Head & Paws™
Your dog relocation planner
Build a staged checklist for your route. Check the official rules before making commitments.
Initial route coverage: GB to the six named EU destinations, US and Canada; EU/US/Canada to GB; EU to EU and North America. Northern Ireland and complex routes require official confirmation. This is not a global eligibility checker.
Checklist guidance, not official travel authorisation. Verify every dog, transit country, residence condition and carrier before booking.
Your entries are processed in your browser. Nothing is saved by this planner unless you choose Save on this device. Saved plans remain until cleared; avoid shared devices. Downloaded files may reveal your itinerary. No names, addresses or chip numbers are requested.
General preparation — always verify your individual circumstances
Without JavaScript, use the seven stages below and the destination guides. You can print the page and mark it by hand.
Before committing
- Confirm animal import classification, destination and every transit rule with the official authorities.
- Check immigration permission separately, dog-type restrictions, housing consent and a contingency budget.
Early veterinary preparation
- Have each chip scanned; reconcile vaccination and travel records with the vet.
- Agree fitness, medication continuity, any testing and local parasite protection.
Documents and official applications
- Use the current certificate, permit and endorsement process required for your route.
- Check every chip number and name; retain originals, declarations and backup copies.
Transport and welfare
- Obtain written carrier acceptance for each dog and every leg.
- Practise suitable crate/restraint use; arrange temperature control, breaks and emergency support.
Final checks
- Recheck official rules, validity periods, treatment times, bookings and delays.
- Confirm a receiving vet, insurance, medicine supplies and safe arrival accommodation.
Travel day
- Carry accessible originals and vet contacts; keep dogs secure during handovers.
- Monitor comfort, water and temperature; seek veterinary help for illness or distress.
After arrival
- Complete destination registration/licensing and chip-contact updates; keep proof.
- Transfer veterinary records, adapt parasite protection, learn local rules and rebuild quiet routines.
Official sources and verification
- European Commission · entry to EU
- GOV.UK · GB to EU
- GOV.UK · AHC
- GOV.UK · entry to Great Britain
- GOV.UK · accepted documents
- GOV.UK · tapeworm
- CDC · dog import requirements
- CDC · low-risk history
- USDA APHIS · dog imports
- CFIA · importing pets selector
- DAERA · pet travel
Substantive source check: 22 October 2026. These are dated references, not live monitoring. Recheck before booking and again before departure. Local rules and transport availability require separate confirmation.
Continue planning
Your dog relocation planner · Choose your destination · Settling into your new country