Pet passport, ISO microchip, rabies vaccine with titer test, cabin vs cargo hold, quarantine-free countries, pet-friendly hotels and the long-haul flight protocol — a technical manual updated for 2026.
Pet passport, ISO microchip, rabies vaccine with titer test, cabin vs cargo hold, quarantine-free countries, pet-friendly hotels and the long-haul flight protocol — a technical manual updated for 2026.
The document order is fixed and cannot be reversed: first the ISO 11784/11785 microchip, then the rabies vaccine. A rabies shot given before the chip is invalid for international travel.
The rabies antibody titer test (FAVN/serology) requires blood drawn at least 30 days after the vaccine, with a result of 0.5 IU/ml or higher. Strict countries such as Japan impose a 180-day wait after the approved sample.
The European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States do not require quarantine for dogs and cats with a microchip, rabies vaccine and proper paperwork. Japan, Australia and New Zealand keep strict rules with possible isolation.
Animals up to roughly 8 kg including the carrier travel in the cabin, which must fit under the seat in front (typical dimensions 45 x 30 x 25 cm). Above that, the destination is the pressurized, climate-controlled cargo hold.
Airlines with a formal pet-transport program in 2026 include Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, American Airlines, United and Delta. Policies change by route and season, so written confirmation is mandatory.
Pet passport, ISO microchip, rabies vaccine with titer test, cabin vs cargo hold, quarantine-free countries, pet-friendly hotels and the long-haul flight protocol — a technical manual updated for 2026.
