Pet Travel Tips

  • Get your pet acclimated and conditioned to using a crate – have your pet spend time in their travel crate / carrier. Acclimating your pet to its kennel is one of the most important steps you can take to ease the stress of travel for your pet is to make sure it becomes familiar with its kennel. Purchase the kennel as far in advance as possible. Veterinarians recommend leaving the kennel door open in the house with treats or a familiar object inside so that your pet may spend time near the kennel and perhaps venture inside on its own. Since it is important that your pet is as relaxed as possible during the flight, familiarization with the kennel is essential.
  • If you are using your own crate, is your crate airline approved? Your travel crate must meet IATA standards. For more information on travel crates we suggest you visit our online TRAVEL CRATE  section.
  • Don’t pack veterinary records with other household items as your pet’s veterinary & vaccination records must be available for boarding and travel. Original paperwork must travel with your pet and be attached to the kennel.
  • Young pets and animals must be at least 8 weeks of age by the time of travel. Some international destinations may require that they be older, so confirm the age of pets with your Pet Relocation Consultant.
  • Your pet cannot be more than 42 days pregnant at the time of travel.
  • Water is essential throughout the trip for hydration. You must provide two dishes that are attached to the inside of the kennel but are accessible from the outside. You may want to consider freezing water the night before so it slowly defrosts throughout the trip.
  • Do not feed your pet immediately prior to flight
  • Exercise your pet prior to drop off.
  • Sedation is NOT recommended and in most cases not allowed. Most airlines will refuse shipment of a sedated animal.
  • Make sure that your pet is healthy enough for travel. If your pet is on medication you will have to take that into account if your pet will need medical management while in transit.
  • Extra precautions should be taken with an elderly pet.
  • Toys, medication, including over-the-counter or prescription, thick blankets, bedding or similar items, straw, hay or wood shavings are prohibited for international travel.
  • Label the top of your pet’s kennel with your pet’s name as well as the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the customers who will be dropping off and picking up the animal.
  • Create a familiar place as much as possible for your pet to feel safe in the new environment upon arrival to a new home.
  • Easy access to both food and water is important after a flight. A long flight can be tiring for your pet so let your pet eat and relax and do not be worried if your pet appears timid or very lethargic or tired after arriving. It may take a few days to acclimate to her new environment.
  • Kennels/containers must be clearly marked on the top and one or more sides of the kennel with the words “Live Animals” or “Wild Animals,” whichever is appropriate with “arrows” indicating the upright position of the container. Also attach labels with the shipper’s name; consignee’s name, street address and city; 24-hour phone number, as well as the pet’s name.
  • Plan in advance where you will be dropping your pet off at the airport and be sure to allow enough time. Domestic flights require 2 hour drop off and international are 3 hours in advance. It is always best to call your airline prior to departure and confirm the current cargo location and hours of operation.