Moving overseas comes with plenty of planning, paperwork and logistics. When you’re bringing a pet along for the journey, there’s even more to consider.
At Jetpets, we’ve helped families relocate their pets from Australia to destinations across Europe for many years. Whether it’s a move to the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy or beyond, we’ve seen firsthand the planning, preparation and questions that come with international pet travel.
While every relocation is different, careful planning and the right support can help make the journey as smooth as possible for both you and your pet. To help you prepare, we’ve shared some of the key things every pet owner should know before moving their pet from Australia to Europe.
Europe Isn’t One Destination When It Comes to Pet Travel
A common misconception is that Europe has one set of rules for travelling pets.
In reality, every country has its own import requirements, documentation processes and timelines. While some destinations may share similarities, the steps involved in moving a pet to the United Kingdom can differ from those required for a move to Germany, France or Italy.
This is one of the reasons why international pet travel can feel overwhelming for pet owners. Understanding which requirements apply to your destination is one of the most important steps in planning a successful relocation.
Our experienced Pet Travel Consultants will work closely with pet owners to understand their destination, relocation timeline and individual circumstances before mapping out the most appropriate travel plan.
International Pet Travel Requirements Can Change
One of the biggest challenges with international pet travel is that requirements don’t always stay the same.
Government authorities regularly review import protocols, documentation requirements and arrival procedures. As a result, information that was accurate when you first started planning your move may change before you and your pet are ready to travel.
We stay up to date with the latest industry information and work closely with airlines, veterinarians, government departments and trusted international partners to help ensure your pet travels in accordance with current requirements.
It’s also important to remember that some requirements may apply to you as the pet owner, not just your pet. Depending on your destination, there may be specific arrival windows, customs procedures or documentation requirements that need to align with your pet’s journey.
For example, certain destinations require pet owners to enter the country within a specified timeframe of their pet’s arrival. You may be required to pay local country Value Added Tax (VAT) (ranging from upwards of 19% depending on the country) and potentially import duties based on the total value of the animal and transport costs.
Common Requirements for Travelling Pets
There are some common steps that many European destinations require before your pet can travel. These may include:
- Microchipping so your pet can be permanently identified.
- A valid rabies vaccination, which is a requirement for entry into many European countries.
- Official veterinary documentation, such as a health certificate or third-country veterinary certificate.
- Additional testing or treatments, depending on your destination and the latest import requirements.
- Travelling within the required owner and pet entry timeframes, where applicable, to ensure the move is recognised as a non-commercial relocation.
What Pet Owners Often Don’t Expect About Moving a Pet to Europe
After helping thousands of pets relocate internationally, we’ve noticed there are a few things that often surprise pet owners.
Planning Usually Starts Earlier Than Expected
One of the most common things we hear is: “I didn’t realise how much planning was involved.”
Many people assume pet travel can be organised at the same time as booking their own flights and accommodation. In reality, international pet relocations often require preparation well before departure dates are confirmed.
Starting early gives you more time to understand destination requirements, organise veterinary appointments, complete documentation and secure suitable travel arrangements without unnecessary pressure.
Every Relocation Is Different
No two international pet relocations are exactly the same. The process can vary depending on your destination, your pet’s breed, age and size, airline availability, the time of year you’re travelling and even your final destination within a country.
That’s why a personalised approach is so important. What works for one family’s move to London may be completely different from another family’s relocation to rural France or northern Italy.
Moving a Pet Is About More Than Booking a Flight
Many pet owners are surprised to learn just how much coordination happens behind the scenes.
A successful international relocation often involves communication between airlines, veterinarians, government authorities, destination agents and travel specialists to ensure every part of the journey runs smoothly.
Having an experienced team managing these moving parts means you can focus on your own relocation, knowing your pet’s journey is being carefully planned too.
Preparing Your Pet for an International Journey
One of the biggest concerns pet owners have is how their pet will cope with a long-haul journey. While every pet is different, preparation can make a significant difference to their travel experience.
Some simple ways to help prepare your pet include:
- Introducing them to their travel crate well before departure.
- Maintaining familiar routines where possible.
- Completing veterinary appointments and documentation within the required timeframes.
- Allowing plenty of time for planning and preparation.
- Seeking advice from experienced pet travel professionals.
How Jetpets Can Help
Moving your pet overseas is about much more than organising transport. From your first conversation with us, our Pet Travel Consultants work alongside you to understand your relocation plans, explain destination-specific requirements and coordinate every stage of your pet’s journey.
Whether you’re moving for work, family or a new adventure overseas, we can assist with:
- International travel planning
- Flight arrangements
- Travel crate guidance
- Veterinary and documentation requirements
- Coordination with trusted partners throughout your pet’s journey
- Ongoing support from departure in Australia through to arrival in Europe
Planning a Move to Europe With Your Pet?
Whether you’re moving to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy or elsewhere in Europe, planning ahead is one of the best ways to help ensure a successful relocation.
International pet travel requirements can change, timelines can vary between destinations and every pet’s journey is unique.
Speaking with an experienced Jetpet’s pet transport specialist early means you’ll have the latest information, understand what applies to your specific destination and have support throughout the planning process.
Easter is a time for celebration with the family, and even we are partial to an Easter Egg Hunt or two! But at Easter time, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid any nasty surprises, including consumption of chocolate by our dogs (and other unfavourable food and drinks including sultanas from hot-cross buns, caffeine and alcohol) that can have a potentially deadly affect on your dog.
