Planning to move abroad with your pet? Discover the best cities for pet lovers worldwide.
Moving abroad with your pet is an exciting adventure, but it requires careful planning and consideration. Whether you're relocating an hour's flight away or heading to the other side of the world, choosing a genuinely pet-friendly city is essential for both you and your furry companion's happiness and wellbeing.
This guide explores the best cities for pet lovers worldwide, offering inspiration and practical advice for relocating internationally with your pet. Information can vary greatly depending on your pet and your moving locations, so we recommend doing your own research to ensure everything goes smoothly. Be sure to plan well in advance, as preparation and approval processes can sometimes take longer than expected.
This ultimate guide covers all the essential aspects when you move to Dubai, including:
This guide highlights some of our featured destinations that are popular for Expats when moving with their pets. It features includes:
The most welcoming cities for pet owners share several key traits, including reliable veterinary services, plenty of parks and open spaces for exercise, pet-friendly public transport, and restaurants or cafés where animals are genuinely welcomed. Affordable and fair rental options, along with practical pet legislation, also make a big difference in quality of life for both pets and owners.
To help identify the top destinations, we evaluated cities worldwide based on four core factors: the number of veterinary practices, pet-friendly restaurants, pet stores, and average annual pet ownership costs. These figures provide an estimated snapshot to guide your research, but keep in mind that costs and availability can vary depending on your pet, location, and timing.
If you're considering relocating to Australia with your pet, detailed guidance on import requirements and settling in can help make the transition smoother. Those drawn to Sydney's harbour lifestyle will find plenty of dog-friendly beaches and parks to explore.
Europe leads globally in pet integration, with Vienna and Berlin setting the gold standard. Annual costs range from €1,600–€2,500.
Europe offers particularly welcoming environments for pets, with comprehensive guides available for those considering Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, or Switzerland as potential destinations.
The UK offers excellent pet infrastructure with moderate costs (averaging £1,900–£2,000 annually). British culture embraces pets, and most cities have strong communities for pet lovers.
Whether you're relocating to the UK from abroad or within the country, pet-friendly policies continue to improve. For those drawn to London's cosmopolitan lifestyle, the capital offers unmatched veterinary services and pet-friendly venues.
Canada offers balanced pet-friendly infrastructure with the most variable costs globally (ranging from CAD $950–$4,000 annually, depending on pet size and care level).
Pet owners considering Canada will find welcoming policies and excellent veterinary infrastructure. The nation's capital offers particular appeal for those interested in Ottawa's balanced lifestyle and accessible green spaces.
North America offers excellent pet infrastructure with moderate costs (averaging $1,300–$2,600 annually). The USA particularly excels in dog-friendly outdoor spaces.
For those drawn to life in America, understanding visa requirements and pet import regulations is essential. West Coast enthusiasts will find California's climate particularly appealing for outdoor-loving pets, whilst those considering New York's vibrant city life will appreciate the abundance of urban dog parks.
Drawing from the best across all regions, these five cities represent the top destinations for expats with pets:
Where should I relocate to if I have pets? The answer depends on your priorities: climate preferences, veterinary access, outdoor spaces, rental market conditions, and cultural attitudes towards animals. Use the sections below to plan every aspect of your international move with your pet.
Each country has unique pet import rules for dogs and cats, which change frequently. Always verify the latest requirements via official government sources (e.g., USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or the destination country’s agriculture/veterinary authority) as early as possible – ideally 9–12 months ahead for strict destinations.
Important: Regulations frequently change and can vary widely - always verify your specific requirements for yourself, your pet, and both the departure and arrival countries using official government sources.
Costs vary widely by distance, pet size, breed, crate requirements, and whether a professional relocator is used. Approximate 2024/25 averages (one medium-sized dog or cat):
Veterinary care usually accounts for 40 – 60% of annual expenses. Food, insurance, grooming, and boarding make up the rest. Prices rise 5 – 10% yearly in most countries.
Important: These are average costs and indicative. It all depends on your circumstances, the animal in question, and of course the country you’re in.
Pet-friendly rentals remain competitive everywhere, but the situation is improving.
Important: It’s a good idea to check in advance to ensure that you won’t run into any issues if you’re bringing your pet.
Breed and coat type matter more than most people realise:
General rule: Never leave pets in cars, ensure constant access to shade and water, and watch for heatstroke signs – panting, drooling, collapse.
Important: This is indicative of average timelines – in no way should this be used as a guarantee.
Moving with your pet to a welcoming city pays off enormously:
Key takeaway: The extra effort and cost of relocating with your pet is almost always outweighed by the emotional and social benefits in the new country.
When relocating internationally with pets, you'll also need to transport your belongings efficiently. My Baggage offers convenient door-to-door international removals services with full online tracking. Whether you're moving to America, Australia, Europe, or anywhere else worldwide, we can help get your possessions to your new home safely whilst you focus on your pet's relocation.
Our services are designed to make international moves as stress-free as possible, allowing you to concentrate on what matters most - ensuring your furry friend settles happily into their new environment.
