We strongly encourage all pet owners to carefully research any pet relocation company before proceeding with international transport.
We are aware that some providers may offer transport options that do not align with current import regulations, including age restrictions and entry requirements set by destination countries.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in:
– denied entry
– extended quarantine
– additional costs
– transport delays
– welfare risks for the animal
To protect both your pet and your legal responsibilities as the owner, always ensure:
– all import requirements are met
– documentation is accurate
– timelines are followed correctly
– you are working with a reputable and experienced relocation provider
If something sounds too easy, too fast, or bypasses official requirements, ask questions and seek independent clarification before proceeding.
Transporting pets internationally is not one-size-fits-all
The best airline depends on:
- dog weight
- crate size
- destination country
- arrival airport restrictions
- in-cabin vs cargo
- how many animals are travelling
- airline route limitations
COSTS TO FACTOR IN
- Pet fees (Vaccination, MicroChip, Blood Tests)
- Passenger ticket
- Pet Transport Fee
- Crate cost
- CDC kennel fees (USA only)
- Veterinary paperwork
- Import permits if required
BEFORE BOOKING ANY AIRLINE, CHECK:
- Dog weight + crate size
- Airport arrival restrictions
- In-cabin vs cargo eligibility
- Number of animals allowed per flight
- Transit country regulations
- Seasonal temperature embargoes
- Breed restrictions
- Cargo embargoes or route changes
IN-CABIN TRAVEL IMPORTANT NOTES
BEFORE CHOOSING IN-CABIN
Most people choose in-cabin because it feels emotionally easier for them.
But in reality:
- in-cabin bags are extremely small
- animals cannot freely move around
- airlines usually require the animal to stay fully inside the bag for the entire flight
- many flights from Indonesia involve 20 to 30+ hours total travel time
For many animals: cargo can actually be more comfortable and less stressful
Especially when:
- the animal is larger than tiny toy breed size
- the flight is long-haul
- the owner is flying economy
- the bag cannot be expanded under the seat
IN-CABIN IS MOST SUITABLE FOR:
- very small dogs or cats
- short to medium haul flights
REALITY CHECK
Before insisting on in-cabin travel:
- physically look at the approved carrier bag dimensions
- compare them honestly to your animal’s size
- think about whether you would want to remain inside that space for 24+ hours
Many owners change their mind once they realise how restrictive the bags actually are.
USA
IMPORTANT CDC PORT INFORMATION Visit the CDC Website
Successful ports recently used:
- Los Angeles (CDC kennel)
- New York
- Washington DC
Some approved ports appear possible on paper but are extremely difficult or impossible to reach due to:
- lack of direct flights
- incompatible transit timing
- airline restrictions
- cargo transfer issues
- flexible routing
- backup airline options
- careful transit timing checks
Easiest/most reliable:
- Rues Kennel (LAX)
- Pender Pet Retreat (Washington D.C.)
CDC Requirements:
- Must book a facility 30 days before flight
- Contact the kennel directly (Anex or Animal Express can help coordinate)
- Prices vary — most expensive is LA (~$1750 USD) for overnight stay
Space can be limited, so reserve early
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Age
Dog must be 6 months or older.
Age must be verified by a US-licensed vet using current dental photos
Microchip
Must be ISO-compliant and recorded on all paperwork (vax + lab results)
Vaccinations
Up-to-date DHLPPi (core vaccines)
Rabies vaccine must be given after microchipping
Rabies Titer Test (RNATT)
Done at a CDC-approved lab
NO official CDC waiting period after blood draw, but…
Booking a CDC quarantine facility can take time, so start early
ANA (ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS)
- Pet fee: approx USD $400 per animal
- Reliable animal handling
- Easier to deal with than many airlines
Best For
- USA routes
- Rescue dog exports
- Smooth logistics
JAPAN AIRLINES
Good alternative Japanese carrier
Best For
- USA routes
- Backup option to ANA
THAI AIRWAYS
- Pet fees slightly cheaper than many competitors
- Passenger tickets can sometimes cost more
- Very easy airline to deal with for animal bookings
Best For
- Easier logistics
- Flexible USA routing
- Reduced booking stress
UK
https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain#part-1-listed-countries
Min. Age requirements: 7 months old
- Pet Microchip
- Up-to-date DHLPPi for dogs / F4 for cats + Rabies vaccination
- Blood titer test from UK-approved lab
- 3 months waiting period after the blood sampling date to enter the UK
First thing to do is point 1 & 2 , then wait for a minimum 30 Days to take a blood sample (there will be blood draw and then turned into blood serum)
This blood serum will be sent to the UK lab for the blood titer test (results usually takes 3 – 4 weeks)
*** The UK only accepts live animals as cargo (expensive). Not as checked baggage. You should fly into Paris or Amsterdam and take the drive/ferry across to the UK (the Eurostar does not accept animals).
QATAR
There is a restriction on cage size, and the cage must be modified for an additional expense due to updated regulations. The cage should be at least 10cm taller from the ear and longer than the dogs body.
KLM
Europe
https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/entry-union_en
Min. Age requirements 7 months old
- Pet Microchip
- Up-to-date DHLPPi for dogs / F4 for cats + Rabies vaccination
- Blood titer test from an EU-approved lab
- 3 months waiting period after blood sampling date to enter EU countries
The first thing to do is point 1 & 2 , then wait for a minimum 30 Days to take a blood sample (there will be blood draw and then turned into blood serum)
This blood serum will be sent to the EU lab for the blood titer test (results usually take 3 – 4 weeks)
QATAR
- One of the most commonly used airlines from Jakarta
- Pet fee: approx USD $350 to $450
- Fee depends on destination + weight allowance
- Online booking system available
- Often cheaper overall once passenger ticket pricing is factored in
- Some airports only allow lower animal weight limits
Weight Limits
Most Qatar routes: max approx 32kg total (dog + crate)
Select limited routes: allow up to 75kg total
Best For
- Standard dog sizes
- Easier online bookings
- Some very large dogs on approved routes
TURKISH AIRLINES
- Good option for larger dogs
- Allows in-cabin pets
- Online booking available
- Can be slightly temperamental during booking process
- Often useful for destinations with higher weight allowances
Costs
- Approx IDR 5M to 12M pet fee
- Average 15kg dog:
approx IDR 12M cargo fee - Human tickets can sometimes be cheaper, balancing total costs overall
Weight Limits: Max approx 45kg total (dog + crate)
Important
Turkish is often better for heavier dogs, but not always. If the dog exceeds Turkish’s weight limits, Qatar may still accept the dog on very limited approved routes
Best For
- Medium to large dogs
- In-cabin options
- Certain European destinations
KLM
- No longer accepts cargo pets
- In-cabin only
Best For: Very small dogs or cats only
Canada
https://inspection.canada.ca/en/importing-food-plants-animals/pets
Canada is the easiest country to enter. You just need:
- Microchip
- Full vaccination DHLPPi for dogs / F4 for cats + Rabies vaccination
- Animal must fly with a Canadian citizen re-entering Canada with their own pet.
EVA AIR
- Approx USD $460 per animal
- Limit to 2 animals
- Still one of the stronger Canada options
Best For
- Canada routes
- Smaller transport groups
KOREAN AIR
- Approx USD $400 per animal
- Easy booking process
- Online booking available
- Similar pricing to ANA and Japan Airlines
Best For
- Canada routes
- Straightforward logistics
ANA
- Strong backup option for Canada
- Reliable and easy to work with
Best For
- When EVA limits are reached
- Multi-dog planning
