- What this post covers: Practical steps for traveling with a pet — how to plan the trip, handle paperwork, follow safety and crate rules, prepare for airline and border checks, manage road trips, and complete a pre-travel vet checklist.
- Quick checklist: ID + microchip, health certificate, vaccinations, airline crate (IATA rules), travel kit (food, meds, water), contact local vets at destination.
- Bottom line: Start planning 6–8 weeks before travel for international trips; for domestic trips, book and confirm pet rules with your carrier at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
Before you book: confirm rules and restrictions
Here’s the thing: every airline and every country have different rules. Some airlines allow small dogs and cats in the cabin if they fit under the seat; others require checked/cargo transport. For international travel, countries often require specific vaccines, microchips, and endorsed health certificates and some need export or import permits. Always check the airline’s pet policy and the destination’s requirements before you buy tickets
Action: Call the airline and ask:
- Cabin vs cargo rules for your pet’s breed and size
- Crate dimensions required and live-animal paperwork (IATA LAR references)
- Fees and any seasonal restrictions
2. Paperwork that often trips people up
- Health certificate issued by a licensed vet (many destinations require it within a narrow time window).
- Proof of rabies and other vaccinations (check country-specific rules).
- A microchip that meets ISO standards for international travel — very commonly required.
- For travel to or via the United States, the CDC Dog Import Form and other rules now apply for many dogs; know the dates and forms.
- Action: Contact a USDA-accredited / government-approved vet (or your country’s equivalent) as soon as you know travel dates. They’ll schedule tests and sign official forms.
3. Crate rules, comfort, and IATA standards
Airlines and ground handlers follow IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) for safe, humane transport. Crate sizing, ventilation, and labeling rules come directly from IATA; noncompliant crates risk refusal at check-in. For larger animals, individual crating is mandatory; for small pets, only certain carriers are accepted in-cabin.
Action: Buy an airline-approved crate that:
- Allows your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably
- Is rigid, secure, and labeled with your contact details and “Live Animal” stickers
- Meets the dimensions your airline specifies
4. Health & safety: prepping your pet
Take your pet to the vet 2–4 weeks before departure for a travel check. Ask for:
- Travel health certificate (timing matters)
- Medication refills and sedation advice (most vets discourage sedating pets for flight)
- Microchip check and update contact details
Pack a pet first-aid kit and copies of all medical documents. If your pet has a chronic condition, carry a vet’s letter explaining medication and care.
5. Road trips vs air travel
Road trips are generally lower-risk for many pets. Secure them with crates or crash-tested harnesses and never leave them in a parked car. For flights, keeping small pets in-cabin is better for many animals; cargo is OK for some breeds but comes with higher stress and risk. Always hydrate, avoid feeding right before travel, and schedule frequent stops on long drives.
Action: For car travel:
- Use a crate or crash-tested restraint
- Bring familiar bedding and toys
- Stop every 2–3 hours for bathroom breaks and water
6. International border crossings
International moves require more lead time. Some tests or blood draws must be done weeks or months before travel. Start the process 6–12 weeks ahead, depending on destination rules, and verify whether your destination requires a government endorsement on the health certificate (for example, USDA endorsement for U.S. exports).
Action: Create a document timeline: vaccination dates, test windows, export endorsements, and flight date — check these off as they’re completed.
7. On the day of travel: calm, safe steps
- Keep your pet calm with familiar items and a light meal 3–4 hours before travel.
- Arrive early at the airport. Live-animal check-in takes extra time and may require additional forms.
- For connecting flights, verify that layover airports accept live animals in transit.
8. Backups and insurance
Get pet travel insurance or ensure your existing pet insurance covers travel-related care. Also, map emergency vets at your destination and save their contacts in your phone and on paper.
Why these matters
I’ve helped dozens of travelers plan pet-friendly trips and coordinated with vets and carriers. Here’s what actually prevents stress and last-minute cancellations: paperwork, crate rules, and realistic expectations about where your pet can travel in the cabin vs cargo.
Internal link 👇
- Looking for budget-friendly international packages, you can take your pet on? See our top picks.
- Want Travelexie to build a custom pet-friendly trip? Contact us.
Summary
Traveling with your pet doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan early and follow the right steps. From airline paperwork and crate rules to vet checks and international border prep, being organized keeps your trip smooth and safe. Confirm travel rules, get your health certificates on time, and prepare your pet’s essentials well in advance — that’s how you ensure a comfortable journey for both of you.
