The 20 Step Guide to Traveling With Your Pet

Thinking of taking your dog or cat on your next overseas trip? There's more to it than booking an extra seat - but don't worry, we've got it covered. Here's everything you need to know to travel safely and smoothly with your pet.

Traveling with pets internationally has become far more common, and most airlines and countries have clear (if complicated) rules. The key is doing the homework well in advance - some requirements need weeks or months of preparation, and skipping steps can mean your pet is turned away at the border.

Before You Go: The Planning Phase

Start planning at least 3-6 months in advance for international travel. Some countries require blood titer tests (to prove rabies immunity) that take weeks to process, and some require quarantine that must be booked ahead of time.

1. Consider the time of year and weather

Travel in moderate temperatures when possible. Many airlines won't accept pets as cargo in the hold during extreme heat (above 85°F/29°C at any point in the journey) or cold. In summer, book early morning or late evening flights. In winter, check if your pet needs an acclimation certificate for cold exposure.

2. Research your destination country's pet import rules

Every country has its own regulations, and they vary enormously. The EU requires a standardized pet passport. Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Japan, and the UK have strict biosecurity rules and may require pre-approved quarantine - even for vaccinated pets. Some countries ban specific breeds. Check the official government or embassy website for your destination, not travel blogs.

3. Choose your airline carefully

Policies vary significantly between carriers. Some allow pets in the cabin (usually only for dogs and cats under a combined weight of 8-10kg including carrier), others only accept them as checked baggage or cargo. Book a direct, non-stop flight wherever possible - transfers add stress for your pet and increase the risk of mishandling. Always call the airline to confirm your pet booking after reserving online.

4. Choose the right carrier

For in-cabin travel, your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you - check the exact dimensions with your airline, as these vary. Your pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. For cargo travel, use an IATA-approved hard-sided crate. Label it clearly with your name, contact details, "LIVE ANIMAL" in large letters, and directional arrows.

5. Get a veterinary health certificate

Most countries require a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian. For EU travel, this must be an official government-endorsed document. For US travel, USDA-accredited vet certification is required. Book this appointment well in advance - many vets are booked out weeks ahead.

6. Ensure vaccinations are up to date

Rabies vaccination is almost universally required for international travel. Depending on your destination, you may also need protection against distemper, parvovirus, bordetella, leptospirosis, and tick-borne diseases. Some countries require blood titer tests to prove immunity - these take several weeks to process, so plan accordingly.

7. Microchip your pet

An ISO 15-digit microchip is required for entry to the EU and most other developed nations. The microchip must be implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination - not after. Keep the chip number recorded in your phone and in your pet's paperwork.

8. Get pet travel insurance

Vet bills abroad can be significant. Travel-specific pet insurance covers emergency medical treatment during your trip. Some standard pet insurance policies include limited travel coverage - check the small print and consider a dedicated travel add-on if needed.

9. Book pet-friendly accommodation in advance

"Pet-friendly" means different things in different places. Some hotels welcome all pets; others only accept dogs under a certain weight; some charge additional fees or require a damage deposit. Confirm specifically what's allowed (which rooms, which areas of the property) before booking.

10. Acclimate your pet to the carrier

Weeks before the trip, start leaving the carrier out at home with familiar bedding inside. Feed your pet near it, then in it. Gradually close the door for short periods. The goal is for the carrier to feel like a safe, familiar space rather than a trap. This dramatically reduces stress on travel day.

In the Days Before Travel

11. Pack a dedicated pet bag

Include: a collapsible water bowl, a sufficient supply of their usual food (diet changes during travel are a recipe for stomach upset), waste bags, a favorite toy or blanket for comfort, any regular medications, your pet's health certificate and passport, and your vet's emergency contact details.

12. Exercise them well the day before

A well-exercised pet is a calmer traveler. Take your dog for a longer run or walk than usual the day before the flight. If you're traveling with a cat, play sessions work well.

13. Manage food and water carefully

Offer water up to 3-4 hours before the flight and a light meal 4-6 hours before departure. A full stomach significantly increases the likelihood of nausea and motion sickness. You'll be required to certify the time of last feeding when checking in.

On the Day of Travel

14. Arrive early

If your pet is traveling as checked baggage or cargo, you may need to check in at a separate freight terminal - allow extra time. Even for in-cabin pets, the additional admin at check-in takes longer than you expect.

15. During the flight: keep them calm and undisturbed

Place the carrier under the seat in front of you and leave it there. Don't take your pet out during the flight - you'll be asked to put them back immediately and it stresses them more than leaving them settled. Talk to them quietly and place your fingers near the carrier mesh. A worn t-shirt with your scent placed in the carrier can be very calming.

16. On sedation

Current veterinary consensus is that sedation is generally not recommended for air travel. Sedatives can suppress the respiratory system and affect balance in unpredictable ways at altitude. If you're concerned about anxiety, speak to your vet about alternatives - there are anti-anxiety medications that are safer for flight than traditional sedatives.

After Landing

17. Have all paperwork ready for customs

Customs pet checks are more thorough than most travelers expect. Have your health certificate, vaccination records, microchip documentation, and pet passport all accessible - not buried in a bag in the overhead locker.

18. First priority: exercise and bathroom

As soon as you clear customs, find a green area and let your pet stretch, relieve themselves, and decompress. This is a high priority - don't delay it for luggage or taxi queues.

19. Re-establish routine as quickly as possible

Feed at regular times, walk at regular times, and create a consistent sleeping space in your accommodation. Pets adjust to new environments much faster when the daily routine is familiar. Any stress they show on arrival typically settles within a day or two once routine is established.

20. Keep your vet's contact details handy

Know the address of the nearest vet to your accommodation and have your pet's insurance details easily accessible. Hopefully you won't need either, but the peace of mind is worth the five minutes of preparation.

Have you traveled internationally with a pet? Share your experiences - the tips that saved you and the mistakes you won't make twice.