We get it. Your pet is part of your family. The idea of leaving them behind when you go off to teach abroad is, for many people, a dealbreaker. The good news is that bringing your pet with you is often possible. The less good news is that it’s rarely simple.

This guide will walk you through the key questions to ask yourself before you commit, what life looks like day-to-day as a teacher with a pet, and a breakdown of what to expect in each of the countries where we place teachers. We want you to go in with your eyes open and, hopefully, your pet by your side too.

Is It the Right Decision?

Before looking at logistics, it’s worth stepping back and asking honestly: is this the right move for your pet? Moving abroad is exciting for you, but it can be confusing and stressful for an animal. A few things worth thinking through:

  • Age and health. An older or unwell pet may struggle with long-haul travel far more than a young, healthy one.
  • Is your pet anxious? Does travel stress them out? How do they cope with new environments and unfamiliar smells?
  • How long you plan to stay. If you’re considering a short placement, it may not be worth putting your pet through a long journey and a period of adjustment.
  • Quarantine requirements. Some destinations require incoming pets to spend time in quarantine, which can be costly, distressing for the animal, and something you’ll need to plan well in advance.

And then there’s the biggest factor of all: money. Moving a pet abroad is expensive. We’re not talking about a small surcharge. Depending on your destination, you could be looking at several thousand pounds by the time you factor in vet checks, vaccinations, travel crates, airline fees, and any quarantine costs.

To give you a sense of the real-world cost: when our Thailand Coordinator Josh moved his dog to Thailand, the dog’s airline ticket alone was more than his. That’s before factoring in everything else. It’s absolutely doable, but go in clear-eyed about what you’re committing to financially.

And you must also consider the preparation process itself. Getting your pet ready to travel internationally involves a whole checklist of requirements: microchipping, vaccinations, health certificates, vet sign-offs, and potentially government endorsements depending on your destination. Each step takes time, each step costs money, and each step needs to be done carefully and in the right order. We won’t pretend to be experts on the specifics, as the requirements vary by country and can change, so it’s always worth consulting a vet or a specialist pet travel service. But the key thing to know is this: it’s entirely achievable for those who are willing to put the work in.

What About Day-to-Day Life?

This section is particularly relevant for dog owners. As a teacher, you’ll typically be out of the house Monday to Friday during school hours. That’s a full working day, and it’s something you need a plan for.

In many countries, dog walkers, pet sitters, and doggy daycare facilities are widely available, though in some destinations, the options may be more limited. It’s worth researching what’s available in the specific city you’ll be based in, rather than the country as a whole.

Travel within the country is also worth thinking about. Weekend trips, excursions with colleagues, and school holidays are all part of life abroad. If you have a pet, you’ll need to arrange care for them every time you want to go somewhere, which can limit your flexibility and your budget. Alternatively, you should choose somewhere they can come along with you. Sadly, across the world, that isn’t always as easy as back home.

None of this means you shouldn’t do it. It just means you’ll want a solid support network or a trusted local contact before you arrive.

Bringing Your Pet to China

China is the most challenging of our teaching destinations when it comes to bringing pets. The journey itself, a long-haul flight followed by a mandatory quarantine period, can be genuinely traumatic for animals. This is not a decision to take lightly.

That said, if you’re planning to stay in China for an extended period and your pet has the temperament for it, life there can be surprisingly pet-friendly, particularly in the larger cities. Pet services, grooming, and even dog-friendly social spaces have expanded significantly in urban areas in recent years.

Finding pet-friendly accommodation can be a challenge, so it’s worth raising this early with whoever is helping to arrange your housing.

Our honest advice: if you have a small, calm dog or a cat, and you’re planning a long stint in China, it’s worth exploring. If you have a large, energetic dog, the quarantine process and the lifestyle constraints that come with it may make the experience more stressful than rewarding, for both of you.

Bringing Your Pet to Thailand

Thailand generally does not require incoming pets to quarantine, which is a significant relief. If your pet can handle the flight and the heat, the arrival process is relatively straightforward compared to other long-haul destinations.

But there are real challenges specific to Thailand that are worth understanding before you commit. Street animals are a fact of life here. Stray dogs and cats are common, and they can pose a genuine risk to pet dogs and cats. Rogue dogs and loose packs are something to be aware of, especially in quieter neighbourhoods. Public parks often don’t allow dogs, and those that do, are less abundant than in European cities, which can make exercising large dogs more difficult.

The heat is also a real consideration. Thailand is hot year-round, and some breeds, particularly flat-faced dogs like bulldogs or pugs, can really struggle. Even for hardier breeds, shade, hydration, and timing your walks carefully become part of the daily routine.

That said, it genuinely is doable. Here’s Josh, our Thailand Coordinator, on his own experience:

“I’ve lived in Thailand with my dog for almost three years now. It’s not plain sailing and I won’t pretend it is. But it’s absolutely manageable if you go in prepared. You learn fast. You figure out which streets to avoid, where the safe walking routes are, how to read situations. Any small dog that you can pick up isn’t an issue. I’d think hard before bringing a large, powerful breed. But for the right person with the right dog? Thailand works.”

Our advice: go for it if your pet is adaptable, you’re willing to put the work in, and you’ve done your research on your specific area beforehand.

Bringing Your Pet to Poland or Hungary

Good news: both Poland and Hungary are EU member states, which means pet travel within Europe is relatively straightforward. There’s no quarantine requirement, and if you’re travelling from the UK, you can drive or take the train rather than fly, which is a huge win for anxious pets (and anxious owners).

The standard EU requirements apply: your pet will need to be microchipped, up to date on rabies vaccinations, and have the relevant health documentation. If you’re travelling from outside Europe, such as Australia, the US, or elsewhere, the process is a little more involved, but still very manageable with some planning.

Once you’re there, both countries are genuinely excellent for pet owners. Poland and Hungary have strong dog-loving cultures. Parks are plentiful, dogs are commonly welcome in bars, cafés, and even some restaurants, and the cooler climate is far more comfortable for most breeds than Southeast Asia.

Honestly, if you’re based in the UK or your pet can handle the journey from farther afield, Poland and Hungary are the most straightforward options from the destinations. We’d say go for it.

Making It Work

It’s a tough decision, and we don’t want to minimise that. Your pet’s wellbeing matters, and it’s completely understandable to feel torn. But we also don’t believe your pet should automatically put your dreams on hold.

The answer, for most people, is compromise. It’s about honestly weighing up what’s best for both of you, factoring in your pet’s personality, your destination, your timeline, and your finances, and then committing fully to whatever you decide. If you bring them, bring them properly. Research the destination, budget for the unexpected, and give yourself time to settle in together.

And the reassuring thing is that once you arrive somewhere new, you adapt quickly. And so do they.

If you’ve got questions about a specific situation, whether that is your pet, your destination, or your circumstances, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you figure it out.

You can get in touch at info@impact-teaching.com.