International Pet Relocation Cost Calculator

Calculate the complete cost to move your dog or cat to another country. IATA crate sizing, rabies titer test, quarantine fees, airline cargo, import permits, and breed restrictions — all in one tool.

Your Pet & Route
Origin Country
Destination Country
Breed
🐕 30 kg avg
Service Type
Full service handles all documentation and logistics
Currency
Travel Date
Optional. Used to check timeline feasibility
Total Cost — Professional
£6,935
~10 months total prep time
DIY
£6,035
Hybrid
£6,502
Pro
£6,935
IATA Crate — L100
100 × 68 × 75 cm
Max pet weight: 41 kg • Cost: £94£157
IATA LAR 2026 formula: L = A + ½B, W = C × 2, H = D
Step-by-Step Timeline — Australia
  1. 1. Microchip + Rabies Vaccination
    ~8d£51
    ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before vaccine. Pet must be 12+ weeks old.
  2. 2. Rabies Titer Test (RNATT/FAVN)
    ~1.0mo£98
    Blood drawn 21–30 days after vaccine. Sent to approved lab. 3–4 weeks for results.
  3. 3. 180-Day Mandatory Wait
    ~6.0mo
    Non-negotiable waiting period starting when lab RECEIVES sample. No shortcuts.
  4. 4. Import Permit
    ~15d£378
    Apply to Australia biosecurity authority. 1–2 weeks processing.
  5. 5. Health Certificate + Government Endorsement
    ~8d£157
    Official Vet within 10 days of travel + national endorsement (USDA / DEFRA / CFIA).
  6. 6. IATA Crate (L100)
    ~3d£126
    100×68×75 cm.
  7. 7. Airline Cargo Transport
    ~2d£736
    Estimated from L100 volumetric weight. Brachycephalic embargoes apply on some routes.
  8. 8. Quarantine — 30 days
    ~1.0mo£4,488
    Mickleham, Victoria
Australia — Requirements
Titer test
Required — 180-day wait
Import permit
Required (~£378)
Quarantine
30 days (£1,496)
Banned breeds
6
Notes
DAFF-approved lab for titer. 180-day wait from lab receipt. Mickleham quarantine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move a dog from the UK to Australia?

£3,000–£6,000 ($3,800–$7,600) for a medium dog. Includes microchip, rabies, RNATT titer (~£125), 180-day mandatory wait, DAFF import permit (~£380), health certs, IATA crate, airline cargo (~£1,500–3,000), and 10–30 days Mickleham quarantine (~£1,500–2,000). DIY ~£3,000–4,500; professional ~£4,500–7,000+.

What is the IATA crate size for my pet?

IATA LAR 2026 formula: Length = A + ½B (nose-to-tail + half elbow height), Width = C × 2 (shoulder width × 2), Height = D (floor to top of ears). Brachycephalic breeds need +10% larger crates.

Which countries require a rabies titer test?

Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan (180-day wait); UAE, Qatar, Oman (90-day wait); Singapore and Hong Kong from non-approved countries. EU, UK, US, Canada do NOT require it from low-risk origins.

How long is quarantine and how much does it cost?

Zero for EU, UK, US, Canada, UAE if compliant. Singapore 0–10 days. Australia 10–30 days at Mickleham (~$1,900 USD min). New Zealand ~10 days (~$1,700). Japan zero if titer-wait perfect, else up to 180 days.

What breeds are banned and where?

Pit Bull, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa banned in Australia, UK, NZ, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE. UK adds XL Bully (2024). Australia bans Bengal cats from March 2026.

Can brachycephalic pets fly safely?

Yes but with restrictions: +10% crate size, summer cargo embargoes May–September on many airlines (Delta, American, United, Lufthansa, KLM), and higher mortality risk at altitude. Some carriers (Emirates, KLM) accept them year-round with restrictions.

DIY vs professional service?

DIY saves $1,500–$2,500 but one missed step (wrong titer lab, late paperwork) costs $1,000+ in delays. Professional agents (~$1,200) guarantee work, handle logistics. Hybrid (~$650) splits the difference.

Documentation order?

1) Microchip → 2) Rabies vaccine → 3) Titer test (if required) → 4) Mandatory wait → 5) Import permit → 6) Health certificate → 7) Government endorsement → 8) Travel. Skipping order invalidates the chain.

Sources: IATA LAR 2026, DAFF (Australia), DEFRA (UK), MPI (NZ), USDA APHIS, AFCD (HK), AVS (Singapore), MOCCAE (UAE). Cost ranges from market research on major pet relocation agencies, updated quarterly.