If you're planning an overseas move, you may be wondering how to prepare your dog for international travel and what you can do to make the journey as comfortable as possible. Beyond vaccinations, health certificates, and airline requirements, preparing your dog for the experience itself is an important part of the process.

From introducing their travel kennel early to maintaining a familiar routine before departure, a little preparation can make travel day easier for both you and your dog.

1. Introduce the Travel Kennel Early

Your dog's travel kennel should feel familiar long before travel day. Once you have the correctly sized kennel, leave it somewhere your dog can explore and spend time in it without pressure.

Gradually encourage your dog to rest or sleep inside so the kennel becomes a familiar, comfortable space rather than something they experience for the first time on the day of their flight.

2. Keep Their Routine as Normal as Possible

International moves can bring a lot of change, but maintaining your dog's normal routine leading up to departure can provide some consistency.

Try to keep meals, walks, exercise, and bedtime relatively familiar while you're packing and preparing for your move. On travel day, giving your dog an opportunity to exercise and relieve themselves before entering their kennel can also help them settle before departure.

3. Know When to Feed Before the Flight

At World Pet Travel, our general rule of thumb is to avoid feeding pets within six hours of departure. This gives them time to digest their meal and relieve themselves before settling into their travel kennel.

Water will still be available, and your pet travel specialist can provide instructions based on your dog's itinerary and airline requirements.

4. Prepare the Kennel Correctly

Before departure, make sure your dog's kennel is set up according to current airline requirements. This may include absorbent material, securely attached food and water dishes, identification, and any required travel labels.

Avoid adding unnecessary toys, excessive bedding, harnesses, or other items that may not be permitted during air travel.

5. Avoid Last-Minute Changes

The day before an international flight isn't the ideal time to introduce a new food, drastically change your dog's routine, or make other unnecessary changes.

Keep things familiar and follow the travel instructions provided by your veterinarian, airline, and pet relocation specialist.

What About Sedation?
Sedating pets for air travel is generally discouraged and will not be accepted by airlines. Never give your dog a sedative or calming medication before a flight.

6. Give Yourself Plenty of Time on Travel Day

International pet travel involves documentation checks and other procedures before your dog is accepted for their flight. Have everything organized ahead of time and allow plenty of time for check-in.

Most importantly, try to keep your goodbye calm. Your dog has spent time preparing for this journey, and their familiar kennel provides a secure space as their trip begins.

Ready to Start Planning?

Knowing how to prepare your dog for international travel is an important first step. World Pet Travel can help guide you through the details, from preparing for departure to safely reaching your destination.

Continue Preparing for Your Pet's Move

- Choosing the Right Pet Travel Kennel
- International Pet Travel Health Certificates Explained
- What Happens During an International Pet Flight?
- How Long Does International Pet Relocation Take?