Country Guide

Getting your pet into another country isn’t always easy. In many cases, there are strict guidelines for animal travel, including several requirements that must be adhered to, if an animal is to be admitted. Here are some of the most difficult countries to get your pet into, and their specific restrictions.

(PLEASE NOTE that there may be variations between the guidelines for cats, dogs, and other animals).

Australia

The strict guidelines associated with animal travel in Australia are enforced due to biosecurity risks. In order to maintain the high standard of health for cats and dogs, the Australian government requires a quarantine period for a minimum of 10 days, and a maximum of 30 days. Additional guidelines include:

• A lodgement and assessment fee
• A Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titre Test (RNATT)
• A permit for travel and relocation based on the departure country, and the date of transport
• Completion of an import application
• Supporting documentation from a registered veterinarian regarding up-to-date vaccinations and medical history

New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most notoriously difficult countries in which to transfer your pets. Although cats and dogs are permitted from various countries around the world, birds are generally not permitted. The additional guidelines for animal travel include:

• A rabies vaccination and microchip identifier 180 days prior to travel
• An Official Veterinarian Declaration (OVD) at least three weeks following a rabies vaccination
• A fully updated medical record
• An Import Permit
• For dogs and cats, a full series of completed and documented medical tests 30 days before departure (specific test applicable for dogs)
• A final vet exam and an APHIS Form 7001 (Certificate A and International Health Certificate) signed by an accredited veterinarian

U.K.

Though not as rigorous as some of the travel guidelines for Australia or New Zealand, the U.K. can still present a challenge for animal transport, especially in terms of their biosecurity protocol. All requirements must be observed at least four months prior to departure. These guidelines include:

• Microchipping and rabies vaccinations
• A pet passport or third-country official veterinary certificate
• A blood test, should the pet be traveling from an “unlisted” country
• A signed declaration that you will not sign over or sell your pet to another owner
• Arrival of your pet no more than five days before or after you
• Tapeworm tests and treatment (for dogs)

U.A.E.

All pets are subject to the conditions of travel into the United Arab Emirates, including service animals. Nearly all pets, including birds, rabbits, ferrets, fish, and turtles, are permitted in the U.A.E., if they are accompanied by the proper documentation. Additional guidelines include:

• Microchipping and standard vaccinations (including rabies)
• An Import Permit
• A completed Rabies Titer Rest (unless the animal comes from an area that the U.A.E. considers to be “rabies free” (e.g. Japan)
• A signed Veterinary Health Certificate
• A completed internal and external parasite examination 10 days before departure
• A transit by land permit from the U.A.E. Ministry
• A maximum of 2 pets per person, per year

(PLEASE NOTE that certain breeds of dogs, such as Pit Bulls, are banned by the U.A.E.)

South Africa

South Africa observes many of the same permits and requirements of other countries with strict regulations for pets. Some of the additional blood tests, including Leishmania, will apply only to dogs. No quarantine process is required for pets coming from the U.S. Additional requirements include:

• Microchipping and standard vaccinations (including rabies) at least 30 days before departure
• A veterinary health certificate
• A completed APHIS Form 7001
• All pets must arrive via manifest cargo
• A valid relocation permit
• A heartworm examination treatment completed at the final vet appointment, including a six months worth of preventative medication

Hong Kong

Despite the strict list of requirements Hong Kong enforces for pet travel, it does permit entry to several varieties of birds, rodents, and amphibians. Each animal requires a different type of permit, depending on the animal and their country of origin. Some breeds of dogs (e.g. Pit Bulls) are not permitted. The additional travel requirements include:

• Microchipping and vaccinations (including rabies)
• A rabies titer test performed no sooner than 30 days before departure
• A permit obtained in advance from the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conversation Department
• A certificate indicating the pet’s country of origin, and where the pet resided in the 180 days before departure
• A completed document signed by airline personnel stating that the animal travelled the entire way from the country of origin, and did not come in contact with any other animals
• Depending on the country of origin (e.g. if the animal is from an area which is considered to carry a higher risk of rabies), the animal may be subject to upwards of four months of quarantine, if they are in poor health
• The flight must be as direct as possible from the country of origin

Singapore

The country of origin will have a large impact on the overall travel procedure to Singapore. Be advised that nearly all pets will be subject to quarantine procedures and preparations completed several weeks ahead of departure. The additional requirements for animal travel include:

• Microchipping and vaccinations (including rabies)
• A certificate from a veterinarian confirming that the animal has resided in the departure country/country of origin for at least 6 months prior to departure
• Rabies Serology (FAVN) test performed within 6 months of departure
• A second rabies vaccination and certificate performed within 30 days of departure
• A reservation of quarantine space
• A vet health certificate to be issued within 7 days of departure
• An import permit
• A USDA endorsement
• A mandatory quarantine period of at least 10 days

(PLEASE NOTE, different vaccinations will apply to cats and dogs)

Disclaimer:

Requirements are subject to change without notice. The information that is summarised herein is general in nature. It does not take into account your specific circumstances and should not be acted on without full understanding of your current situation and future goals and objectives by a fully qualified pet transportation advisor.

Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the contents of this website, Worldwide Animal Travel Limited cannot offer any undertaking or guarantee, either expressly or implicitly, including liability towards third parties, regarding how correct, complete, or up-to-date the contents of this website are. We reserve the right to supplement this website at any time or to change or delete any information contained or views expressed in this website.

Worldwide Animal Travel, Div of MID Forwarding LTD accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use of this website or reliance on the content of this website.