FAQs

Most airlines have designated cargo holds specifically designed for the safe transport of animals. These cargo holds are temperature-controlled and pressurized to ensure the comfort and safety of pets. Pets are kept in secure, well-ventilated crates or containers within these holds. The cargo hold is separate from the passenger cabin, and access to it is restricted to trained personnel.

Every country has its own specific vaccination requirements for pets entering their borders.

For your pet’s well-being and smooth travel, we highly recommend maintaining the following vaccinations:

For Dogs:

• Rabies
• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
• Leptospirosis
• CIV (Canine Influenza Virus) – boarding may require this

For Cats:

• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
• FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) – boarding may require this

It’s important to understand that this list is not a complete list of requirements, and the specific requirements can vary depending on the destination country. To ensure that you’re meeting all the necessary criteria for your pet’s travel, we strongly advise consulting with our professional pet travel coordinators. They will be able to provide you with detailed, country-specific requirements tailored to your pet’s journey.

Whether or not your pet has to go into quarantine when flying to another country depends on several factors, including the destination country’s specific regulations and pet’s vaccination and health status.

While it’s true that some individuals opt to manage their pet’s relocation independently in order to cut costs, it’s important to acknowledge that many errors can occur in the process. If you’re planning to move to another country and you aren’t well-versed in that country’s specific regulations, your pet could end up facing the consequences.

Handling the process yourself is possible, but if you don’t have all the details precisely in order, your beloved animal may be the one to endure the hardships. Additionally, the financial toll of rectifying any mistakes can far exceed your initial estimates. It’s crucial not to solely rely on your veterinarian’s expertise either.

Remember, it’s far more cost-effective to get everything right the first time rather than having to redo it all over again when mistakes have been made.

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 travel 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 pet crate and perhaps venture inside on its own. Since it is important that your pet be as relaxed as possible during the flight, familiarization with the kennel is essential.

Notice: Airline-Approved Kennel — No pet transport kennels are pre-approved by the airlines, the airline associations, or USDA even if product labels make such claims. Please ensure that you purchase the strongest and most secure kennel you can find. Select dog breeds require transport in a reinforced crate.

These crates provide outstanding quality and durability. Make sure you measure your pet accurately and provide extra space to ensure comfort for your loved ones.

Click here for more information about Pet Travel Crates and Sizes.

Not all veterinarians are familiar with international travel requirements. It’s important to find a veterinarian that specializes in pet travel or has extensive experience in this area.

Inquire about the veterinarian’s familiarity with the international regulations and requirements of the destination country. They should be knowledgeable about vaccinations, micro-chipping, and specific health tests needed for the trip.

In addition to having experience with international pet relocation, your veterinarian should also be USDA accredited. This accreditation is a recognized standard that ensures they have the necessary training and expertise to properly conduct international pet health certifications.

The cost of pet shipping with a professional pet shipper is higher due to the expertise and knowledge we provide in navigating complex regulations, ensuring compliance, handling logistics, prioritizing your pet’s safety and comfort, time and effort invested, and international considerations.
While it may seem costly, many find it worthwhile for the peace of mind and assurance of a smooth and compliant journey for their beloved pets.

Yes! we are proud members of IPATA and a Member of the Board of Directors.