Can You Bring Your Pet While Studying Abroad? For many international students, pets are not accessories; they are family. The idea of relocating to another country for study while leaving a beloved dog, cat, or rabbit behind can be emotionally overwhelming. The good news is that, in many cases, it is possible to bring your pet with you while studying abroad, provided you plan early, follow the rules precisely, and budget realistically.
Pet import regulations vary significantly by country and are designed to protect public health, agriculture, and local ecosystems. Some destinations are relatively flexible, while others impose strict biosecurity controls, extended waiting periods, and mandatory quarantine.
This guide breaks down what international students need to know about bringing pets to Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, including timelines, costs, documentation, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Important Note: All fees, timelines, and regulations cited below are accurate as of November 2025, but immigration and biosecurity rules change frequently. Always confirm requirements on official government websites before making travel arrangements.
Australia: One of the World’s Strictest Pet Import Systems
Australia maintains some of the most rigorous pet import regulations globally, largely due to its rabies-free status and highly sensitive ecosystem. As a result, bringing a pet into Australia is possible but complex, often requiring at least six months of preparation.
Key Requirements
- Microchipping: Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip before receiving any vaccinations.
- Rabies Vaccination: Mandatory for all eligible pets.
- Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT):
- Conducted at an approved laboratory
- Must be done at least 180 days and no more than 24 months before export
- Applies to pets from countries where rabies is absent or well-controlled
Import Permit
Most pets require an import permit issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) via the Biosecurity Import Conditions system.
- Processing time: 20–40 business days
- Fees are charged per animal per consignment
A “consignment” refers to pets traveling together from the same country, under the same importer and exporter.
Mandatory Quarantine
All pets must complete quarantine at a government-approved facility near Melbourne:
- Reservation fee: A$269
- Importation charge: A$1,078
- Quarantine accommodation: A$530 for 10 days
- Pets that fail identity verification may face 30 days of quarantine
Australia is not a last-minute destination for pet owners. Students should factor in costs, paperwork, and emotional preparation well ahead of their academic start date.
Canada: One of the Most Pet-Friendly Study Destinations
Canada’s pet import process is comparatively straightforward and centers primarily on rabies prevention. When requirements are met, no quarantine is imposed.
Required Documentation
- Valid rabies vaccination certificate
- Issued by a licensed veterinarian
- Written in English or French
- Must clearly identify the animal and vaccine details
- Microchip:
- Not mandatory, but strongly recommended
- ISO 11784 (15-digit) compliant
- Veterinary health certificate:
- Not required by law, but highly advised
- Should be issued close to your travel date
Failure to present proper documents can lead to border delays or outright denial of entry for your pet.
Students should consult the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and use its Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) to confirm country-specific requirements.
Ireland: EU Rules With Important Additional Conditions
Ireland generally follows European Union pet travel regulations, but with strict enforcement at ports of entry.
Entry Conditions
- Pets must travel with you or arrive within five days of your arrival
- If this window is missed, the move is classified as commercial, triggering higher costs and stricter controls
- Travelers from non-EU countries must provide 24 hours’ advance notice before departure
Health Requirements
- Microchip: ISO standard 11785 compliant, implanted before rabies vaccination
- Rabies vaccination:
- Pet must be at least 12 weeks old
- Travel allowed 21 days after vaccination
- Unlisted countries:
- Rabies antibody test required
- 90-day waiting period after blood draw
Additional Rules for Dogs
- Mandatory tapeworm treatment between 1 and 5 days before arrival
- Exemptions apply for dogs traveling from Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway
Pets from non-EU countries must enter Ireland through designated ports and airports and undergo compliance checks before leaving the terminal.
United Kingdom: Highly Regulated With Cargo-Only Entry
Bringing pets into Great Britain (England, Scotland, or Wales) requires strict adherence to regulations designed to maintain the UK’s rabies-free status. Rules differ for Northern Ireland, so students must verify the correct pathway.
Core Requirements
- ISO-compliant microchip before rabies vaccination
- Rabies vaccination completed at least 21 days before arrival
- Tapeworm treatment for dogs 24 hours to 5 days before arrival (with some country exemptions)
Unlisted Countries
- Rabies blood test conducted 30 days after vaccination
- Three-month waiting period before travel
Entry Conditions
- Pets must arrive as manifest cargo (not in the aircraft cabin)
- Must arrive within five days of the student to avoid being classified as a commercial import
- Pets must be covered under a Transfer of Residency declaration to avoid VAT charges
Failure to comply may result in up to four months of quarantine, fully paid by the owner.
Breed Restrictions
Certain dog breeds are banned entirely, including:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
United States: Federal and State-Level Rules Apply
In the U.S., pet import rules are governed primarily by the CDC and USDA, with additional state-level requirements depending on your study destination.
Dogs
All dogs must:
- Be at least six months old
- Have a CDC Dog Import Form submitted online before arrival
- Present the form receipt at the port of entry
- Have a microchip detectable by a universal scanner
Dogs from low-risk rabies countries:
- Require a valid rabies vaccination
- Must appear healthy on arrival
Dogs from high-risk rabies countries:
- Must have rabies vaccination and serology titer
- Require a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility
- Must complete 28 days of quarantine
- Can enter only through designated airports
Cats
Cats must appear healthy, but the CDC does not require rabies documentation (though vaccination is recommended). Airlines may impose additional requirements, including recent veterinary health certificates.
Students should consult:
- CDC Dog Import guidelines
- USDA APHIS pet travel resources
Final Thoughts: Planning Makes All the Difference
Bringing your pet while studying abroad is absolutely achievable—but it is not spontaneous. It requires early planning, accurate documentation, emotional readiness, and financial preparation. Pets also need time to adjust to new climates, living arrangements, and routines, especially after long international travel.
If you are considering studying abroad and want to factor your pet into the decision, start researching before you finalize your destination or intake.
Ready to take the next step?
You can explore study options, compare destinations, and get personalized guidance by registering on SVAbroad Connect, a platform designed to help students find programs that fit their academic goals, lifestyle needs, and long-term plans—pets included.
Safe travels to you and your four-legged companion.
