Travel World International

For common household pets – namely cats and dogs – there are a number of considerations. Before calling the airline have the answer to the following questions:
-Is your pet going to travel within your own country, or will it be travelling internationally?
-When do you want your pet to travel?
-What is your pet's size and weight?
-How many animals will be travelling?
-Is your pet to be accompanied?
-Do you intend to break the journey, or stopover at an intermediate station?
-What is the pet's final destination?
-Do you have a suitable container for your pet?

Check the IATA Travel Centre Country Information section for customs regulations about travelling with pets.

Most airlines require a health certificate for any animal they are transporting, whether in the cabin or as an unaccompanied shipment. 

Check the IATA Travel Centre Country Information section for customs regulations about travelling with pets.

To prepare your pet, reduce the quantity of food the day before but give it enough water. You should take your dog for a walk before leaving for the airport and again before check-in. A light meal 2 hours before tendering the animal to the carrier will help to calm it and is a legal requirement in the United States. 

Check the IATA Travel Centre Country Information section for customs regulations about travelling with pets.

Small dogs and cats may be allowed in the cabin, depending on airline policy. Some airlines will not allow pets in the cabin and will transport them in a heated and ventilated hold. Typically, cats and dogs actually travel better in the baggage hold because it is quieter and they will rest in a darkened environment

In addition, depending on the country of departure and destination, service animals (which are not pets and are defined as working animals that assist persons with disabilities) may be allowed (by law) to travel in the cabin. 

Check the IATA Travel Centre Country Information section for customs regulations about travelling with pets.

Transport of snub nose dogs, such as boxers, pugs, bulldogs and Pekinese, in hot season is notrecommended. These animals have difficulty in maintaining a normal body temperature in hot weather.

Check the IATA Travel Centre Country Information section for customs regulations about travelling with pets.

The more advance notice the better as some airlines restrict the number of animals on a flight. Contact the airline you have selected to confirm that they accept your pet on the day and flight that you prefer. Reconfirm at least 48 hours before departure. Also it’s a good idea to find out how soon before the flight you have to check in. Pets become stressed with all the bustle at an airport, so keep it to a minimum. If your pet is allowed in the cabin, check in as late as possible. If it is going in the hold, check in early so that it can go to the baggage area and be put somewhere quiet and dimly lit in order to relax. 

Check the IATA Travel Centre Country Information section for customs regulations about travelling with pets.

The same general advice applies. Additionally, check with the airline to ensure the air freight facility is open so your pet may be claimed by the consignee. Also note that it is preferable to ship your pet on week days as more staff are working and liaison is easier all along the route.

You will find additional information, on the Traveller Pet Corner of our corporate site, as well as on the customs regulations section of your destination country.