Have an upcoming international air travel with your pet? Don’t worry, Airpets representative, Hugo Lewis, has created a guide for your next air travel trip with your pet. Keep reading for the best pieces of advice so your next travel experience with your pet, you feel prepared!
Traveling internationally with your pet can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Whether you’re relocating as an expatriate or embarking on an international adventure, ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety during the journey is essential. With the right preparation, air travel with your pet can be a smooth and low stress process.
Pre-travel Preparation
- Before booking your flight, it’s crucial to ensure your pet is healthy enough to air travel
- Start with a visit to the vet to make sure your pet is first for the journey
- When starting in the UK, it is a requirement to have an Official Veterinarian (OV) sign off an health certification.
- It’s also vital to research the specific pet regulations of the destination country.
- You will need to ensure that your pet’s documentation, including proof of vaccinations and a microchip, is up-to-date and readily available for inspection.
Choosing the right carrier
Airlines have strict guidelines on pet carriers, so make sure to choose one that meets their requirements
Most airlines require soft-sides carriers for in-cabin travel (for smaller pets) and hard-sides, airline approved crates for pets traveling in the cargo hold
Before purchasing a carrier for in-cabin, double-check the airline’s specifications, as each carrier may have different rules regarding size and design
It’s also a good idea to make the carrier a familiar and comforting environment for your pet. Place a blanket, or an item of clothing with your scent inside the carrier to help reduce anxiety.
Booking the flight
- When booking the flight, your agent should always choose a direct route if possible. Layovers and connecting flights can increase stress and direct flights minimize the time your pet spends in transit and lower the chances of complications.
- As so layovers are unavoidable. Airpets regularly visit different hub stations facilities to assess which ones are most suitable for transit.
- It’s also a good idea to inform the airline in advance if you will be traveling with a pet on the same flight, as some airlines have a system for letting passengers know their pet is safely on board in cargo.
Pre-flights and day-of-travel
- Arrive at the airport well in advance to allow plenty of time for check-in procedures
- Before the flight, make sure your pet has had a chance to relieve themselves and avoid feeding them a large meal immediately before the flight.
- If traveling to the US, although an export health certificate is not required, the CDC has since August 2024 required the completion of an import form for dogs.
During the flight
- If your pet is traveling in the cargo hold, rest assured the airlines have strict protocols to ensure that animals are well-cared for during the flight
Arrival and aftercare
- Once you’ve arrived at your destination, the first thing you’ll want to do is check in on your pet. However, Airpets recommend whenever possible to hire a local IPATA agent to attend and collect, as there are often specific customs procedures that are unique to each country and regional airport.
- If you destination requires your pet to undergo a customs inspection check or quarantine, familiarise yourself with this process in advance so that there are no surprises
Final thoughts
Make sure to check the regulations, choose the appropriate agent to assist you at both organ and destination, and prepare your pet’s health documentation well in advance
With careful planning and consideration of your pet’s needs, air travel can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your furry companion
Enjoyed reading Airpets representative, Hugo Lewis’s advice? Check out Airpets, UK’s leading pet travel agency, for more information at https://airpets.com/, email info@airpets.com or call at 01753-685-571. Want to read similar articles? Explore FOCUS’s website for more helpful readings!
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