International Pet Relocation Essentials

Travelling with a pet is a common occurrence these days, given how pets are a part of the modern family unit. Whether you're a first-time traveller or a frequent one, there are certain pet travel essentials that you will require on your journey. Some of them are for convenience, while others are for safety and security norm compliance. Here are a few essentials every pet parent should have before international pet travel.

1.ISO Pet Microchip

A pet microchip is an electronic identification chip. Roughly the size of a single rice grain, these chips serve as permanent proof of identification for your pet. During international travel with a pet, nearly every country cites a microchip as a mandatory import requirement, so you should microchip your pet at the earliest if you haven’t already. Such chips require no batteries, charging or electricity, and no maintenance for life. Remember to choose the ISO 11784/11785 variety of microchips, which is the standard for household pets worldwide.

2.Pet Passport

As the name implies, a pet passport is a collection of documents, which include your pet’s health certificate, vaccination record, and insurance paperwork (if any). Any treatments against rabies or internal/external parasites must also be mentioned in this passport. Completing this passport is important as it is a mandatory import requirement, so make sure you keep this document up to date ahead of any travel.

3.IATA-Accredited Fiber Per Crate

The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) has certain guidelines regarding the container in which pets travel. Since some pets cannot fit in the cabin under a seat, and since most international airlines require pets to travel in the cargo hold, you will need an IATA-approved fibre crate. Made of fibreglass and metal, these crates range between 21 and 48 inches in size and are mandatory for pet travel by air. Such a crate is strong, ventilated, and bespoke for pet travel, also useful when you need to carry your pet on a road trip or to the veterinarian.

4.Food and Water Bowls

IATA-accredited crates are designed with travel in mind, so they have attachments on the mesh door for food and water bowls. You can attach food to the crate so your pet can be refreshed before their flight, while water can be frozen to make sure they aren’t thirsty.

5.Absorbent Mats

While international guidelines will prohibit the carriage of any personal items like toys inside a crate, an absorbent mat can be placed inside to ensure the crate remains dry in case of any bathroom accidents on the way. If you crate train your pet with these mats already in place, you’ll have the bonus of the mats being a familiar scent and sight to your pet.

6.Harness/Leash & Collar

While most owners will already have dog tags on their pet's collar, it is a useful item to help identify your pet without a microchip scanner. It will also help you tell two similar-looking pets apart in case of a mix-up in a lounge or terminal.

Planning for a journey always smoothens it out. Make sure to keep these essentials handy if you're thinking about travelling with your pet, as they will serve to make your travel a hassle-free experience. Contact your airline to clarify any doubts about the process or your itinerary or book a pet relocation service and let the professionals take care of it for you.