Published on January 9, 2026
Wondering when to start planning your pet’s move? In most cases, pet parents should start 1–6 months (depending on origin country and destination) ahead for international relocations and 3–4 weeks ahead for domestic moves. Some destinations (especially those with permits, limited flight options, or quarantine planning) may require 6+ months. WorldCare Pet Transport is an IPATA member with 25 years of experience, and we’ll help you build a step-by-step timeline for records, vet visits, routing, and travel day logistics, so your pet’s move stays on track.
Need a personalized timeline? Request a free quote and we’ll review your dates, destination, and your pet’s needs..
How far in advance should I plan my pet’s move?
Use this rule of thumb:
- Domestic moves: start 3–4 weeks ahead (earlier during holidays and summer).
- International moves (most countries): start 1–6 months ahead.
- Complex destinations (quarantine-heavy, strict rabies timelines): start 6+ months ahead.
- “Long timeline” examples: some relocations (like Australia/New Zealand/Singapore) can take many months depending on requirements and space availability.
Why starting early matters (even if flights are available)
Most pet moves are not delayed by the airplane. They are delayed by the steps around the airplane:
- Vaccination timing and waiting periods (country-specific)
- Lab tests that must be performed within a specific window. For Rabies Titre Tests, it can take 4-6+ weeks to receive the results.
- Import permits and appointment availability
- Quarantine reservations (limited capacity in some locations such as Singapore)
- Crate training (behavioral comfort takes time)
- Peak season flight space (summer and holidays book up)
The planning timeline pet parents can actually follow
6+ months before travel (best for complex destinations)
Start here if you are moving internationally and do not want surprises.
Do now:
- Choose your destination city and rough travel month
- Confirm whether your pet’s breed, size, and age affect routing and airline options
- Start crate training (short sessions, lots of positive reinforcement)
- Talk to a pet relocation professional about feasibility and timing
1–6 months before travel (typical international planning window)
This is the sweet spot for many international pet relocations.
Do now:
- Map your pet’s required vaccines, tests, treatments, and forms.
- Identify the most likely routing and whether your pet can travel in-cabin or must travel in an approved crate in cargo.
- Begin assembling records (rabies certificate, microchip details, vet history).
3–6 weeks before travel (typical domestic planning window)
For many domestic moves, 3–4 weeks is a common planning target.
Do now:
- Confirm travel method (flight vs ground)
- Schedule your veterinary paperwork according to the timeframe required for your pet’s trip
- Confirm pickup and delivery logistics
7–14 days before travel (finalization phase)
This is when details get locked.
Do now:
- Confirm airline/route constraints and check-in procedures
- Confirm crate setup and comfort items
- Do a “paperwork audit” (every form, signature, stamp, and date)
What takes the longest in a pet relocation?
- Rabies-related timelines (varies by destination, may include waiting periods)
- Quarantine reservations (limited space in some countries)
- Permits and approvals (processing windows can be tight)
- Finding a workable route for your pet’s size, breed restrictions, and seasonal heat policies
- Crate training (your pet’s comfort is not something you want to rush)
Signs you should start planning right now
Start immediately if any of these are true:
- Your destination is known for strict import rules or potential quarantine
- You are moving in summer or during holiday peaks
- Your pet is a snub-nosed breed, very large, senior, or medically sensitive
- You need your pet to travel close to your own move date (that takes coordination)
Can I plan a pet move last-minute?
Sometimes, yes, but it depends on the destination, your pet’s vet records, and flight availability. But, it is important to note that typical timelines can stretch to months for certain countries so it is never guaranteed that your pet will be able to travel at the last minute.
If you are short on time, the fastest path is usually:
- confirm destination requirements immediately
- gather records in one place
- get a professional review of what is missing
Planning a Pet Move
How far in advance should I book pet transport?
A common benchmark is 3–4 weeks for domestic and 2–6 months for international, with more time needed for complex destinations or peak seasons.
What is the biggest reason pet moves get delayed?
Most delays come from timing windows (vaccines, tests, permits) and limited availability (like quarantine space or peak-season routing).
When should my pet start crate training?
As early as possible. For many pets, a calm, comfortable relationship with the crate takes weeks of short practice sessions.
Do I need a rabies titer test?
Some countries require it and others do not. It is important to check if your pet is coming from a rabies endemic or high-risk countries to low-risk countries as this will often be required.
Is domestic pet transport easier than international?
Usually, yes. International moves tend to involve more coordination and country-specific documentation, which is why planning timelines are longer.
A simple planning checklist
As soon as you know you are moving
- Choose target move month and destination city
- Gather rabies certificate, microchip info, and vet records
- Start crate training and measuring your pet for the right size crate
1–6 months out (international)
- Build a destination-specific timeline for tests, treatments, and forms
- Confirm route options and seasonal constraints
- Submit any needed permit steps as early as allowed
3–4 weeks out (domestic)
- Confirm dates and logistics
- Schedule final vet documentation within the required window
Final 14 days
- Re-check every document for dates, signatures, and consistency
- Confirm check-in instructions and day-of plan
The sooner you start, the smoother your pet’s move tends to be. If you want a clear timeline based on your destination and travel dates, WorldCare Pet Transport can help. We are an IPATA member with 25 years of experience relocating pets worldwide.
Request a free quote and we will review your timeline and next steps.
Valerie Neyra is the Marketing Coordinator at WorldCare Pet and a proud cat mom to Lucky. She is dedicated to creating resources that simplify domestic & international pet transport. Valerie understands how important pets are to our lives and works to help pet parents feel supported and confident every step of the way during their global moves.