International Pet Movers – Best Pet Relocation Services

Are you planning to move overseas from the USA with your pet? SDC International Shipping offers the best pet relocation services for clients moving abroad. Whether you need to include your dog, cat, or other pets as part of our comprehensive moving services, our international logistics agents will guide you through the essential requirements and regulations specific to your destination country.

SDC International Movers ensures that your pet’s journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible by arranging safe animal transport, including necessary vet exams, health certificates, and import permits.

Read the guide below to learn more about our services.

Which Furry Friend We Can Transport

While dogs and cats are the most common pets we transport, SDC International Shipping can also handle the relocation of other animals, such as birds and reptiles. However, the ability to transport certain types of animals depends on the regulations of your destination country. For example, some countries have restrictions or outright bans on the importation of reptiles.

When we start working on your pet’s relocation, we will first determine the specific requirements and regulations that apply to your furry or feathered friend. If your pet is permitted in the destination country, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of health and travel requirements to begin the process smoothly.

Our goal is to ensure that every aspect of your pet’s journey is handled with care and professionalism, making their transition to a new home as stress-free as possible.

How Exactly Can We Help You?

We understand that your pet is an essential member of your family, and you can trust us to ensure their safe relocation to your new home. However, it’s important to contact us at least three months in advance so we can carefully plan every detail of your pet’s journey.

When you work with SDC International Shipping, you can expect the following services:

Up-to-Date Animal Import Requirements: We provide the latest information on animal import regulations specific to your destination country, ensuring you comply with all necessary rules.
Vaccines and Microchip Regulations: We’ll inform you about the required vaccinations and microchip regulations for your pet to enter your new country without any issues.
Quarantine Requirements: If quarantine is necessary, we’ll let you know the details and help you prepare accordingly.
Customs Escort: We offer a dog or cat escort through customs to ensure a smooth process at the border.
Customs Paperwork Assistance: Our team assists with all the necessary customs paperwork, making sure everything is in order for your pet’s travel.
Airline Coordination: We’ll contact your airline to confirm the appropriate carrier size and ensure that all arrangements for your pet’s flight are correctly made.

It’s essential to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your pet’s vaccinations and medical records are up to date. If your pet will be flying in the cargo hold, we will make sure you are informed about layovers, flight delays, and how the airline manages these situations for animals.

Your dedicated relocation coordinator will work diligently to gather and properly fill out all the required paperwork, making your pet’s relocation as smooth as possible.

Animal Travel to the UK from the USA

When bringing dogs and cats into the UK from the USA, there are specific health requirements that must be met:

Vaccinations and Microchipping: Your pet must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccination must be up-to-date, either a one-year or three-year vaccine, administered less than a year before travel.
Cat Vaccinations: It’s recommended that cats receive vaccinations for Feline Rhinotracheitis and FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia).
Dog Vaccinations: Dogs should be vaccinated against Leptospirosis, DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza), and Bordetella (Kennel Cough).
Tapeworm Treatment: Dogs must undergo a tapeworm treatment within 120 hours (5 days) prior to arriving in the United Kingdom. This treatment must be administered by a veterinarian and recorded in the pet’s passport or official veterinary certificate.

For the most current and detailed information on pet import regulations in the UK, it’s advisable to consult the USDA website and the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) website.

Australia Requirements to Bring Domestic Animals

When relocating dogs and cats to Australia, specific health and identification requirements must be met:

Microchip: Your pet must be implanted with an ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 compliant microchip. This is crucial for identification and must be done before any vaccinations.
Vaccinations:
- Dogs: Required vaccinations include rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Bordetella (Kennel Cough).
- Cats: Required vaccinations include Feline Panleukopenia (Distemper), Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Calicivirus.
Rabies Antibody Titer Test: A Rabies Antibody Titer Test is mandatory and must be conducted at least six months before your pet’s arrival in Australia. This test ensures that your pet has a sufficient level of antibodies against rabies.
Parasite Treatment: Your pet must be treated with a product that eliminates both external and internal parasites. This treatment is essential to prevent the introduction of parasites into Australia.
Health Certificate: Within 10 days before departure, you must obtain a health certificate from a veterinarian. This certificate verifies that your pet is healthy and fit to travel.

To simplify the process, SDC International Shipping will handle all the necessary import paperwork, including the submission of supporting documents for approval. Our team ensures that every requirement is met, so you can focus on other aspects of your move.

Moving to EU Countries with Domestic Animals

When transporting pets to EU countries from the USA, there are specific requirements that must be met to ensure compliance with EU regulations:

Microchip and Rabies Vaccination: Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip before receiving a rabies vaccination. The vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before entry into the EU.
Anti-Tapeworm Treatment (Echinococcus multilocularis): Dogs must undergo treatment for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) within 24 to 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before entering certain EU countries, such as Finland, Ireland, Malta, and Norway.
Valid Animal Health Certificate: You need to obtain an animal health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. This certificate must be completed within 10 days prior to your pet’s travel and confirms that your pet meets all health requirements for entry into the EU.
Declaration for Non-Commercial Purposes: You must complete a declaration stating that your pet is not being transported for commercial purposes (i.e., sale or transfer of ownership).
Reunion Requirement: A key requirement to keep in mind is that you must reunite with your pet within five days of their arrival in the EU. This condition ensures that the move is considered non-commercial and that your pet is traveling for personal reasons.

SDC International Shipping will guide you through each of these steps, ensuring that all documentation and health requirements are met for a smooth transition to your new home in the EU.

What About Moving to New Zealand, Asia, Africa, and Latin America?

Most of the requirements for transporting pets to the EU, the UK, or Australia will also apply to other countries in Asia, Africa, or Latin America. These generally include microchipping, vaccinations (especially against rabies), and obtaining the necessary health certificates and import permits.

With SDC International Shipping’s team of international pet movers, we can manage every aspect of your pet’s relocation, including health checks, vaccinations, flight bookings, and more, to any destination. Whether you’re moving to New Zealand, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, or other countries, our expertise ensures that your pet’s journey is handled with care and compliance.

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when moving to these regions:

New Zealand: Similar to Australia, New Zealand has strict biosecurity requirements, including a rabies vaccination, microchipping, and a Rabies Antibody Titer Test. Pets may also need to undergo quarantine upon arrival.
Asia: Countries like China, Hong Kong, and Singapore have specific vaccination requirements and may require quarantine depending on the country of origin. Some countries may also require additional vaccinations or treatments beyond rabies.
Africa: Requirements can vary widely across African nations, but rabies vaccination and health certificates are generally required. Some countries may have additional requirements, such as parasite treatments.
Latin America: Most countries in Latin America require a rabies vaccination and a health certificate. Some countries may have additional requirements, so it’s important to check the specific regulations for your destination.

When you choose SDC International Shipping for your international move, you can trust us to handle your pet’s relocation with the utmost care, ensuring they meet all the necessary requirements for a safe and smooth journey to your new home.

The Cost of Transporting a Domestic Animal Internationally

The cost of transporting a domestic animal internationally can vary widely depending on several factors:

Travel Crates: The size and type of travel crate required for your pet will influence the cost. Custom crates, especially for larger animals or those needing special accommodations, can be more expensive.
Flight Costs: Airfare for pets can vary based on the airline, the size of the animal, and whether the pet travels in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo. Larger animals or those on long-haul flights will typically incur higher costs.
Distance Between Origin and Destination: The further the distance, the higher the transportation cost. This includes not just the international flight but also any necessary domestic travel to the departure airport.
Additional Fees: Costs may also include veterinary health checks, vaccinations, quarantine (if required), and import/export documentation. Insurance for your pet’s journey might also be an additional cost to consider.

Since every move is unique, SDC International Shipping provides custom quotes tailored to your specific needs. To get an accurate estimate for your pet’s international travel, please contact us today for a personalized travel quote.

What we can offer you?

Are you concerned about finding the right flight option for your dog or cat? Don’t worry! SDC International Shipping partners with trusted airlines to help you select the most direct and comfortable flight option for your four-legged friend. Our goal is to make the journey as smooth as possible for both you and your pet.

Here’s what we offer:

Direct Flight Options: We work closely with our airline partners to ensure your pet travels on the most direct route possible, minimizing travel time and stress.
Comprehensive Guidance: We provide detailed guidance on all the requirements for international pet transport, including vaccinations, microchipping, health certificates, and more.
Experienced Support: Our team of international pet movers has extensive experience handling all aspects of pet relocation, from the initial planning stages to ensuring a safe arrival at your new home.

Let us take care of the logistics, so you can focus on preparing for your new adventure. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help make your pet’s move stress-free.