Thinking about moving abroad with your pets can feel overwhelming. You’re not just planning a big international move for yourself, you’re also figuring out how to safely bring along your furry family members. The process can be intimidating, but with the right preparation, it’s absolutely doable.
Whether you’re relocating for work, adventure, retirement, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to know exactly what options are out there for transporting pets overseas. From traditional airlines to luxury pet charters, from cruises to niche solutions like group charters and even cargo ships, each path has its own pros and cons.
This guide breaks down the different ways to move abroad with pets, what to expect, and how to decide which is right for you.
Step One: Paperwork and Prep
Before you even choose how to get abroad, you’ll need to make sure your pet can legally enter your destination country. Every country has its own rules for importing animals, and many of them fall under the IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards.
Key things to check:
- Microchip requirements (ISO-compatible microchip is standard in the EU).
- Vaccination rules (usually rabies within a specific time window).
- Health certificates (issued by a USDA-accredited vet in the U.S.).
- Quarantine rules (some countries require pets to quarantine upon arrival).
👉 Pro Tip: Always start with the government website of your destination country, then confirm with your vet. If you’re moving to Europe with pets, the EU Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is the gold standard and will likely apply.
Also, check out our list of Best Airline Approved Kennels and 5 Must-Have Products for Pet Travel!
Option 1: Standard Commercial Airline
For most people, a regular passenger airline is the most practical way to move a pet overseas.While the rules can change from airline to airline, in general pets small enough to fit under the seat in front of you may travel in the cabin, but larger animals will need to ride in the pressureized and climate controlled cargo hold below.
Pros:
- Most affordable option compared to private or luxury services.
- Routes are widely available.
- Can get you directly to your new home country.
Cons:
- Large dogs usually travel in cargo hold, away from you.
- Only small pets are allowed in the cabin (usually under 20 lbs, including carrier).
- Long confinement in a carrier can be stressful.
- Multi-leg trips can complicate things (you may need to drive to a major airport to book a direct international flight).
- You’ll be handling all the paperwork, booking, and logistics yourself.
Best for: People with smaller pets, or those with large pets but on a budget and willing to plan carefully.
Rules for pet transport can vary from airline to airline so if you go this route be sure to check with your specific airline about their rules, size restrictions, and policies. For example, Turkish Airlines is known to have smaller under-the-seat cargo areas than many other airlines so even if you have a dog small enough to ride in the cabin on most carriers, they may not be able to do so on Turkish. On a more positive note, as of May 2025 the Italian government has permitted large dogs to travel in the cabin of commercial flights. While no airlines have set up policies regarding this as of writing, options may become available in the future.
Option 2: Pet-Only Airlines (Bark Air, K9 Jets, etc.)
These are luxury charter-style airlines just for pets and their humans. This option allows dogs of almost any size to ride alongside their owners in the cabin of the plane. Definitely a good option for comfort and piece of mind, but it comes with a high dollar cost.
Pros:
- All pets, any size (within reason. Your horse won’t fit!) fly in the cabin with you.
- Concierge service for paperwork, customs, and logistics.
- Streamlined check-in and security process.
- Luxurious seating and treatment for both humans and animals.
Cons:
- Expensive. Flights often cost several thousand dollars per dog/owner combo.
- Limited departure and destination cities.
- Few flights available. Booking in advance is a must.
- Limited space for luggage and cargo.
Best for: Large dogs whose owners want to avoid cargo holds, and for those who can budget extra for peace of mind.
One of our dogs, Cookie, is getting up there in age and while we’d rather not subject either pup to a long flight in a cargo hold, we’d especially rather not do that with her. Because of that we’re keeping a close eye on pet charters to see if we can make it work. BarkAir is working on adding more routes to their offering, but for now on top of the high ticket price, you’ll have to factor in getting your pet to one of their limited departure airports and then to your final destination if you don’t plan to settle where they fly.
For us that would mean driving from the center of the US to the east coast to catch a flight, then renting a car or taking a train from Milan where BarkAir lands to Bari where we could then take a ferry to Albania. If you’re on a time crunch this may not be viable, but if you’re not on a set schedule it could be a good option. Just start saving early and be prepared to book well in advance!
Because the cost is so high, if we use this method at all it will probably be for one dog, Cookie. On the plus side, we can use some of the knowledge support provided by the airlines concierge to help guide us while we get Nilla’s paperwork done too.
Option 3: Pet-Friendly Cruise (Cunard’s Queen Mary 2)
Yes, you can bring your dog across the Atlantic by ship! The Cunard cruise line’s Queen Mary 2 is one of the only passenger ships offering kennels.
Pros:
- Pets get daily exercise and can be walked.
- You can visit your pet every day during the voyage.
- Generally less expensive than private jet options.
- Unique and memorable travel experience.
Cons:
- Limited destinations (mainly transatlantic between New York and Southampton, UK).
- Only a small number of kennel spaces are available, and they book up over a year in advance.
- Travel time is long (7 to 10 days at sea).
- Large dogs may require booking multiple kennel spaces.
Best for: Pet owners moving between the U.S. and the UK who want to avoid flying.
If you’re a bigger planner than us this may be the way to go. While it’s still not cheap, you’re at least getting a vacation on a luxury cruiseliner while you get you and your pup across the Atlantic. Similar to the pet charter airlines above, this would have required us to road-trip to New York to board the ship, then find our way on the ground the rest of the way to Albania. While the ship generally goes from New York City to Southampton, UK, it does occasionally continue on to Hamburg, Germany to get you directly to mainland Europe.
Unfortunately, last time we contacted Cunard their kennel spaces were not only booked up for all of 2026, but their waiting list had closed for the whole year as well. This really could be a fantastic way to get your pets comfortably across the ocean but you need to plan early. If you think it’s right for you, consider trying to book a spot as soon as they open, just be sure you’re aware of cancellation dates and policies so you can refund your booking if your plans change.
Option 4: Professional Pet Transport Companies
These are companies that specialize specifically in pet relocation logistics. Typically they assist with planning and paperwork and facilitate your pup’s journey via commercial airline. If you’re physically apart from your dog, or will be on the travel date, they can sometimes provide your pet transport to and from the airport as well. Your dog’s actual airline experience, though, will generally be just the same as if you booked their seat yourself.
Pros:
- Can assist with paperwork, customs clearance, and flight bookings.
- Can reduce stress by managing details on your behalf.
- Useful for countries with more complicated rules.
Cons:
- Availability depends on where you’re moving (smaller or less popular countries may not have coverage).
- Your pet’s actual travel experience is usually the same as if you booked yourself.
- Adds to your moving costs.
Best for: People moving to countries with complex requirements, or those who prefer hands-off planning.
If you’re using a moving company to transport your belongings, reach out to them regarding pet transport as well. Most moving companies do not transport pets themselves, but many have a preferred or trusted pet transport company they recommend. You can also check the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) for approved transportation companies here.
Option 5: Cargo Ship Travel
This is rare but worth mentioning: some cargo ships allow passengers in a handful of cabins and may let you bring a dog. This was never a very common option for travel, but offerings came to a complete halt during the global COVID-19 shutdowns and as of writing this, few, if any, freight companies have resumed passenger service. If you’re open to unconventional travel, though, and are lucky enough to find a ship that offers passenger transport, it could be a good way to travel the high seas with your pup.
Before the pandemic cargo ships offered more and different destinations than Cunard’s trans-Atlantic cruises, so they can be a good way to get to some more uncommon destinations. Additionally, if you are able to find a ship willing to accommodate passengers, they may be more willing to negotiate bringing your pets as they likely don’t have rigid rules and policies regarding animals.
Don’t expect a luxury cruise line experience, though. There’s limited amenities onboard and you’ll be sharing common spaces with the sailors working aboard the ship
Pros:
- Lower cost compared to luxury options.
- Rules may be more flexible and negotiable.
- Offers unique destinations that cruises don’t cover.
Cons:
- Travel times are very long.
- Very few ships currently allow this option (especially since COVID).
- Little to no onboard amenities.
Best for: Homebodies who aren’t afraid to take the slow road and enjoy a few books along the way.
Option 6: Group Chartered Flights
Sometimes expat communities organize shared charter flights. These can be facilitated through pet airlines like BarkAir above, or are sometimes chartered directly through private plane services. Check around on social media for expat groups in the country or region where you’re planning to move to and you may find groups periodically trying to coordinate a group charter (or if you’re a go-getter, you can take the lead yourself!)
Group charters allow you to get to exactly the airport you want, rather than being limited to the few airports the pet airlines service. Dates are less flexible, though, as each flight is a one-off, and you’ll be on your own for paperwork and passenger coordination. Plus, if someone drops out last minute the remaining passengers may be on the hook for their share of the bill.
Pros:
- You can customize departure and destination as a group.
- Pets ride in the cabin (depending on the charter).
- Meet fellow expats before arriving. It’s great for community building!
- Security and boarding are easier than commercial airlines.
Cons:
- Requires heavy coordination with other passengers.
- Limited availability (these are one-off events).
- Less professional help with paperwork compared to pet-only airlines.
Best for: Expats headed to less common destinations, or those who want community connections right away.
Other Things to Consider
Pet Size Matters
Small dogs and cats have more options than large breeds. If you’re moving with a big dog, your choices narrow considerably.
Weather Restrictions
Airlines often have restrictions on flying pets during extreme hot or cold weather. This can affect your travel timeline.
Breed Restrictions
Some airlines and countries restrict “snub-nosed breeds” like pugs, bulldogs, or Persian cats due to higher risk during air travel.
VERY Rough Costs (quotes are often tailored to the pet and journey)
- Standard airline cargo fees: $500–$1,500.
- Luxury pet airline: $8,000+.
- Pet transport service: $2,000–$10,000 depending on route and size.
- Cruise kennel space: $800–$1,000+ depending on size and season.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Path for You and Your Pet
Moving abroad with pets is not one-size-fits-all. For some, a standard airline is the most straightforward option. For others, peace of mind might be worth splurging on a pet charter. Some may prefer the slower but relaxing charm of a cruise.
What matters most is balancing cost, comfort, safety, and convenience for both you and your fuzzy travel companion(s).
At the end of the day, taking your pets abroad is absolutely possible. It takes careful planning, flexibility, and sometimes a bit of creativity, but it’s worth it to know that when you step off the plane (or boat), you’ll have your best friend by your side in your brand-new adventure.
