Flying with Your Dog Internationally: A Practical Guide

Flying internationally with your dog adds layers compared to domestic travel: different countries have different entry requirements, the documents are more complex, and the stakes of getting something wrong are higher. But the core process is the same, and once you’ve done it once, you’ll know how it works.

We’ve flown with Sami across multiple countries in Europe and from Europe to the United States. Every international trip requires homework, but none of it is difficult — it’s just thorough. Here’s the framework.

Step 1: Check the Destination Country’s Pet Import Rules

This is the most critical step and the one people rush through. Every country has its own rules for importing pets. Some are simple (EU to EU travel is straightforward with a pet passport). Some are complex (entering the US from a high-risk rabies country requires specific procedures). Some are restrictive (the UK doesn’t allow dogs in the cabin on flights at all).

Start with the government agriculture or veterinary authority website of your destination country. For the US, that’s the CDC and the USDA’s APHIS pet travel page. For EU countries, check the EU’s pet movement regulations. For other countries, search “[country name] pet import requirements” and look for the official government source.

The things you’re looking for: required vaccines, quarantine periods (if any), required documents and certificates, microchip requirements, and any breed restrictions.

Step 2: Get Your Documents Right

International flights require more paperwork than domestic ones. The exact documents depend on your route, but here’s the general picture.

Within the EU: You need a valid EU pet passport with a current rabies vaccine. That’s it for most EU-to-EU flights. Simple. If you’re traveling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland, your dog also needs a tapeworm treatment in the days before travel.

From a non-EU country to the EU: You need an EU Animal Health Certificate issued by an accredited vet. It must be issued no more than 10 days before entry. You can travel with it between EU countries for 4 months or until the rabies vaccine expires.

To the United States: All dogs need a CDC Dog Import Form. Additional requirements depend on where your dog was vaccinated and which countries they’ve been in recently. See our Europe to US guide for the full breakdown.

For any international trip, our documents checklist is your starting point. Also check the specific requirements of each state or region if applicable — some US states have additional requirements beyond the federal ones.

Step 3: Choose the Right Airline

Not all airlines allow pets in the cabin on international routes. Some that allow domestic pet travel restrict it on international flights. And some routes simply don’t have pet-friendly options.

Check our guides to pet-friendly airlines and European airlines that allow dogs. Key things to verify for international flights: does the airline allow pets on this specific route? What’s the international pet fee? Are there any additional document requirements from the airline beyond the destination country’s rules?

Call the airline after booking to reserve your pet spot and to confirm exactly what documents they’ll check at departure. The airline’s requirements and the destination country’s requirements aren’t always identical — you need to satisfy both.

Step 4: Prepare for Longer Flights

International flights tend to be longer, which means your dog spends more time in the carrier. Carrier training becomes even more important — your dog needs to be comfortable spending hours in the carrier, not just minutes.

For flights over 4-5 hours, potty management, feeding strategy, and comfort items all matter more. We cover these in our long-haul flight guide and our keeping your dog calm article.

Step 5: Arriving at Your Destination

When you arrive in another country with your dog, expect some form of veterinary checkpoint or customs inspection. In our experience traveling within Europe, the airport vet checks your documents, verifies the microchip, does a quick visual health check, and clears you. It takes about 15 minutes.

Arriving in the US involves customs and immigration before you can access a pet relief area, which can mean a long wait for your dog. Plan for this — it’s not a deal-breaker, just something to be ready for.

Some countries require advance notification that you’re arriving with a pet. Some require you to arrive at specific ports of entry. Check all of this when you research the destination country’s rules in Step 1.

Connecting Flights and Layovers

If your international trip involves a connection, things get more complicated. During the layover, your dog is in the airport with you — on leash in the terminal, in the carrier when required. If the layover is long, find a quiet corner, lay down a training pad, and give your dog a chance to rest.

The bigger concern with connections: if one flight is canceled and you’re rebooked on a partner airline, your dog may not be able to transfer. We learned this the hard way. Direct flights are always preferable for international pet travel.

Countries to Be Aware Of

Some countries have notably strict pet import rules. The UK doesn’t allow dogs in the cabin on flights — you’d need to use the Eurotunnel or ferry instead. Australia and New Zealand have extended quarantine periods. Japan requires advance paperwork months before travel. Hawaii (within the US) has its own quarantine requirements.

None of these are insurmountable, but they require planning well in advance — sometimes months ahead. Start early.

International pet travel comes down to one word: preparation. Research the destination, get the documents right, choose the right airline, and prepare your dog for the journey. Everything else — security, boarding, the flight itself — follows the same process as any flight. For the complete step-by-step, see our complete guide to flying with your dog in the cabin.