Moving With Pets: A Stress-Free Relocation Guide from Allied Serbia
Pets are family, and at Allied – The Careful Movers Serbia we treat them that way. Whether the household is making a local move across Belgrade or an international move to a new country entirely, a bit of planning goes a long way toward keeping cats, dogs, and smaller companions calm through the transition.
Start Early with the Vet
Book a veterinary visit well before the move date. Use the appointment to:
- Get a general health check and confirm your pet is fit to travel
- Update vaccination records
- Request a health certificate, which many destinations require
- Talk through options for pets prone to travel anxiety
While at it, update the microchip registration and ID tags with the new address and phone number, so a lost pet can always be traced home.
On the Road: Car Travel Tips
- Get them used to the car with a few short practice drives beforehand
- Withhold food for about seven hours before departure to prevent car sickness
- Bring water, familiar bedding, and a few treats
- Build in stops for exercise and bathroom breaks
- Never leave a pet alone in a parked vehicle
- Smaller animals should travel in a secure, well-ventilated carrier; draping a light cover over the carrier can help nervous pets settle
Air Travel With Pets: What You Need to Know
If air travel is part of the plan:
- Contact the airline early to understand its pet policy
- Choose direct routes wherever possible to cut down on stress and transfer time
- Use an airline-certified travel kennel roomy enough for the pet to stand and turn around
- Let the pet spend time in the kennel at home in the days before the flight
- Label the kennel clearly with “Live Animal,” the pet’s name, destination address, and a contact number
- Once boarded, ask a flight attendant to confirm the pet made it onto the aircraft safely
Entry Requirements for Pets in Serbia
Serbia has specific rules for pets entering the country, and it pays to check these well ahead of arrival:
- Microchip: Pets must carry a microchip compliant with ISO 11784/11785 standards.
- Rabies vaccination: A valid rabies shot administered at least 21 days before entry is required.
- Pet passport or health certificate: An EU pet passport, or an equivalent veterinary certificate, documenting the microchip and vaccination history.
- Health certificate timing: Must be issued by a licensed vet within 5 days of travel.
- Deworming treatment: Pets need treatment for internal parasites within the window of 120 to 24 hours before arrival.
- Fit-to-fly certificate: Needed for air travel, issued by a licensed vet 1–5 days before departure.
Some breeds face additional restrictions, so it’s worth checking current rules with Serbian authorities or an Allied relocation consultant before finalizing travel plans.
Making the New Home Pet-Friendly
Once you’ve arrived:
- Set up a quiet, comfortable spot where the pet can decompress
- Walk through the new space and remove anything that could be a hazard
- Stick to familiar feeding and walking routines as much as possible to provide stability
- Introduce new rooms and the surrounding neighborhood gradually rather than all at once
Helpful Outside Resources
- IPATA – the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association
- Pets Welcome – pet-friendly travel information
- Healthy Pet – general pet care guidance
Relocating with pets doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right preparation and support from Allied Serbia, four-legged (or feathered) family members can make the move just as smoothly as everyone else. For guidance tailored to your pet’s needs, whether you’re planning a moving house project or a full corporate relocation, speak with your Allied relocation consultant early in the process.