Pet Travel Checklist: Everything You Need for a Stress‑Free Move

Quick Pet Travel Checklist

Pet passport / Animal Health Certificate (AHC) / health certificate (for cross-country travel)
Microchip and Rabies Vaccination Records (microchips must be inserted before rabies vaccination)
Carrier or Crate (airline-approved if flying)
Parasite treatments and medications
Vet check-up
First aid kit
Travel route and rest stops planned
List of local vets at destination
Pet Passport or Certificate

Now we explain in detail each of the items above.

Start Planning Early (Weeks Before the Move)

Planning early is the most important step. Pets are creatures of habit, and moving—especially across countries—requires careful preparation.

Start by:

Researching travel rules for your destination. Regulations differ between UK → Europe, Europe → UK, and other global regions.
Booking a vet appointment several days before travel to get vaccinations, health certificates, and advice on comfort and safety.
Checking airline, ferry, or rail pet policies early — carriers often have pet size, weight, and carrier requirements.
Moving Pets To Another Country

Documents and Health Requirements

For pets travelling within the UK and especially between the UK and Europe, there are specific documents and health measures you must get right.

Pet Identification

Pets must be microchipped with an ISO‑compliant microchip — this links your pet to its documents.
Ensure the microchip details are registered and up-to-date.

Rabies Vaccination

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies.
Microchip must be inserted before rabies vaccination; the reverse order is not valid.
For many European countries, the rabies shot must be done at least 21 days before travel.
Do You Need a Pet Passport To Move Abroad

Specific Veterinary Preparations

Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs Only)

Required for dogs entering the UK. Not needed when leaving the UK.
Must be administered by a registered vet
Given 24–120 hours before entry
Documented in passport or AHC, signed, dated, and stamped
Bringing Your Pet To The UK

Veterinary Health Check

A vet must confirm that:

Your pet is fit to travel
There are no infectious conditions
All vaccinations are up to date

This usually happens within 10 days of travel if a certificate is required.

Packing the Essentials

A good pet travel checklist isn’t just paperwork — you’ll need to pack the right supplies too.

Daily Needs

Pet’s regular food and treats
Water and travel bowls
Enough food for unexpected delays
Favourite toy or blanket (helps reduce anxiety)

Safety and Comfort

Carrier or crate appropriate for size and species
Collar and ID tag with updated contact info
Leash or harness
Waste bags and wipes
First aid kit
Medication (if required) with instructions

Carrier and Travel Setup

Well-ventilated carrier
Large enough for pet to stand, turn, and lie down
Secure and sturdy for flying, coach, or rail
Clearly labelled with contact info

If your pet isn’t familiar with the carrier, start getting them used to it weeks before travel. Place the carrier at home, keep it open, and put treats inside so they can explore at their own pace.

Handling Travel Day

Whether travelling by car, ferry, train, or plane:

On the Move

Give your pet a light meal a few hours before departure
Ensure they have water — but not too much right before travel
Keep carriers secure in vehicles
Never leave pets alone in a parked car
Plan regular stops if road-tripping so your dog can stretch and relieve itself

Consider using services like LeShuttle crossing with a dog or Pet taxi Eurotunnel / LeShuttle for smooth cross-border travel

Summary: Pet Travel Checklist

Before Travel	Packing List	Travel Day
Microchip and ID check	Food, treats, and bowls	Early arrival
Rabies and core vaccinations	Collar, ID tags	Familiar items in carrier
Pet passport or Animal Health Certificate	Carrier/crate with bedding	Water access
Tapeworm treatment (dogs)	Medications and first-aid kit	Regular stops on road trips
Health check and vet certificates	Documents (originals + copies)	Airline/ferry paperwork ready