International Pet Travel
Traveling Internationally with Pets:
We are here to assist!
Getting your pets ready for international travel can feel daunting, challenging, and expensive. Our mission is to help you get everything right the first time—so your furry family members can join you, stress-free.
Whether you need help with flight arrangements, a comprehensive relocation package, or assistance bringing your pets to join you after you’ve already moved abroad, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We’ll help you understand what needs to be done, when to do it, and in what order—so nothing gets missed.
Our Services Include:
- Personalized travel checklists and timelines
- Flight booking and logistics
- Veterinary requirements and documentation
- Quarantine and customs guidance
- Door-to-door transport solutions
- Customs clearing when needed.
Information is Key
A phone conference is preferred to gather all the necessary details at once. Having detailed information allows us to provide accurate estimates and ensures we meet the requirements set by airlines and importing countries.
Information about your pets is key.
Breed Disclosure Policy
Some dog and cat breeds are subject to restrictions by certain countries and airlines. To ensure a smooth travel process and avoid any complications, it is essential that all pet breeds are disclosed during the initial consultation. This allows us to provide accurate guidance and check for any potential travel limitations related to your pet’s breed.
If you have any questions about breed restrictions or need assistance, please let us know during your first consultation.
Sizing Your Dog for the Proper Travel Kennel
When preparing your dog for a long flight to a new country, choosing the right kennel is crucial. Airlines have strict requirements, and improper sizing can result in your dog being denied boarding. Here’s how to get it right:
1. Measure Your Dog Correctly
Length: Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the tip of the tail).
Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the head or ears, whichever is higher.
Width: Measure across the widest part of your dog’s body.
2. Kennel Sizing Guidelines
The kennel should be long enough for your dog to lie down comfortably, stand, and turn around easily.
There should be at least 3–4 inches (7–10 cm) of space above your dog’s head when standing.
Your dog should not be cramped or forced to curl up tightly.
3. Comfort and Safety Tips
Place a soft, absorbent mat or bedding inside.
Ensure proper ventilation on all sides.
Secure food and water bowls inside the kennel (airlines often require this).
Double-check that the door latches securely and cannot be opened by your dog.
Things to Know:
Get Them Acclimated to a Crate
USDA-licensed pet transporters are required to have all pets ride in a crate for their safety and well-being. This assist pets with lower anxiety while their kennels are being handled by stangers.
Training
Getting your pet acclimated to strangers, crates, and general comotion is essential. Unless your pet is on a private charter, getting your pet from one country to another and sometimes thorough another country can be confusing and stressful for your pet. Take time with your pet to get use to different enviroments. This will help reduce the stress during a long move.
Required Health Certificates
Every country has their own required Health Certificate required to enter the country. As also every country has its own requirements for ensorsement and printed version. Your pet travel specialist will assist with those requirements.
Food for the Trip
Every pet must have a small bag of food to be taped to the top of their kennel. Pets eating wet food, single pouches only. NO cans
Even if the flight is scheduled to fly direct. Example: IAD to HNL. Is typically a direct route. Should the airline need to make an unexpected layover the food can be provided at the layover.
Bedding for the Crate
Our team prefers that crate pads are included with your pet, but a shirt, towel, or small blanket that smells of you and your home is also acceptable. Water is kept in your crate 24/7, so expect these items to be wet.
Pets may have an “accident” during transit, and we always clean a soiled pet. However, sometimes bedding must be thrown away if it’s soiled, so please do not send precious heirlooms like grandma’s favorite blanket.
Collars, Harnesses, and Leashes
Every dog has to have a collar or harness when being transported. These will be removed for the flight. All collars, harnesses, and leashes are bagged and taped to the top of the flight kennel.
Microchip: ISO compliance for pet microchips requires a 15-digit numeric code, a frequency of 134.2 kHz, and a specific communication technology (FDX-B) as defined by ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 standards. While many modern microchips are ISO 15-digit, many older or non-standard chips use different frequencies (like 125 kHz) or alphanumeric codes, which may not be read by standard ISO-compliant scanners, leading to potential delays for international pet travel.
Medication
Medications for pets needing to fly must be disclosed in advance of airline booking. Airlines now require special documentation for all medications. All meds must be kept in their original containers, with the perscription on the label.
Things NOT to Send
Airline pet travel is pretty cut and dry. What is allowed in the kennel is limited. Bed or small blanket, potty pads, food and water bowls, and the pet. THAT is all that is permitted in the kennel. Food, leash, collar, and paperwork on top of the kennel. Nothing else.
Important International Pet Travel Links:
International Pet Travel Requirements: Pet Requirements by country
International Pet Travel: Looking for a company abroad
Ready to find out more?
International estimate request. Drop us a line today for a free quote!
Let Us Handle All of Your Pet Transport Needs
Our goal is to ensure that our clients are informed of the requirements for transporting their pets. If you are interested in learning more, speak with our team today.