We asked our pet transportation experts for their personal top tips for clients traveling with their pets and we are sharing them with you.
- Documentation on kennels: Do not attach your documents to the kennel when traveling with your pet in excess baggage. (You can attach copies). You will need the documents with you when passing through customs. Documents attached to the kennel may get lost or damaged. Avoid any unnecessary stress by ensuring all documents are with you at all times.
- Round trip travel: Prepare your pet’s health requirements in advance if you are planning to fly round trip. It will save you time and energy to be prepared for your return trip before you leave for your destination country. Yes, it is true that not everything required for your return can be done in advance but the more you prepare, the easier it will be. “There are many countries that have language barriers, long distances to travel to government vets, or do not have approved labs. We also have clients who have to return suddenly or quicker than they planned.”
- OIE Laboratories: Not all countries have approved laboratories for TITER testing (or other blood tests that may be required). In addition, not all countries accept blood tests from all approved labs. You must be sure to use only an approved lab for your destination country.
- Microchip: Check your pets’ microchip at each step in the preparation process to be sure it is functioning properly and the number is correct.
- Tranquilizers: Do not give your pet sedatives or tranquilizers for flight. “We get this question a lot in our office. The low oxygen level and dry air inside the aircraft reduces blood pressure and may increase hypothermia, dizziness, stomach ache and more diverse side-effects. Drugs such as tranquilizers can worsen the condition and may even create a threat. This is the reason that most airline policies prohibit sedating pets for flight.”
- Calming collars: For our nervous pets we recommend the use of a calming collar or drops that are based on natural pheromones that have a calming effect on animals.
- Purchasing a flight kennel: Buy your kennel in advance in order to give your pet time to acclimate to being in a small enclosed space. This will help them feel relaxed and safe in a place that is familiar to them during the flight.
- Rabies vaccination: Keep your rabies vaccination up to date. It is important to note that the vaccination given in your departure country may say it is a three year vaccine, however not all countries accept three year vaccines. We highly recommend you vaccinate your dog or cat for rabies every year. Doing so can significantly lower your preparation time before flight.
- Vaccination dates: Make sure to ask your veterinarian to write out the date of your pet’s vaccinations in English. Writing the month can avoid any confusion in countries that write dates opposite. For example: June 5, 2018.
- Vaccination stickers: Always ask that your veterinarian put the sticker from the vaccination bottle in your pet’s vaccination booklet. If this is not possible, have them write the vaccination details in the booklet. There are countries that will only accept specific vaccination types. This way your booklet is always fully prepared.
- Microchip registration: Upon arrival at your destination, register your pets microchip number. You can do this through your local veterinarian. It is important to be sure to update your new contact details and your pets’ microchip with local authorities.
- Flight booking: Never book a flight with your pet until you receive confirmation from each airline that you will be traveling with. If you are flying with several different airlines on a codeshare flight and you receive confirmation from one airline, it does not mean your pet is confirmed on all flights. Airlines do not codeshare for pets as they do for luggage. You will need to receive confirmation from ALL airlines separately. During layovers you will need to collect your pet, go through passport check, and then check in to your next flight.
- Water funnel: It is recommended to put a water funnel on the outside of the kennel door so that it is possible for the airline to fill the water bowl between flights without spilling or opening the door.
- Feeding during flight: Do not feed your pet before or during the flight. They may feel unwell and get sick.
- Import fees: There are countries that require you to pay a fee for import at entry. There are also countries that tax the import of animals. We recommend you check in advance for any fees you may need to pay at the airport.
- Pet food: Some countries do not allow the import of pet food. This is a complication that pet owners do not always plan for and sometimes only discover at the airport. Even if your destination country allows pet food, you will usually only bring enough for a day or so. Therefore, we recommend that you research local pet food stores in your area before you arrive. When you land you will know exactly where to go to get your food and the process will be much less stressful.
- Government Veterinarian endorsement: We receive many calls from people who did not realize that they would have a problem with scheduling an official government veterinary authority visit for endorsement of health certificate. Due to the fact that the government vet visit must be done close to the date of the flight, we recommend you prepare for this visit by checking for the closest office to you. Check days and hours of operation. Schedule an appointment if required. Pay any fees in advance or confirm payment options. Keep in mind that these offices may be closed during holidays.
- Documents: Review your documents for typos or errors before getting them authorized.
- Entering airport with pets: If you are traveling with cats, exotic pets, aggressive or nervous dogs place them securely in their flight kennels or carriers before entering the airport.
- Prepare in advance: Do not wait until the last minute. It can take up to six months to prepare all health requirements and documents for your pets entry to your destination country. Each pet and each flight is different. Now is the time to start if you are considering traveling with your pet.
