

• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Finland
• Norway
• Malta
• Some island nations

The treatment must usually include praziquantel and be recorded officially by the vet.

Microchips and Why They Matter for International Travel

Microchips seem like a tiny detail, but they’re actually one of the most important parts of your dog’s travel identity. In many countries, the microchip is what legally ties your dog to their vaccination records.

If the chip isn’t done correctly or scanned at the right time, none of your paperwork will count.

Why Your Dog Needs a Microchip

Most countries require your dog to have:
• an ISO-compliant microchip
• implanted before the rabies vaccine that will be used for travel

The microchip is how border agents confirm your dog is the same animal listed on the health documents. No matching microchip means no valid paperwork, no matter how many vaccines or forms you have.

ISO vs Non-ISO Chips

ISO chips (15 digits) are the international standard.
If your dog has a non-ISO chip:
• some countries will accept it if you bring your own scanner
• others require a second ISO chip

This is rare but helpful to know. If you’re unsure, ask your vet to confirm your dog’s chip type.

How to Check if Your Dog’s Microchip Is Ready for Travel

If your dog already has a chip, make sure:
• it’s ISO compliant
• it scans clearly
• the number matches every document
• it was implanted before the rabies vaccine you plan to use

Ask your vet to scan it before you start any paperwork.

Rabies Titer Test

The rabies titer test is one of the most important documents your dog may ever need for international travel, especially if you plan to visit rabies-free or low-risk countries. For global nomad dogs, it’s almost essential.

A rabies titer test is a blood test that measures the level of rabies antibodies in your dog’s body. It confirms your dog has enough immunity to safely enter countries that are strict about rabies control.

The test must be processed by an official CDC or EU-approved laboratory . There are only about 40 in the world.

Puglo flies in a soft, well-fitted harness every single time. I explain why I picked it in my post on the best harness for pugs.

It is not the same as a regular rabies vaccine. It’s an additional layer of proof.

Why You May Need a Rabies Titer Test

1. Entering Rabies-Free Countries

Rabies-free destinations have the toughest entry rules because they are trying to keep the disease out completely.

You usually need a titer test for places like:
• Japan
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Hawaii
• Iceland

For Japan in particular, your dog must have a valid titer test for six months before entering.
This means planning ahead is absolutely essential.

2. Returning to Low-Risk Countries After Visiting High-Risk Ones

If you travel through countries considered high-risk for rabies, such as Thailand, Indonesia, Turkey, India, or parts of South America, you may need a titer test to re-enter:

• The European Union
• The United Kingdom
• The United States

Example from my travels: When I left Thailand and flew into France, Puglo needed a valid titer test for entry. Without it, Thailand would not have issued my export paperwork.

3. Long-Term Global Travel

If you plan to travel across continents with your dog, a titer test becomes a core document, just like a passport.

It makes it much easier to:
• move between regions
• avoid long waiting periods
• enter stricter countries without delay

I consider it a must-have for any dog traveling internationally to high-risk rabies countries.

Where to Get a Rabies Titer Test

There are only about 40 CDC-approved labs in the world.

A common one for North America is Kansas State University which is where we got ours; many vets in the U.S. already know how to ship samples there.

EU Pet Passport

2026 update: The EU tightened its rules on April 22, 2026 (Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/20), and vets can no longer issue an EU pet passport to non-residents. If you live in the US, UK, Canada, or anywhere outside the EU, you cannot get one. You travel on an Animal Health Certificate from your home country instead, and you need a fresh one for each trip. Passports issued before that date still work. I break this all down in my EU pet passport guide.

An EU Pet Passport is one of the most valuable documents you can have if you plan to travel frequently with your dog. It’s designed for dogs, cats, and ferrets living in the European Union, but the reality is that many global dog travelers use it because it can dramatically simplify entering the EU.

What Is an EU Pet Passport?

An EU Pet Passport is a small blue booklet that records your dog’s:

• microchip number
• rabies vaccinations
• booster dates
• vet information
• tapeworm treatments (for certain countries)
• owner details

It acts as your dog’s “travel document” within the EU.

Once your dog has an EU Pet Passport, going in and out and around Europe becomes extremely smooth: usually no need for extra paperwork, health certificates, or endorsements.

What the Passport Is Used For

1. Travel within the EU

This is its original purpose. If your dog has a valid EU rabies vaccine recorded in the passport, you can travel freely between EU member states.

2. Travel into the EU from other countries

This is where the passport becomes a massive advantage for international travelers.

If your dog already has an EU Pet Passport with a valid EU rabies vaccine, you can often enter the EU from outside without needing a USDA-endorsed health certificate or extra export paperwork/

This saves a huge amount of time, money, and stress.

Flying into Germany from United States was extremely simple for me because Puglo already had his EU Pet Passport with valid EU vaccinations.

How to Get an EU Pet Passport

You can only get one inside the EU from a licensed EU veterinarian.

1. You must visit an EU vet in person

They will check your dog’s microchip, review vaccine records, and issue the passport on the spot.

2. You may need an EU address

Some EU countries require that you provide a local address. Other countries do not ask for one at all.

I got Puglo’s first EU pet passport in Barcelona. The vet actually came to my hotel, scanned Puglo’s microchip, reviewed his documents, and issued the passport right in the lobby.

3. Your rabies vaccine must be EU-valid

This is extremely important:
For the passport to work, the rabies vaccine must either be:

• administered in the EU, or
• re-administered in the EU after the passport is issued

Vaccines given outside the EU do not count for maintaining passport validity.

Countries with Quarantine Rules

Quarantine is one of those topics that scares a lot of people out of traveling with their dogs, but the truth is that most countries don’t require it if you follow their paperwork and vaccine rules correctly. Still, it’s important to understand where quarantine exists, why it exists, and what to expect so you never end up in a stressful situation.

Quarantine is usually required in places that are rabies free or have extremely strict biosecurity laws. These countries want to keep their disease-free status, so they’re careful about any incoming animals.

Some examples are Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, and Japan.

These countries want to make sure every dog that enters is healthy, fully vaccinated, and not a risk to their local wildlife or agricultural systems. Sometimes quarantine is just a few hours, sometimes a couple of days, and in the strictest cases it can be longer.

Japan, for example, doesn’t require a long quarantine if everything is done correctly. Your dog can be released in less than 8 hours.

Many of the world’s most popular pet-friendly destinations (Europe, U.S., Canada, Latin America) don’t require quarantine, aas long as you follow their paperwork and vaccination rules.

Why Quarantine Exists

Quarantine requirements are mostly about biosecurity: protecting native wildlife, livestock, and human populations from diseases that pets might carry (especially rabies and other transmissible illnesses).

Places that require quarantine tend to share three traits:

• They’re rabies-free or have very tight control measures.
• They are isolated islands or countries with fragile ecosystems.
• Their authorities prefer to allow entry only when strict conditions are met: no room for error.

Because of this, quarantine is fairly rare globally, but when it applies, it can mean weeks of locked-down travel for your dog unless everything is perfect.

A lot of new dog travelers assume quarantine is common, but the reality is that it’s the exception, not the rule. Most countries do not quarantine pets as long as you meet their documentation and vaccination requirements.

Even some of the strictest places, like Japan, Hawaii, and Taiwan, allow you to avoid quarantine completely when you follow the steps properly.

Always Check With The Government Authority

While these are the main popular travel destinations that still have quarantine rules, they’re not the only ones. Some smaller island nations and territories, for example Guam, Fiji, and certain Pacific islands, also have quarantine requirements depending on your country of origin and your paperwork.

Because these rules can change quickly and often depend on the exact route you’re taking, always double-check the official government veterinary authority before you travel.

Countries That Do Not Allow Pet Dogs

While quarantine rules get a lot of attention, some destinations take it a step further and do not allow dogs to enter at all, regardless of paperwork, vaccines, or training status. These cases are uncommon, but they matter for trip planning.

Two important examples:

Maldives
The Maldives has an outright ban on pet dogs entering the country. There is no quarantine option, no service-dog exception, and no workaround for tourists. Dogs are simply not permitted.

Bali (Indonesia)
Bali also does not allow pet dogs to enter due to long-standing rabies-control measures. Even service dogs are not accepted. Indonesia as a whole has strict and inconsistent rules, but Bali specifically enforces a complete ban.

Timing Your Dog’s Travel Paperwork

Understanding when to do each step is just as important as understanding what paperwork you need. Most mistakes happen because travelers don’t leave enough time for vaccines, titers, or government approvals. This lesson breaks down the timelines you should expect and how to avoid last-minute stress.

Dog travel paperwork works on strict rules.
• Vaccines must be given in a certain order
• Waiting periods cannot be skipped
• Health certificates have tight validity windows
• Government offices are often slow

If even one date is off, your entire trip can fall apart.

I learned this the hard way when I tried to take Puglo to Europe for the first time. His rabies vaccine had been given before his microchip, which Europe does not accept. I had to redo his rabies shot and wait 21 days before I could get my paperwork, and we missed the original trip.

Microchip + Rabies Vaccine

These two steps determine everything else.

Microchip first

The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine that will be used for travel when entering the U.S. or Europe.

Rabies vaccine

• Dog must be 12+ weeks old
• Must wait 21 days before travel (for primary vaccine)
• Boosters must be kept continuously valid

If the booster expires even by one day, your dog may need:
• a new vaccine
• a new titer test (depending on your country list)
• new waiting periods

Rabies Titer Test (if required)

This one requires the most planning. It has to be done at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine
(because the immune system needs time to respond) and the results take 2–6 weeks depending on the lab and shipping.

For most of the world it has lifetime valid if boosters stay up to date but strict countries (Japan, Australia, NZ, Hawaii): require their own titer timeline regardless of previous tests

This is why the titer is essential for “global nomad dogs.” It gives you freedom to move across continents without constantly restarting the process.

Health Certificate Timing

Health certificates have very tight windows. Most countries it will be valid for 5-10 days before arriving but always check.

Government Endorsement (USDA, CFIA, SENASICA, etc.)

Depending on the country, your health certificate may need endorsement from the national authority.

How long it takes:

• 2–10 business days, depending on location
• Some offices allow same-day drop-off (rare)
• Some require appointments weeks in advance
• Some allow only courier or mail-in submissions

How Far in Advance Should You Start Preparing?

Basic international travel (low-risk countries): Start 4–6 weeks before travel (ensures vaccine validity, health certificate, endorsement)

If you’re coming from or visiting high-risk countries: Start 2–3 months before travel
(especially if returning to US or EU)

If entering the EU from high-risk countries: Start 3–4 months before travel
(titer test + 3-month wait)

If entering Japan, Australia, New Zealand, or Hawaii: Start 6–12 months before travel
These are the strictest in the world.

The safest way to think about timing is: the more complex the country, the earlier you should start.

Once you get the hang of it, the timing becomes predictable. I always keep digital and printed copies of Puglo’s documents, track his vaccine dates in my calendar, and keep his rabies boosters continuous so we don’t accidentally invalidate anything.

When you stay ahead of the timelines, international dog travel becomes so much easier.

Returning Home Requirements

One of the biggest surprises for new dog travelers is that getting to a country is only half the story. You also need to make sure you can get back home without issues.

Every country has import rules for dogs, including the country you live in or return to most often. These rules are sometimes stricter than the country you’re visiting.

A few examples:
• The United States now has strict requirements when returning from high risk rabies countries.
• The EU requires proper rabies vaccination timing and sometimes a titer test depending on where you come from.
• Canada is generally easy, but still requires proof of rabies.

It doesn’t matter that your dog already lives there. When you cross a border with a dog, you’re entering as an imported animal.

Because most travelers assume “my dog already lives in X country, so getting back in should be easy.”

Not always.

Your home country sees your dog the same as any other pet crossing the border, and they follow the same disease prevention rules as everyone else.

Another Example: The New Screwworm Requirement for the United States

A new rule that recently caught a lot of dog travelers off guard is the screwworm inspection requirement for dogs entering the United States from certain countries. Mexico was added to the list, which means if you’re returning to the US after visiting Mexico with your dog, you now need a certificate stating your dog is free of screwworm.

And here’s the frustrating part: Only specific, government-authorized vets can issue this certificate.

This has become an annoying new step for many people traveling between the US and Mexico with pets. It’s a perfect example of why returning-home rules matter just as much as entry rules, and why you should always double-check requirements before every single trip, even for routes you’ve taken dozens of times.

Flying Internationally With Your Dog: Cabin vs Cargo

This is the part everyone gets confused about.

Puglo flies in cabin with me, which makes things easier. He fits under the seat in front of me in his soft carrier or we fly on airlines that allow emotional support animals, and he just sleeps the whole flight.

If your dog is small enough to meet the airline’s weight limit, cabin is usually the simplest option.

Most international airlines in Europe that allow dogs in cabin have a combined weight limit somewhere around 7 to 10 kilos including the carrier. While in the U.S. and Canada there is no weight limit, but uour dog has to be able to stand up and turn around inside the bag, and the bag has to fit under the seat.

And here’s the important part: pet spots are limited. I always call the airline after booking to reserve his space.

But even if the airline allows cabin pets, that does not mean the country does.

The UK is the classic example.

Even if the airline technically allows dogs in cabin, they generally must enter the UK as manifest cargo under specific import procedures. So yes, your tiny 5 kilo dog that could easily sit under your seat still has to go through cargo.

South Africa has stricter entry procedures too. In many cases dogs enter as cargo with more formal inspection processes.

What About Larger Dogs?

If your dog is bigger than cabin limits, there are are a few private airlines that allow large dogs in cabin, or you can put your dog in cargo.

And I know, the word cargo makes people spiral.

In reality, animals fly in a temperature controlled, pressurized area of the plane. But it does require more planning and you need to decide based on your dog.

You’ll need:

• An airline approved hard crate
• Correct crate sizing based on your dog’s measurements
• To check breed restrictions, especially for snub nosed breeds as they aren’t allowed
• To pay attention to weather embargoes in very hot or cold seasons.

Traveling Internationally With Your Dog

Traveling internationally with your dog isn’t casual. It’s a lot of research and reading government websites that are somehow both vague and extremely strict at the same time.

I’ve had to redo vaccines because the microchip was done in the wrong order. I’ve scheduled vet visits around 10 day certificate windows. I’ve refreshed airline pet pages more times than I’d like to admit. And yes, I’ve spiraled a little before flights wondering if I missed something.

If you already have your microchip done properly, rabies vaccine sequenced correctly, and maybe even a titer on file, travel gets easier every time. Mexico to the U.S. for me? Simple. Japan? That would require more runway and planning.

It’s about knowing which kind of trip you’re planning.

I don’t travel internationally with Puglo because it’s easy. I do it because leaving him behind isn’t an option for me. And once I learned how the process works, it stopped feeling impossible.

If you want someone to walk you through this step by step, I cover all of this in much more detail inside my Dog Travel Academy. I break down the timelines, document sequencing, country specific planning, and exactly how I map out trips with Puglo so nothing gets missed. If you’d rather follow a clear framework instead of piecing it together from government websites, that’s exactly what it’s there for.

International dog travel FAQ