Flying with your pet—especially when they’re traveling alone—can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re relocating across the country or moving internationally, you want to make sure your furry companion is as safe and stress-free as possible. The good news? With the right preparation, air travel is one of the safest and most reliable ways to transport pets.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your dog, cat, or other pets safe while flying—from choosing the right airline to prepping their travel crate. Let’s dive into the essential steps to ensure your pet’s next plane ride is smooth, safe, and comfortable.
Understand Pet Travel Rules for Your Destination
Before booking a flight, research your destination’s pet import and export regulations. Rules vary depending on the country, and missing paperwork could delay or prevent entry.
For example, if you’re flying a dog to the United States, the CDC requires a Dog Import Form regardless of your country of origin. Other countries may require additional vaccinations, quarantine periods, or specific documentation.
Need help navigating the rules? At WorldCare Pet, our Pet Relocation Counselors are experts in international pet travel and will handle the paperwork and logistics for you.
View international pet travel regulations.
Schedule a Pre-Flight Vet Visit
It’s essential to visit your veterinarian before your pet’s travel date. Your vet can:
- Confirm your pet is healthy and fit to fly
- Ensure all required vaccinations and documents are current
- Offer advice on managing anxiety or existing medical conditions
Always bring up any concerns, including travel stress. If your pet is on medication, your vet can provide guidance on what’s safe during air travel.
Choose a Pet-Friendly Airline with Experience
Not all airlines handle pets the same way. Look for an airline that:
- Has a strong track record with pet transportation
- Offers climate-controlled cargo holds
- Employs trained staff to handle live animals
Lufthansa, for example, is known for its pet-friendly policies and experienced staff.
Pro tip: Airlines often limit the number of pets per flight. Book your pet’s spot early to avoid delays.
Use the Correct Size Airline-Approved Travel Crate
A properly sized crate is crucial for your pet’s safety. Airlines will inspect the carrier before boarding. If your pet can’t stand, turn around, or lie down comfortably, they may be denied travel.
Not sure what size to use? Check out our travel crate size guide.
Tip: Make the crate cozy by including a familiar blanket or a t-shirt that smells like you.
Never Sedate Your Pet Before a Flight
It may be tempting to sedate an anxious pet, but sedation is not safe during air travel and is often prohibited by airlines. Sedatives can affect a pet’s heart rate, temperature regulation, and breathing at high altitudes.
Instead, talk to your vet about natural calming aids. At WorldCare Pet, we often recommend Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats, but always confirm with your vet first.
Microchip Your Pet for Extra Security
Even if your destination doesn’t require microchipping, it’s a smart idea for added peace of mind. A microchip provides permanent identification and increases the chances of reuniting with your pet in the rare event they become lost or misplaced.
Make sure your contact information is up to date in the microchip registry before travel.
Prepare Your Pet for Air Travel in Advance
Acclimating your pet to their crate before travel is one of the best things you can do to reduce stress.
Here’s how:
- Place the crate in a room your pet uses daily
- Encourage them to enter it using treats and praise
- Go on short car rides with your pet inside the crate
Taking these steps helps make the travel crate a safe, familiar space—rather than something to fear.
Final Safety Checklist for Flying with Pets
Before takeoff, make sure you’ve covered these essentials:
- Researched destination country’s pet import rules
- Scheduled a veterinary health check
- Chosen a pet-friendly airline
- Purchased the correct-sized travel crate
- Avoided sedating your pet
- Microchipped your pet
- Completed pre-travel crate training
Real-Life Pet Travel Story: Raja and Tini’s Flight to the USA
Raja and Tini, two beloved cats, made the long journey from the UK back to the USA with WorldCare Pet. Here’s what their pet parents had to say:
“This was our second time using WorldCare, and it was even better than the first! Our cats were initially relocated in 2022 to the UK and returned to the US this time. Reilly was spectacular—prompt and responsive to all our questions. We were even given a WhatsApp group for updates and photos. Relocation is expensive, but don’t trust anyone else with your furbabies. From start to finish, we knew we were in the right hands!”
— The Srivarodom Family
Next Steps: Ready to Make Your Pet’s Journey Safe?
Looking for expert guidance to ensure your pet travels safely by air? WorldCare Pet’s experienced Pet Relocation Counselors are here to help.
Get a free quote today and let us handle the logistics so you can focus on what matters most—your pet’s comfort and care.