Every country around the world has its own set of rules and regulations for people who want to import pets. Naturally, the first question most pet parents ask is will my pet be quarantined? The answer to that depends on your destination country. Let’s look at six countries that do require quarantine if you’re moving from the USA with your cat or dog.
Keep in mind that many quarantine countries require a rabies titer blood test and an additional waiting period after the test before they are allowed to enter the country. If your pet is not fully compliant with the import regulations then their quarantine may be extended or it's possible they are sent back to their origin.
Also, remember that quarantine is just the final step in the pet import process. Before you get to that point, your pet will require other vaccinations, treatments, and paperwork prior to travel. The exact requirements and paperwork needed will depend on your destination country.Australia
Australia requires all cats and dogs coming from the United States to complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival. All pets must fly into Melbourne (MEL) and stay at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility before going onward to other parts of Australia. Pets must travel as manifested cargo (they cannot ride with you in the airplane’s cabin, even if they fit the airline’s criteria for that), and they must be in an IATA-approved kennel (something all airlines require anyway). Quarantine space is limited, so you are not guaranteed a spot on your preferred date. Additionally, you will need to plan months ahead to prepare your pet for travel.
If you’re moving from the mainland USA, the requirements are extensive and time-consuming. The step-by-step guides from the link above explain all of the requirements and timelines for them. Australia means business when it comes to pet importation. If your cat or dog shows up without all the right paperwork, they can be held in quarantine longer, summarily sent home, or euthanized. This is not a time to make mistakes.
New Zealand
Dogs and cats arriving from the USA must spend a minimum of 10 days in quarantine. You will need to book space at a quarantine facility approved by the Ministry for Primary Industries, and you’ll need your booking confirmation to apply for an import permit. New Zealand has a whole slew of other requirements to follow, which are outlined on this checklist. New Zealand recommends you use a professional pet shipper.
Singapore
There are two quarantine options in Singapore for cats and dogs coming from the United States - 10 days under Category C1 or 30 days under category C2. Quarantine space at Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station is limited and requires advance reservations. You can do this online via the Quarantine Management System. If you are working with a pet relocation company, then they will typically take care of this on your behalf.
Malaysia
Your cat or dog will have to spend 7 days in quarantine if you’re moving from the USA to Malaysia. You have to reserve the space in advance to assure availability, though the government doesn’t specify how far in advance you should do this. As with other countries, your pet will also need paperwork including an import permit and USDA-endorsed health certificate verifying they have met the import requirements.
Japan
Japan only requires quarantine for pets who do not follow the 180-day waiting period after the rabies titer test outlined in their import requirements. Your pet may be quarantined if they are not compliant with the import regulations. However, you can avoid quarantine for your pet if you simply follow the rules and fulfill the waiting period.
Taiwan
Cats and dogs traveling to Taiwan are required to spend 10 days in quarantine. They will also require a microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies titer test, import permit and USDA-endorsed international health certificate. The full requirements are outlined here.
Work with a Professional
Using an international pet shipper eliminates the guesswork.
This is a good idea if you’re moving from the USA with pets, no matter what your destination country. Arranging the necessary vet appointments and paperwork is not only time-consuming and complicated, but the rules are subject to change at any time, and you may have no way of knowing about that.
With quarantine and your pet’s safety at stake, why risk making a potentially dangerous mistake?
Starwood Animal Transport has rebranded to Starwood Pet Travel. We are still the same great company with the best team, just now with a slightly different name.