How long does international pet relocation from the UK really take?
Relocating a pet from the UK internationally usually takes between four weeks and several months. The total time depends on the destination country’s import rules, veterinary checks, and required documentation such as rabies titre testing, microchipping, and health certification. This guide outlines what to expect and how to plan efficiently.
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Why Timelines Matter for Pet Relocation
Some pet owners assume they can book a flight and bring their pet along with minimal preparation. In reality, moving a pet abroad involves detailed planning. Each country has its own legal requirements. These include DEFRA-endorsed health certificates, verified vaccinations, and microchip compliance.
Delays from late preparation can cause missed flights or refusal of entry for your pet. This article outlines each stage of the international pet export process from the UK. It helps you avoid common setbacks.
Pro Tip: Always schedule your rabies vaccine at least 21 days before travel to the EU.
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Step 1: Pre-Departure Vet Prep (1–4 Weeks)
The process begins at your veterinary clinic. Your pet needs to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies before anything else can happen. These are required steps for any international move.
Tasks in this phase:
- Your pet’s microchip must meet ISO 11784/11785 standards and be scannable.
- Rabies vaccination must follow microchipping. Whether it is a booster or first dose affects the timing.
- For EU destinations, you must wait 21 days after the vaccination.
Your vet must be an Official Veterinarian (OV) authorised by DEFRA. Make appointments early to avoid scheduling problems. This is especially important in busy periods.
Vet Prep Checklist:
- Ensure your pet’s microchip is ISO-compliant.
- Book rabies vaccination with a DEFRA-recognised OV.
- Track the required 21-day waiting period.
- Organise your pet’s vaccine records and ID details.
Step 2: Health Certificates, Permits & Titre Tests (2–8 Weeks)
After vaccination, certain countries ask for more paperwork. A rabies titre test confirms your pet’s immunity. It is essential for entry into many high-rabies-risk destinations. This test must be completed at least three months before departure.
Required Documents:
- A DEFRA-endorsed health certificate signed by an OV and validated by APHA.
- Rabies titre test results issued by an approved laboratory.
- Import permits where required. This includes destinations such as Australia, the UAE, or New Zealand.
Each country has different rules. EU travel is simpler than exporting to a high-risk destination like Australia.
Example Country Requirements:
- France (EU): rabies jab and 21-day wait. No titre test needed.
- Australia: titre test, 3-month wait, and import permit.
Mistiming steps or missing documents can result in long delays. Start early and double-check each requirement.
Step 3: Booking Flights and Pet Travel Logistics (1–3 Weeks)
After completing veterinary and document requirements, the next task is booking flights. Airlines limit pet cargo space. This is particularly true during busy or hot seasons.
Key Considerations:
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Use an IATA-approved crate that meets ventilation and size standards.
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Ask your airline about pet transport restrictions and booking conditions.
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Check whether your pet’s breed is restricted. Snub-nosed breeds often face issues.
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Book flights in advance to avoid seasonal shortages.
Airlines such as British Airways and Lufthansa allow pet cargo. However, seasonal or breed-specific restrictions can still apply.
Step 4: Arrival Country Procedures (0–1 Week)
When your pet arrives, they may be inspected, quarantined, or cleared immediately. It depends on the country’s requirements.
Common Procedures:
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France: document check and clearance at the airport.
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USA: health inspection after landing.
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Australia: mandatory 10-day quarantine at a licensed facility.
Document errors and missing health records cause most delays. Make sure everything is correct before your pet travels.
Timeline Scenarios: Best, Average and Worst-Case (Visual Summary)
Working with a professional pet relocation agency in the UK can shorten delays. They can secure appointments and ensure accurate documentation.
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Unsure what rules apply to your pet’s journey? Let a DEFRA-approved consultant walk you through it.
Hidden Delays and Avoidable Setbacks
Even well-prepared owners sometimes face disruptions. These are some common causes of delay:
- Titre test results take longer than expected.
- Certificate errors. These can include incorrect dates or missing stamps.
- Airline refusals due to weather or breed.
- Holiday-season congestion for flights and permits.
- Customs hold-ups from mismatched paperwork.
How to Reduce Risks:
- Avoid travel during major holiday periods.
- Have a vet and APHA review all documents.
- Confirm airline crate and breed requirements in advance.
- Consider using a DEFRA-recognised pet relocation agency.
Pro Tip: Book your pet’s cargo space early, especially during school holidays or summer.
Why Working with Tailored Pet Travel Saves Time
A professional pet relocation agency such as Tailored Pet Travel manages the entire process efficiently. They understand each step. They handle your bookings, documents, and scheduling.
Their Services Include:
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Booking vet appointments with Official Veterinarians.
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Reviewing documents before APHA submission.
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Organising IATA crate setup and airline bookings.
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Acting as a central contact for vets, customs, and airlines.
Experienced agencies spot potential issues before they become problems. They help you stay on schedule.
What to Do Next
If you’re planning to move abroad with your pet, it’s important to start early. Delays can snowball if any step is missed or mistimed.
Looking for help with pet relocation from the UK? Get in touch with Tailored Pet Travel to start your pet export process. They will create a personalised plan. They will make sure your pet is travel-ready at the right time.
