Do you have an upcoming flight planned for you and your pet? If so, there are some things you need to do well in advance to prepare your pet for their big day. Bringing an animal into a new country can be complicated, so giving yourself enough time to prepare everything that’s needed is key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for everyone involved.
To help you get the ball rolling, here are 3 things you must do before travelling with your pet.
Prepare their health records
Depending on what country you’re travelling to, your pet may require certain vaccines or tests in order to enter the country. You can work closely with your travel coordinator and vet to determine which vaccines are necessary as well as an appropriate timeline to administer the vaccines and tests based on government requirements. Many countries have strict regulations in regards to importing pets, so it’s important that your pet receives the exact vaccines and tests as listed in the requirements. For this reason, do this research well in advance in case your vet needs to order the appropriate medication.
If your pet isn’t travelling on the same day as you, your travel coordinator or airline representative will ensure their paperwork is in safe keeping for their arrival. All original veterinary documents must travel with your pet. However, we always recommend making copies of the documentation and keeping them on-hand as well
Pick a crate
Picking the right size crate for your pet is necessary for their safety and comfort. A crate that is too big or too small can make for a very unpleasant experience for your pet, so it’s important to properly measure them prior to selecting a travel crate. In order to measure them properly (dogs only), measure their length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, but do not include the tail. Then, measure their height from the ground to the top of the head and be sure to include the ears. If you choose to purchase your own crate, we highly recommend consulting with your travel coordinator prior to making the purchase to ensure it’s the right size and Airline/IATA compliant, otherwise your pet relocation company has a selection of crates that can be provided. In addition to ensuring the safety and comfort of your pet, having the proper size crate can eliminate any related issues at the airport on the day of your pet’s travel.
Crate train your pet
Once you’ve selected an appropriate travel crate for your pet, it’s time to get them used to it! Especially if your pet isn’t used to being in a crate, the weeks and months leading up to your trip are vital for getting them accustomed to it. Spend some time each day introducing them to the crate, and be sure to do so in a positive manner. If your pet is uneasy about entering the crate, place some treats, toys, or their food bowl in it to help ease the process. Increase the amount of time they spend in the crate each day, and most importantly, be patient with your pet throughout the process!
If you’ve never travelled with your pet before, the process can be intimidating and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve been in the business of pet relocation for over 20 years, and we’ve helped thousands of pets travel safely and comfortably throughout this time. Contact Worldwide Animal Travel today for a free quote!
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