Pet Travel FAQ: Your Go-To Guide

We’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions to help you plan your pet’s journey with confidence.

Before Travel

Are there any other regulations?

Many countries require your pet to have a microchip. Legislation can vary greatly from country to country. Please plan your pet’s travel well in advance, and note that some countries require blood tests that have to be done up to six months prior to departure.

Are there any vaccinations my pet should have?

Most countries require a rabies vaccination, which should be given at least 30 days and no more than one year before the start of your journey. Some countries recognize rabies vaccinations as valid at 21 days and honour vaccinations that are licensed for 3 years.

How can I prepare my pet for the trip?

Preparing your pet ahead of time will add to your pet’s comfort. Take time in advance to crate train your pet, allowing them to get accustomed to the new environment.

Should I feed my pet before travel?

Ensure your dog has had a long walk and your cat has had access to a litter box before traveling. The last meal prior to departure should be given roughly six to eight hours before takeoff, and only small drinks of water should be given up to 2 hours prior to departure.

What about sedation?

Sedation is not recommended, although some animals do react sensitively to traveling. The effect sedatives have on your pet are multiplied several times at high altitudes and can be a big risk for your pet. Many airlines will not accept sedated pets. We suggest you consult your vet to discuss the use of alternative/natural products that may calm down your pet.

What can I do to make my pet more comfortable on the trip?

A personal item that reminds your pet of someone or something will help pacify your pet. Adding a scented article of clothing or a favourite toy to the travel crate will certainly add to your pet’s comfort. Keep in mind that different airlines have different rules about what is allowed inside your pet’s crate.

Can I add an AirTag to my pet’s crate?

Don’t let your pet travel with AirTags as they contain lithium batteries

AirTags like so many everyday devices use lithium batteries and can catch fire if damaged or if battery terminals are short-circuited. Due to the use of lithium batteries in these devices, they are illegal to use on your pet when they are travelling in the cargo hold of a plane.

At Worldwide Animal Travel we pre-screen all pets travelling with us before loading them on the aircraft. If AirTags are found attached to your pets carrier or their physical bodies these will be removed before they can board the plane. We care deeply for your pets and work diligently to get them home safely to you. Please leave their transport and tracking in our capable hands.

In Transport

Are aircraft cargo holds heated and pressurized?

All jet aircraft that fly at high altitudes are pressurized. However, not all aircraft are heated. Within Canada there are certain aircraft types that operate with insufficient heating in the cargo holds. These aircraft include the CRJ, ERJ, A319, A320, and A321. The aircraft cargo temperature will take on the outside temperature at ground level prior to closing the aircraft cargo door. For every one hour of flight, the cargo hold will become 1°C.

It is not recommended to transport small dog breeds, puppies, kittens, or cats on non-heated aircraft during winter months. During extreme cold winter temperatures, it is recommended that you do not transport pets on non-heated aircraft at all.

Are dogs and cats placed in quarantine on arrival into Canada?

Canada does not quarantine dogs or cats that arrive healthy and have the required entry documentation. For Canada’s import requirements, we suggest you visit the CFIA website.

Are You in Canada Temporarily?

Entry requirements for dogs and cats vary by jurisdiction and may change unexpectedly. To reduce the risk of delays or extra costs while traveling, especially within North America, consider the following:

Research travel requirements for your destination at least one year before your planned departure.
Confirm that your pet has a scannable microchip.
Make sure your pet received a valid rabies vaccination after microchip implantation. In most cases, this must be done at least 30 days before travel and within the last year.
Keep other vaccinations current, including Bordetella.

If you are returning to one of the following destinations, please follow these additional requirements:

Australia

Your pet will require an ISO microchip and a rabies vaccination, followed by a FAVN rabies Titre test. Australia only recognizes one-year rabies vaccinations, so be sure not to let your rabies vaccination lapse.

Brazil

Vaccinate your pet with a rabies vaccine at least 21 days prior to travel.

China

Please note that China has a “one pet per passport” policy. Also, depending on the arrival airport, your pet may be required to arrive within a certain amount of time after your arrival. Please contact us regarding specifics.

The EU

Pets must have a microchip implant, followed by a rabies vaccination. Pets may enter the EU 21 days after the rabies jab.

Hong Kong

Your pet must be at least 5 months of age to enter Hong Kong. Pets entering Hong Kong will require a microchip, rabies vaccination and standard vaccinations. Hong Kong only accepts one-year vaccinations.

Japan

Vaccinate your pet with a rabies vaccine twice (a minimum of 31 days apart), and know that your pet requires the FAVN rabies titer blood test at least 180 days prior to your planned arrival date.

New Zealand

Your pet will require an ISO microchip and a rabies vaccination, followed by a FAVN rabies Titre test. New Zealand only recognizes one-year rabies vaccinations, so be sure not to let your rabies vaccination lapse.

South Korea

Your pet requires the FAVN rabies titer blood test and can travel immediately after receiving the test results. However, it can take several weeks to receive the results, so allow for longer preparation time of travel.

Singapore

Your pet requires the FAVN rabies titer blood test at least 30 days (but no more than 6 months) prior to export. Upon arrival, your pet will be quarantined for 10 or 30 days, depending on the timing and number of its rabies vaccinations. Please contact us regarding specifics.

Taiwan

Your pet requires the FAVN rabies titer blood test at least 180 days prior to your planned arrival date.

Thailand

Vaccinate your pet with a rabies vaccine at least 21 days but not more than 1 year prior to travel.

The UAE

Your pet requires the FAVN rabies titer blood test at least 12 weeks prior to your planned arrival date.

Disclaimer:

Requirements are subject to change without notice. The information that is summarised herein is general in nature. It does not take into account your specific circumstances and should not be acted on without full understanding of your current situation and future goals and objectives by a fully qualified pet transportation advisor.

Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the contents of this website, Worldwide Animal Travel Limited cannot offer any undertaking or guarantee, either expressly or implicitly, including liability towards third parties, regarding how correct, complete, or up-to-date the contents of this website are. We reserve the right to supplement this website at any time or to change or delete any information contained or views expressed in this website.

Worldwide Animal Travel, Div of MID Forwarding LTD accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use of this website or reliance on the content of this website.

Scam Alert

Searching for pet travel services online? Be cautious- pet scammers are targeting unsuspecting individuals.

Worldwide Animal Travel wants to make sure you know how to protect yourself. Knowledge is power, so if you have heard about an incredible deal or been offered a free pet and asked to send money via Western Union for shipping, please know that it’s a scam.

With more than 25 years of industry experience, we frequently hear from people misled by fake offers. These scammers misuse our name and logo to trick you into paying for a “free” pet. We never offer pets for adoption or sale.

Please note: we operate only within Canada and have no international offices. Always review all documents carefully. If someone asks you to send payment to any location other than our official head office, do not proceed.

We only send emails from addresses ending in @animaltravel.com. If you receive one from animal-travel@hotmail.com or animaltravel@gmail.com, it is fraudulent.

For safe international travel resources, see IPATA’s scam prevention guidelines.

Tips on how to Avoid Falling Prey to Pet Scammers

• Make sure your pet shipper is a member of IPATA.

• Know that purebred animals are NEVER free!

• If they ask for any sort of prepaid payment (e.g. Western Union, Visa/Mastercard gift cards, MoneyGram, cashier’s check, money order, etc.), it is a scam. Non-refundable forms of payment are generally not required by any reputable pet shipping company.

• Be alert if they are telling you there is a “change reservation” fee.

• Make sure you ask them where their facility is located. If they are unwilling to give you their address or a meeting location, it’s a scam.

We recommend arming yourself with knowledge by checking in on pet scam alerts or visiting the governing body for pet shipping (IPATA), who lists legitimate pet relocation companies.