During COVID, many of us picked up a new habit: sourdough starters, daily walks… and very often, a pet. Lockdowns turned into permanent companionship, and dogs, cats, and even the occasional rescue rabbit, became part of the family. What began as a temporary solution to isolation has evolved into a long-term shift in how people define home, family, and emotional support.
This trend is not unique to one country. Around the world, pets increasingly occupy roles once filled by extended family networks. In Japan and South Korea, pets are often treated as children amid declining birth rates. In the United States, Millennials and Gen Z “pet parents” invest heavily in their animals’ health, technology, and wellbeing. In China, a generation of urban professionals now views pets as companions in single-person households. Even in rapidly growing markets such as India and Brazil, rising urbanisation has transformed pets into indoor family members rather than outdoor animals. (World Population Review Newsletter; December, 5 2025)
Fast-forward to today, and global mobility looks a little different. When employees relocate internationally, they are no longer asking just about shipping household goods or finding schools. The question we now hear almost every week is: “Can my pet come too?”
For many assignees, the real question behind that sentence is deeper: Can I recreate a sense of home in a new country? In cultures where pets provide emotional stability, social connection, and daily routine, relocating without them can significantly increase adjustment stress, not only for employees, but for accompanying partners and children as well. Some organisations now report that pet relocation support can influence assignment acceptance, retention, and overall wellbeing outcomes.
The short answer is yes, but bringing a pet to Australia is not simple. Australia has one of the strictest biosecurity regimes in the world, designed to protect our unique environment and animal health. That means the process involves advance permits, vaccinations, blood tests, parasite treatments, detailed documentation, and mandatory quarantine on arrival. Timelines commonly span six to twelve months or more, and each origin country must meet specific eligibility requirements that align precisely with Australian regulations.
For relocating employees, this can feel overwhelming. Costs are significant, logistics are complex, and airline restrictions add another layer of coordination. Missed steps or incorrect timing can delay flights, extend quarantine periods, increase expenses, or, in rare cases, result in pets being refused entry at the final stage. For families already juggling visas, housing searches, school transitions, and job start dates, the pet process can quickly become the hidden stress point of the move.
Cultural expectations can intensify this pressure. In countries where pets are viewed as full family members rather than animals, leaving them behind is often not emotionally acceptable. For single assignees, pets may be their primary source of companionship. For families, pets can be the stabilising constant that helps children adapt to unfamiliar surroundings. Increasingly, relocation professionals recognise that successful integration is not just logistical, it is psychological.
The good news is that with the right guidance early in the relocation journey, pet transport becomes another manageable workstream rather than a last-minute panic. Engaging relocation support upfront allows time to map the timeline backwards from the assignment start date, coordinate veterinary requirements, connect with reputable pet transport specialists, and ensure full compliance before travel arrangements are locked in. In many cases, early planning can reduce costs, minimise quarantine duration, and significantly lower stress for everyone involved, including the pet.
Because after everything we have collectively experienced in recent years, most people simply cannot imagine starting life in a new country without the family dog curled up on the couch, the cat exploring unfamiliar corners, or the lockdown puppy establishing a new walking route in a new city. These animals are not accessories to the move; they are anchors of continuity in a period of profound change. And honestly, we would not want it any other way.
ICC helps individuals, families, and organisations transition smoothly to life in Australia. We understand that relocation success is built on both practical support and emotional wellbeing, for every member of the household, including the four-legged ones. We are here to make your first month and beyond easier.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your team.