The best tips for successful international pet travel are preparation and research. The first step is to take your pet in for a physical examination to ensure that it is healthy enough to travel. Next, make sure you’re aware of and comply with all airline and country pet travel requirements. To avoid unnecessary stress and delays, make sure all deadlines are met and all information is gathered or submitted well before the departure date.
When preparing for international pet travel, one of the first steps is to have your pet examined by a veterinarian. Traveling with a pet, especially long-distance travel, can be extremely taxing on the animal. It’s critical to make the best decision possible for the pet’s health. Because of their susceptibility to suffocation and heat shock, some dog breeds, such as pug-nosed spaniels and other dogs, are not suitable for transportation in the cargo hold of an airplane. If the animal is too weak, young, or old to handle the stresses of travel, it is probably best to find a new home for him or her rather than risk injury or death.
Different airlines and countries have different pet travel policies. Check with the airline to see if there are any pet-related requirements or restrictions. Determine whether the pet requires any special vaccinations or a special type of pet carrier. To avoid travel delays, make a note of whether the airline has a deadline for when pet information or requirements must be submitted.
Some countries impose restrictions on the types of animals that are permitted entry. Again, planning ahead can help you avoid a lot of stress when traveling with your pet internationally. Before you travel, double-check that the animal is permitted in the country. Before leaving, contact the country’s embassy to learn about the country’s specific legal requirements, such as a pet quarantine or pet passport. Some of these requirements may necessitate a waiting period, so find out what you need as soon as possible.
International pet travel is extremely dangerous for pets, with many going missing, being injured, or being killed each year. To avoid delays, one of the best tips is to always travel on the same flight as the pet. If the pet carrier is misplaced, make sure the pet is wearing an ID tag with contact information. Another way to prepare for an unintentional separation from your pet is to carry the pet’s photo and health information with you, which will come in handy if the pet carrier label is misplaced.
Another international pet travel tip is to avoid feeding your pet for four to six hours prior to departure. Some water beforehand should suffice, and if possible, place some ice cubes inside the carrier’s water tray for time-released water. Never give a pet tranquilizers or any other medication unless the veterinarian has prescribed it. Make sure your veterinarian is aware of your travel plans and that any medications you’re taking are suitable for flying.