Everything You Need to Know
About Moving Your Pet

The crate must be large enough for your pet to stand up fully, turn around, and lie down with ease. There should be at least 8–10 cm of headroom between the top of the crate and your pet's head when standing. Measure your pet's height (A) and length (B) and use these to select the appropriate IATA crate size. When in doubt, size up.

IATA sets mandatory standards for all pet travel crates:

• Size: pet must stand, turn, and lie down comfortably; minimum 8–10 cm headroom
• Ventilation: air holes on at least three sides; metal gate door at the front
• Material: hard plastic, solid wood, or plywood — must not be collapsible
• Fasteners: metal nuts and bolts only (min. 12 mm for dogs, 6 mm for cats)
• Wheels: not accepted
• Door: no top-loading; must have a locking mechanism
• Food and water: two stationary bowls must be attached inside

No. All crates must be secured with metal nuts and bolts — minimum 12 mm for dogs and 6 mm for cats. Non-compliant crates will be refused at check-in.

No. The crate must be a solid, stable unit without any rolling components.

• Food and water bowls: two stationary bowls required inside
• Absorbent bedding: allowed if it doesn't exceed the crate's height specifications
• Dry food: enough for each day of travel in a transparent, resealable bag attached to the outside
• Familiar scent: a small piece of clothing or thin blanket — confirm with airline

Not permitted: toys, bones, stuffed animals, large blankets, leashes.

Only dry food or treats. Wet and raw food are not allowed. Place dry food in a transparent, resealable bag — enough for each day of travel — attached to the outside of the crate.

Start 4–8 weeks before travel. Place the crate in a central area, feed your pet inside it, build up time gradually with the door closed, and reward calm behaviour. Take car rides with your pet inside the crate to simulate travel.

Pets travel in a dedicated compartment underneath the passenger cabin. It is temperature controlled, pressurised (same as the cabin), ventilated, and kept quiet and dimly lit. Pilots receive a list of all pets on board. During take-off, landing, and turbulence, each crate is secured with netting.

Yes. The dedicated pet compartment is separate from regular luggage, and is temperature controlled, pressurised, and ventilated — it is not the same as the standard baggage hold. Choosing airlines with temperature-controlled ground transport vans provides an additional level of safety.

Small pets (typically under 8 kg including the carrier) may be permitted in the cabin on some airlines. Large and most medium-sized dogs must travel as cargo. Confirm your airline's specific policy when booking.

A layover "VIP Rest Stop" can be arranged at major hub airports with dedicated pet care facilities: Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Zurich, London Heathrow, New York JFK, Houston, Chicago O'Hare, and San Francisco. These provide veterinary oversight, feeding, and exercise.

Safety becomes the immediate priority. Alternative travel arrangements will be made, including rebooking or arranging temporary boarding. Airlines may also refuse transport if temperatures exceed safe thresholds — this is a safety precaution, not a service failure.

• Non-brachycephalic pets: most airlines refuse transport if temperatures exceed 29°C at any point on the route
• Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets: refused if temperatures exceed 23°C or drop below 7°C

These restrictions apply to ground handling only — not the aircraft cabin.

Yes. Many airlines will not accept pets in cargo if temperatures at any point during the journey exceed or fall below safe thresholds. Routing via airlines with temperature-controlled ground transport avoids most temperature restrictions.

• Travel during cooler months (October–March for most routes)
• Book early morning or late evening flights
• Choose airlines with temperature-controlled ground vans
• For brachycephalic breeds, November–March is strongly recommended

Ground handling only. The risk point is the time spent on the tarmac or in a non-temperature-controlled vehicle. Once on board, the pet compartment is always temperature controlled.

Brachycephalic pets are breeds with short, flat faces and compressed airways. During travel, they face higher risk of breathing difficulties due to restricted airway anatomy, sensitivity to heat and stress, and higher oxygen demand. Many airlines restrict or ban these breeds, particularly in warmer months.

Affenpinscher, American Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (English), Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Presa Canario, Pug, Rottweiler, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Tibetan Spaniel.

British Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian. These breeds face the same restrictions as brachycephalic dogs and should not travel in temperatures above 23°C.

• Full veterinary examination and blood work before travel
• Choose a crate one to two sizes larger than necessary to maximise airflow
• Travel during cooler times (late night, early morning) and seasons (November–March)
• Do not feed your pet for 4–6 hours before travel
• Never use sedatives or tranquilisers

Most airlines restrict or ban brachycephalic breeds when temperatures exceed 23°C at any point on the route. The safest window is November to March. Some airlines (Emirates, Etihad, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines) accept brachycephalic breeds under specific conditions — always check current policies before booking.

No. Sedation is strictly prohibited for pets during air travel. It can impair breathing (especially dangerous at altitude), affect heart function, disrupt balance inside the crate, and mask distress signals. Prepare your pet through crate training instead.

Brachycephalic breeds already have restricted airways. Sedation further suppresses respiratory function and lowers blood pressure — both additionally stressed at altitude. The combination significantly increases the risk of respiratory failure.

If your pet requires medication, consult your veterinarian before travel. Medication can be attached to the outside of the crate with clear instructions. During a layover, airline personnel may administer it — but this cannot be guaranteed. Avoid sedative-type medications entirely.

• Clip your pet's nails — prevents injury inside the crate
• Prepare a familiar-scented item to place inside the crate
• Prepare dry food in a sealed transparent bag for the journey
• Remove collar and ID tags — they can catch on the crate door

Yes. Collars and ID tags can catch on the crate door gate, potentially causing injury. Your pet will be identified through their microchip number and the documentation attached to the crate.

A light meal is recommended. For brachycephalic breeds, do not feed them for 4–6 hours before departure to reduce the risk of vomiting. Water before the flight is acceptable.

• Offer a small portion of food and water one hour after arrival
• A short walk helps release nervous energy
• Monitor closely for 24 hours — some appetite loss is normal
• Re-establish regular feeding and walk schedules as soon as possible

• Confine to one room initially — introduce the rest of the home gradually
• Keep their existing bed and blankets (unwashed) for familiar scents
• Maintain the same feeding times and walk schedule as before
• Keep dogs on a leash when exploring the new neighbourhood for the first few weeks

Before departure, you receive a detailed itinerary by email. During the journey, updates are provided via text, WhatsApp, or email at key milestones — departure, layover arrival, and destination arrival. Photos are shared where possible, though restricted during customs clearance.

Average customs clearance time is 4 to 6 hours after arrival. This is managed by customs officials and cannot be accelerated. You will be kept informed throughout.

No. Photography is restricted during customs clearance due to security regulations. Photos are taken before customs and immediately after clearance is completed.

• Trained staff capable of handling your pet's needs and any medication
• Daily exercise and appropriate diet — confirm what's included
• Clean, secure premises — away from heavy traffic and loud noise
• Vaccination requirements — most reputable facilities require proof before admission

Always visit in person before committing.

Dogs: DHPPL (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis) + Bordetella (kennel cough)

Cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

Confirm specific requirements with your chosen facility.

Most facilities require it. Bordetella spreads easily where multiple dogs are housed together. It is strongly recommended even if not strictly mandatory.