A missing document or an expired health certificate can mean your pet is refused entry, placed in quarantine, or returned home. CEVA's documentation specialists manage every piece of paperwork for your pet's journey — ensuring nothing is overlooked, nothing expires, and nothing delays your pet's arrival.
The required documentation for pet travel varies by destination, species, and health status. This is an overview of the most common documents. Your CEVA documentation specialist will prepare a complete, destination-specific checklist for your pet.
Your pet must be microchipped (ISO 11784/11785 compatible 15-digit chip) before any other travel preparations begin. If vaccinations were given before microchipping, they may need to be repeated. The microchip number must appear on all documentation.
Timing: As early as possible — at least 30 days before travel
A valid rabies vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian. Many countries require the vaccination to be given at least 21–30 days before travel. Some require a primary course followed by a booster. Expiry dates must not lapse during travel.
Timing: At minimum 3–4 weeks before departure (often longer)
Issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) or Accredited Veterinarian authorized by the national authority. This confirms your pet is fit to travel and meets the destination country's health requirements. Most certificates must be issued within 10 days of travel.
Timing: Within 10 days of travel (country-specific)
Certain countries — including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and others — require a formal import permit to be obtained before your pet can enter. This is applied for through the destination country's agricultural authority and can take weeks to process.
Timing: 8–16 weeks before travel (country-dependent)
A blood test confirming your pet has sufficient rabies antibody levels following vaccination. Results must meet the required threshold (typically ≥0.5 IU/mL). Some countries require a waiting period of 90–180 days after a satisfactory result before travel is permitted.
Timing: Plan 6–12 months ahead for destinations requiring this test
Evidence of treatment against tapeworms (specifically Echinococcus multilocularis for entry to the UK and some EU countries) and ticks. Treatment must be administered by a licensed vet within a specific window before arrival and documented on the health certificate.
Timing: 1–5 days before travel (country-specific timing windows apply)
Use this table as a starting point — your CEVA specialist will provide a complete requirements briefing for your specific destination, species, and travel timeline.
| Country | Microchip | Rabies Vaccination | Import Permit | Quarantine | Min. Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Yes | Yes + titer test | Yes | 10 days | 6–12 months |
| New Zealand | Yes | Yes + titer test | Yes | 10 days | 6–12 months |
| Japan | Yes | Yes + 2x titer test | Yes (reservation) | 180-day wait pre-travel | 7–8 months |
| United Kingdom | Yes | Yes + titer test for some | No | No (if compliant) | 3–4 weeks minimum |
| European Union | Yes | Yes | No (EU passport) | No (if compliant) | 3–4 weeks minimum |
| United States | Recommended | Yes (dogs from rabies-risk countries) | No | No (if compliant) | 3–6 weeks |
| UAE | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1–3 days (inspection) | 4–8 weeks |
| Canada | Recommended | Yes (from certain countries) | No (general) | No (if compliant) | 2–4 weeks |
This table is a general guide only. Requirements change frequently. Always consult your CEVA documentation specialist for the latest, definitive requirements for your destination and travel date.
Core vaccination requirements vary by destination and species. Here is a general overview of what is typically required for international pet travel.
Rabies — Almost universally required
Core requirement for dogs and cats entering most countries. Must be administered by a licensed vet and recorded on official documentation. Some countries require additional antibody titer testing to confirm immunity levels.
Distemper / Parvovirus / Hepatitis
Core vaccination for dogs. While not always a specific entry requirement, up-to-date core vaccinations are required for the health certificate and demonstrate responsible pet ownership to destination authorities.
Feline Herpesvirus / Calicivirus / Panleukopaenia
Core vaccination for cats. Same principle as dogs — must be current for health certificate issuance and demonstrates compliance to destination veterinary authorities.
Additional country-specific vaccinations
Certain destinations may require additional vaccines such as Leptospirosis (dogs), Bordetella, or others based on regional disease risk. Your CEVA specialist will identify all requirements for your destination.
Our documentation specialists will prepare a complete, country-specific checklist for your pet, coordinate with your vet, and manage every deadline — ensuring your pet's paperwork is perfect before travel day.
