Bucharest/ International Animal Transport

International Animal Transport covers moving dogs, cats and other companion animals across the border, most often when relocating to another country or reuniting with family who have moved abroad. It is the most complex form of transport, because it involves strict paperwork: a microchip, valid rabies vaccination and, depending on the destination, rabies antibody titration, specific treatments and a veterinary health certificate issued within a fixed time window before departure. Requirements differ from country to country and change periodically.

An owner turns to an international transporter when leaving the country for good, when returning home with an animal adopted abroad, or when they cannot travel with the animal themselves and need someone to handle the route, the crates and the formalities at the border.

When you choose an international transporter, check concrete experience with your destination country, how they help with the document timeline, because some steps must be done months ahead, what crates they use and whether these are approved for air transport if relevant, how breaks and supervision are handled on long journeys, and what happens if a medical problem arises in transit. Ask for a full quote, transport, paperwork, any fees, and a clear contract.

Start preparing early: check the destination country's official requirements together with the vet and the transporter, get the animal used to the crate weeks ahead, and keep the original documents with you, not in the crate.

Ask the transporter for a written, step-by-step list of what you have to do and by when, from the microchip and rabies vaccine to the final certificate, and check the same list with the vet as well. A single missed step, or one done too early, can delay departure by weeks or months.

Use this directory to find international animal transporters, compare experience by destination and reviews, and open each one's page for contact details before starting the process.