Moving Pets to Another Country: A Complete Guide

Traveling with your pet is common for pet lovers. Even for local moves, like city to city, you must prioritise their comfort and safety every time. Moving from country to country is not as simple as local moves, so you need legal documents and the best pet transporter company. Now, we explore how to move across the country with pets.

Legal Documents for Moving Pets

First Understanding What “Moving New Country With Pets” Really Means

Moving to a new country isn’t just about distance. For pets, it means:

New smells
New routines
Long travel hours
Temporary confinement
Unfamiliar environments

Some pets adapt quickly. Others need extra care. The most common cross-country pet moves include:

UK city to city (London to Manchester, Birmingham to Leeds, etc.)
UK to all European countries, including France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy etc.

Each scenario changes how you should plan.

Always Planning Early when You Know Your Pet Must Move With You

The biggest mistake people make is treating pet travel like human travel.

Pets don’t understand:
Why they’re in a carrier
Why the journey is long
Why their routine suddenly changes

That’s why planning should start weeks—not days—before the move. Early planning helps you:

Arrange correct documentation
Choose the safest travel method
Prepare your pet mentally and physically
Avoid last-minute stress

Legal and Travel Requirements in the UK and Europe

For Moving Within the UK

If you’re staying inside the UK:

No passport required for pets
No border checks
No customs paperwork

However, transport safety laws still apply, especially for dogs in vehicles.

Difference Between a Pet Passport and a Certificate

For Moving Between UK and Europe

This is where paperwork becomes important. Most pets (especially cats and dogs) require:

UK → Europe: UK pet passports are not accepted. You must have a UK Animal Health Certificate for your dog or cat to cross into Europe.
Europe → UK: Either an EU Pet Passport or a UK Animal Health Certificate is accepted.
Microchip must always be inserted before the rabies vaccination; the reverse order is invalid.
Tapeworm/worming treatment (for dogs entering the UK):
- Must be administered by a registered vet
- Given at least 24 hours, but no more than 120 hoursbefore crossing
- Must be stamped, signed, and datedin the passport or UK Animal Health Certificate
- Not required when leaving the UK

All Requirements for Bringing a Pet to the UK

Third-country → Europe → UK travel: Requires both an EU Animal Health Certificate(to enter Europe) and a UK Animal Health Certificate (to enter the UK)
Approved travel routes and carriers

Always check different European countries’ rules before moving.

Choosing the Right Transport Method

Not every pet should travel the same way.

Pet Taxi or Professional Pet Transport Services

Best for:

Nervous pets
Long distances
Owners who want minimal stress
Multiple pets
Use climate-controlled vehicles
Allow regular breaks
Handle paperwork
Monitor pet comfort throughout the journey
Services may include LeShuttle crossing with dogs or pet taxi Eurotunnel / LeShuttle

Full Pet Travel Checklist

Driving With Your Pet Transporter

Good for:

Medium to long distances
Pets already used to cars

Trains and Ferries

Common in the UK and Europe, but rules vary:

Dogs usually allowed with restrictions
Small pets may need carriers
Some services limit the number of animals

Always check the operator’s pet policy in advance.

Food, Water, and Comfort During the Journey

Feeding rules vary by pet, but generally:

Avoid heavy meals before travel
Offer small amounts of water regularly
Keep treats minimal

Always carry:

Fresh water
Food portions
Waste bags or litter
Cleaning supplies
Familiar bedding or toys

Familiar smells reduce anxiety more than anything else.

Settling Your Pet Into the New Home

The journey doesn’t end when you arrive. The first 48–72 hours matter most.

Tips:

Set up a quiet space immediately
Keep feeding times consistent
Limit visitors and noise
Let pets explore slowly
Watch for stress signs (hiding, loss of appetite)

Most pets settle faster when routines return quickly.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

Stress and anxiety: Reduce noise, maintain routine, use familiar items
Motion sickness: Avoid feeding before travel, allow airflow, consult a vet if needed
Paperwork issues (Europe moves): Double-check documents weeks in advance
Temperature problems: Never rely on outside weather—always plan controlled environments

How UK Pet Passports and Certificates Work

Is Professional Help Worth It?

For short local moves, you may manage alone. But not all the time—even if you have your own car, you can’t manage them all the time. You must have a professional who can safely move your pet.

For long-distance or cross-border moves, professional pet transport often:

Reduces stress
Saves time
Prevents paperwork mistakes
Keeps pets safer

Final Words

Moving across the country with pets is not about headaches; it’s about understanding them. Complete your pet’s requirements, plan ahead of time, and choose the most appropriate mode of transportation. This makes the relocation process easier, safer, and less stressful for both you and your pet.

Download our Complete Pet Travel Checklist