A Checklist of Considerations for Traveling Internationally with a Pet in Cabin
/
Packing and preparing the luggage before our trip to California from Paris, France.
My top tip for researching information about traveling with a pet internationally is this: only trust official sources. That said, this blog is not an official source of information, and is only an outlet where I describe my personal travel experiences in hopes of providing insights you may find helpful.
This article outlines the types of information I research from official sources prior to an international trip with my dog. Because every country and every airline has their own processes and requirements for allowing and admitting pets which may vary, it’s important to review these considerations every time you travel. Continue reading below to discover the list of considerations I keep in mind before traveling internationally with my dog, or click here to read the rest of my personal recommendations for having a smooth travel experience with your pet in the cabin.
This list of considerations is not meant to overwhelm you or discourage you from traveling internationally with your pet. Rather, it is meant to give you a sense of relief so you know you have your bases covered and boxes checked before departing on a trip with your favorite companion. If you can confidently find the answers to each of these considerations, you should be good to go!
Also note— I only have extensive experience traveling internationally with my 3kg dog with me in the airplane cabin, and am not personally knowledgeable about traveling with a service animal or a pet in the hold. While some of these considerations listed below may be helpful to you, remember there will be other considerations you will have to take into account depending on your own personal situation.
A Non-exhaustive and Unofficial Checklist of Considerations for Traveling Internationally with a Pet in Cabin
Considerations for Your Destination:
What types of documentation, vaccinations, microchips, or certificates are required in order to enter your destination with your pet?
Does the country or region of your destination have any breed restrictions for the types of pets that are able to enter?
Does your destination have a minimum age requirement to be able to enter?
Does your pet have to quarantine prior to departure? Does your pet have to quarantine upon arrival?
Does your pet have to meet additional requirements based on your country of origin, or based on other countries it has traveled through within a specific time frame prior to your departure?
Do you have to register your pet’s arrival with a specific authority prior to your departure?
Are you required to transit or enter through a specific airport or port of entry?
Do you have to present your pet to customs upon arrival?
Do you have enough printed copies of your required documentation?
Considerations for the Airline (or Other Method of Transport):
Does the airline have breed restrictions for the type of animal that can travel in the cabin?
What are the size restrictions for your pet? What are the size restrictions for your pet’s carrier?
What are the weight restrictions for your pet? Does the airline consider the weight of the pet + the weight of the carrier?
What is the airline’s process for adding your pet to your flight itinerary?
Is there a maximum number of total pets allowed per flight?
Are you able to confirm your pet online when making your booking? Or do you have to submit a request after booking?
Do you have to pay the fee for your pet at the time of confirmation? Or will you be required to pay the fee when checking in?
What is the documentation required by the airline? Do you have to submit the documentation prior to confirmation, prior to departure, or in person at the airport while checking in? Does the documentation need to be printed? How many copies will you need?
Is the documentation the same, or different, than the documentation required by the destination country or region?
Are you able to self check-in online for your flight, or will you have to check-in at the desk in the airport?
Do you have to sit in a specific cabin within the plane or in a specific seat if you are traveling with a pet?
If your flight is re-routed through another country or region, will you be prepared to meet and show proof of additional requirements?
Considerations for Your Veterinary Care:
Is your veterinarian accredited to provide the required documentation such as proof of vaccinations or certificates of good health?
Do the vaccinations required for travel need to be administered within a specific time frame prior to departure?
Do the vaccinations required for travel need to be administered at a specific time due to your pet’s age?
Do your travel dates and your pet’s age allow you to receive the required vaccinations at an appropriate time?
Does your veterinarian-certified documentation need to be issued within a specific time frame prior to departure?
Are you able to identify a veterinarian in your destination in case of emergency while traveling?
Is your pet up-to-date for all vaccinations recommended by your veterinarian, even if they are not necessarily required for your travel documentation?
Considerations for Returning to Your Country of Origin:
Is there a required quarantine period that must be completed prior to returning to your country of origin?
Are there are any vaccinations required to return to your country of origin, due to spending time in your destination country?
Do the vaccinations need to be valid for a required period of time before returning to your country of origin?
How long are the vaccinations received in your country of origin valid?
Are you required to transit or enter through a specific airport or port of entry?
Do you have to present your pet to customs upon arrival?
Do you have enough printed copies of your required documentation?
Is traveling internationally with your pet worth navigating the logistics? I say yes!
While there may be many factors to consider when preparing to travel internationally with your pet, I believe the expense and effort of navigating the logistics is certainly worth being able make the most special memories abroad with your favorite companion. As long as you follow the processes and requirements of official sources, the experience should be straightforward.
Official sources for finding clear, up-to-date information and requirements for traveling internationally with your pet can include government websites for customs and agriculture, and airline or transit authority websites. Although even if you are a frequent traveler, be sure to check these sources when preparing for every trip, as requirements and processes may change.
If you’re interested in learning more about how I travel by plane with my pet in the cabin, you can read all of my tips here: Tips for Flying Internationally with a Pet in Cabin. And if you’re curious about my thoughts on the Amazon Pet Carrier we’ve used for 22 flights, dozens of road trips, and a handful of train rides over the last year, you can read the article here.
Are you planning to travel with your pet soon and have any questions about my experience or have any other considerations to add? Let me know in the comments below!
Shop my favorite accessories for traveling with a pet in cabin for your next flight
This post contains affiliate links and at no cost to you, I may earn a commission which allows me to keep this site free for all readers. I only recommend properties, products, brands, and services that I personally use and believe in.
