How to Prepare Your Pet for International Flight: Complete Checklist
Flying your pet internationally requires careful planning that starts weeks or months before departure. This guide walks you through every step to ensure a safe, stress-free journey for your furry family member.
The 4-Phase Preparation Timeline
International pet travel preparation breaks down into four phases:
- Early Planning (3-6 months out)
- Health & Documentation (1-2 months out)
- Final Preparations (2 weeks out)
- Travel Day (day of flight)
Phase 1: Early Planning (3-6 Months Before)
Research Destination Requirements
Every country has different import rules for pets. Start by researching:
- Vaccination requirements — Some countries require specific vaccines or timing
- Microchip standards — ISO 15-digit chips are universally accepted
- Quarantine rules — Australia, New Zealand, and others require quarantine periods
- Breed restrictions — Some countries ban certain breeds entirely
- Rabies titer testing — Required for rabies-free countries and high-risk origins
Check destination requirements →
Choose the Right Travel Method
Cabin travel (in-cabin with you):
- Usually limited to pets under 15-20 lbs including carrier
- Not available on all international routes
- Less stressful for small pets
Cargo travel (checked baggage or manifest cargo):
- Required for larger pets
- Climate-controlled, pressurized holds
- Professional handling at transfers
Pet shipping service (manifest cargo with professional coordination):
- Door-to-door service available
- Documentation handled by experts
- Best for complex international moves
Select an IATA-Compliant Crate
Your pet's travel kennel must meet International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards:
Size requirements:
- Pet must stand without touching the top
- Must be able to turn around completely
- Must lie down in natural position
Measuring your pet:
- Length: Nose to base of tail + half the leg length
- Height: Floor to top of head/ears (whichever is taller) + clearance
- Width: Shoulder width × 2
Crate features required:
- Ventilation on at least 3 sides
- Secure metal door with pins
- Food and water dishes attached inside
- "Live Animal" stickers and directional arrows
- Absorbent bedding
Start Crate Training Early
Crate training is crucial for reducing travel stress:
Week 1-2: Introduction
- Place crate in living area with door open
- Add familiar bedding and treats inside
- Let pet explore at their own pace
Week 3-4: Positive Association
- Feed meals inside the crate
- Add favorite toys
- Practice closing door briefly while you're present
Week 5-8: Extended Time
- Gradually increase time with door closed
- Practice leaving the room
- Reward calm behavior
Ongoing: Simulate Travel
- Drive with crate in car
- Practice overnight in crate
- Maintain positive associations
Phase 2: Health & Documentation (1-2 Months Before)
Schedule Veterinary Appointments
First vet visit (6-8 weeks before):
- Complete health examination
- Update any required vaccinations
- Implant microchip if not already done
- Discuss any destination-specific requirements
- Draw blood for titer test if required
Second vet visit (within 10 days of travel):
- Health certificate examination
- Complete required forms
- Verify all vaccinations are current
Essential Vaccinations
For dogs:
- Rabies (required almost everywhere)
- Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus (DHPP)
- Bordetella (kennel cough) — often required by airlines
- Leptospirosis (some destinations)
For cats:
- Rabies (required almost everywhere)
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
Timing matters: Some destinations require vaccines given within specific windows—not too recent, not too old.
Documentation Checklist
| Document | When Needed | Who Issues | |----------|-------------|------------| | Rabies certificate | All international travel | Licensed veterinarian | | Health certificate | All international travel | Accredited veterinarian | | USDA endorsement | Most countries from USA | USDA APHIS | | Import permit | Some countries | Destination government | | Titer test results | Rabies-free countries | Approved laboratory | | Microchip registration | All international travel | Microchip company |
USDA Endorsement Process
For travel from the United States:
- Veterinarian completes APHIS Form 7001 (health certificate)
- Submit to USDA Veterinary Services office
- Allow 3-7 business days for processing
- Some states offer same-day service by appointment
Cost: $38 per certificate (as of 2025)
Phase 3: Final Preparations (2 Weeks Before)
Confirm Airline Booking
Contact the airline to confirm:
- Pet reservation is in their system
- Crate size is approved
- No route changes affecting pet policy
- Current temperature restrictions
- Check-in time requirements
Prepare the Travel Crate
Attach required items:
- "Live Animal" stickers on all sides
- Directional arrows showing "This Side Up"
- Food and water dishes secured inside
- Absorbent pad or bedding
- Owner contact information (both origin and destination)
- Copy of health documents in waterproof sleeve
Inside the crate:
- Familiar blanket or towel with home scent
- Small amount of dry food
- Frozen water dish (melts during flight)
- No toys that could become choking hazards
Feeding Schedule Adjustment
7 days before: Begin feeding at the same time each day
24 hours before:
- Light meal only
- Normal water access
4-6 hours before flight:
- No food
- Limited water
- This prevents motion sickness and accidents
Practice Run
The week before travel:
- Complete one full "dress rehearsal"
- Load pet in crate, drive to airport area
- Observe pet's stress level
- Make adjustments as needed
Phase 4: Travel Day
Morning of Flight
Before leaving home:
- Long walk or play session (dogs)
- Active play time (cats)
- Light access to water until 2 hours before departure
- Final bathroom break
- Check all documents one more time
What to Bring
Essential carry items:
- Original health certificate and all documents
- Copies of all documents (separate bag)
- Microchip paperwork
- Recent photo of pet
- Leash and collar (separate from crate)
- Small bag of regular food
- Water from home (familiar taste)
- Paper towels and cleanup bags
- Emergency contact numbers
Airport Check-In
Arrive early: 3-4 hours before international flights with pets
At the counter:
- Present all documentation
- Allow staff to verify microchip
- Confirm pet's booking
- Receive tracking information if available
Security notes:
- You may need to remove pet from carrier at security
- Carry treats to encourage calm behavior
- Request private screening if pet is anxious
Saying Goodbye
For cargo travel:
- Stay calm—pets sense your anxiety
- Keep goodbye brief and positive
- Don't linger at the cargo facility
For cabin travel:
- Keep carrier under seat
- Follow crew instructions about opening carrier
- Offer reassurance without excessive attention
Special Considerations
Flying in Summer or Winter
Hot weather:
- Book early morning or late evening flights
- Avoid connections in hot climates
- Check airline temperature embargoes
- Consider frozen water bottles
Cold weather:
- Avoid outdoor tarmac time
- Book direct flights when possible
- Some airlines restrict pet cargo below certain temperatures
Snub-Nosed Breeds
Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats) face higher flight risks:
- Many airlines ban them from cargo
- Respiratory issues worsen at altitude
- Summer restrictions are more common
Read about snub-nosed breed restrictions →
Senior or Anxious Pets
For older pets:
- Get veterinary clearance for flight stress
- Consider health certificate specifying fitness to fly
- Discuss mild sedation with your vet (rarely recommended)
For anxious pets:
- Extend crate training period
- Ask vet about calming supplements (not sedatives)
- Use pheromone sprays in crate
- Consider a ThunderShirt or calming wrap
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting too late — Some destinations require 4-6 months preparation
- Wrong crate size — Too small fails inspection; too large is unsafe
- Expired vaccinations — Must be current on arrival date
- Feeding before flight — Increases accident and sickness risk
- Sedation — Most vets and airlines advise against it
- Forgetting copies — Always have document backups
- Missing airline deadlines — Pet cargo often closes before passenger check-in
After Arrival
At Your Destination
Customs and import inspection:
- Present all original documents
- Allow inspection of pet and crate
- Pay any required import fees
- Receive entry stamp on documents
First 24 hours:
- Offer water immediately
- Small meal after a few hours
- Quiet space to decompress
- Monitor for signs of stress or illness
Quarantine Countries
If traveling to quarantine-required destinations:
- Arrange quarantine facility in advance
- Prepare for separation period (days to months)
- Confirm visitation policies
- Budget for daily quarantine fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sedate my pet for the flight?
Most veterinarians and airlines advise against sedation. Sedatives can affect breathing, temperature regulation, and balance—all critical at altitude. Speak with your vet about alternatives like calming supplements.
How do I track my pet during the flight?
Airlines with manifest cargo services often provide tracking. You may also request updates at transfer points. Some pet shippers provide real-time GPS tracking.
What if my pet has a medical emergency mid-flight?
Flight crews are trained to handle basic pet emergencies. For cargo pets, the captain can be notified of concerns. Choose direct flights to minimize risk.
Do emotional support animals have different rules?
As of 2021, airlines are not required to accommodate emotional support animals differently from pets. Full pet fees and crate requirements typically apply.
Ready to Plan Your Pet's Journey?
International pet travel is complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. BestPetTravel handles the documentation, airline coordination, and logistics so you can focus on your move.
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