
Bringing a pet overseas is one of the scariest parts of moving abroad — the paperwork, the flight, the constant “what if something goes wrong.” We flew our cat Moxxie from the U.S. to Panamá, and we put everything we learned (including what we’d do differently) into one honest, step-by-step guide — so you’re not piecing it together from a dozen panicked midnight Google searches.
What’s inside:
DIY vs. hiring a relocation company — an honest cost, effort, and stress breakdown so you know which is right for your pet and your route
The paperwork, in the exact order to do it — microchip, rabies, health certificate, USDA/government endorsement, and the destination-specific extras most people miss
The carrier & flight day — in-cabin vs. cargo, booking, crate-training, and a full travel-day checklist
Cat-specific guidance + what landing and the arrival process actually look like, from our real experience
A complete countdown checklist — from 2–3 months out all the way through settling in
A free companion Pet Move Tracker to check off every step and keep your pet’s travel info in one place
Perfect for: anyone moving abroad (or dreaming about it) who refuses to leave their pet behind — especially first-timers staring down the paperwork.
⚠️ Our real experience and research — not veterinary, legal, or government advice. Always confirm current rules with your destination’s authorities, a USDA-accredited vet, and your airline before you book or travel.