Your To-Do List For A Safe Trip With Your Little Furry Friend
In your long list of important tasks to prepare your expatriation, there is one which is particularly stressful: your little doggy or kitten overseas trip preparation! Administration, safety, comfort… from what you need to do weeks before the trip to the last minute things to keep in mind, here is what you will need to remember.
Rules and regulations in your country of destination
- Check with your vet or the embassy of your destination to avoid any surprise. Some countries request veterinary certificates, quarantine, a European passport or other proofs of good health.
- Your vet should also give you advices for vaccinations and check if your pet is young enough and in good health for the trip
Identification
- Mandatory for dogs and cats, check it before leaving
Medication
- Don’t pick something on your own. Some drugs can be effective on the ground but very harmful with the flight pressure. Ask your vet what can be given and when to lower the stress or sickness
- Prepare a first-aid kit including regular medication
Booking your flight
- Inform your airline company before booking the flight. Some companies limit the amount of pets in the cabin per flight, the weight limit may also differ.
- In the main cabin or in the cargo compartment? If travelling in the cargo compartment your pet should be placed next to other ones having similar behaviors to avoid additional stress. Temperature, pressure and lights should be adapted to guarantee a safe and nice trip to your little friend
- Ask where and when you should drop off your pet before departure.
- Call back 3 days before the flight to confirm your pet ticket.
Direct flight or layovers?
- Limit to the minimum the amount of layovers
- In case you flight with several airlines, check the all apply the same policies for pets flying in the cabin
- Is your pet allowed in a smaller plane?
Which container?
- Check what the size should be with your airline company
- Your pet should be able to move, lay down and get up. Water and food need to be inside the container
- Don’t forget to write your contact details on the container
- Test the container a few days before and leave a small toy inside or a cloth with your perfume on it
On D-Day
- Give your pet some water 2 hours before the flight
- Let him run for a while before putting him in the container
At your destination
- Find a quiet place for your pet to have a rest, and make sure you pet him for a while and comfort him. Have him stay inside for a few days.
- Use a collar with your current address and phone number
- Don’t be afraid if he doesn’t eat that much as stress and heat can modify his appetite