A few timely steps help you prepare and know what to discuss with your veterinarian or transport provider.
Sources reviewed 14 October 2026 · General guidance, adapted to each pet type.
01 / BEFORE TRAVEL
Start early, help your pet get familiar.
Talk to your veterinarian: discuss your pet’s fitness to travel and any health considerations.
Introduce the carrier early: give your pet time to become familiar with a suitable carrier before departure day.
Check the carrier for your pet type: common household pets need space for natural postures. Confirm dimensions and construction with the transport provider.
Check route-specific documents: countries and carriers may have different requirements. Confirm the documents and deadlines for your particular journey.
Do not independently sedate your pet for a flight: IATA discourages sedation. If you are worried about stress, speak with your veterinarian beforehand.
Clear handovers, stay in touch with the right people.
Agree on feeding and water: ask your veterinarian and provider about a suitable plan. Do not apply one fasting schedule to every pet type.
Arrange car travel safely: use suitable restraint, prevent free movement in the vehicle and never leave your pet alone in a parked car.
Clarify care arrangements: before handover, ask who is responsible at each stage, how your pet’s needs will be handled and about stops or connections.
Keep contact details: agree who hands over and receives your pet, who provides updates and how to contact them if plans change.
Health and car travel guidance references FDA. Handover and contact suggestions are from PawPort; actual support must be agreed for the service.
03 / AFTER TRAVEL
Arriving at a new home, give them time to settle.
Prepare a quiet resting space: limit disturbance on arrival. Provide water and items appropriate to your pet type.
Familiar items can help: have safe, familiar belongings ready, such as bedding or suitable toys.
Let your pet settle gradually: secure the arrival area, watch doors and do not force interactions with many people straight away.
Observe and seek advice when needed: observe your pet after travel and contact a veterinarian about unusual health or behaviour. Have local veterinary contact details ready.
