TRAVEL TIPS
Prepare your pet like a pro.
A 12-week countdown of vet-approved actions — so your pet boards calm, prepared, and ready for adventure.
By species
Dogs
- Crate-train 4–6 weeks before departure with positive reinforcement.
- Confirm rabies titer ≥ 30 days before EU/UK arrival.
- Microchip ISO 11784/11785 — verify scanner compatibility.
- No food 4h before departure; water access until 2h before.
- Pack a worn t-shirt with your scent inside the crate.
Cats
- Use a soft IATA-approved carrier with rigid base for cabin travel.
- Acclimate to carrier 3 weeks in advance (open carrier in living room).
- Skip food 6h before departure to reduce nausea.
- Line carrier with absorbent pad + familiar blanket.
- Synthetic pheromone spray 30 minutes before pickup.
Birds
- Confirm CITES paperwork at least 21 days in advance.
- Use a covered, well-ventilated travel cage with secure perch.
- Provide hydrating fruit (cucumber, apple) — skip water bowls in transit.
- Maintain 22–26°C; cover one side of the cage for security.
- Avoid sedatives entirely — alters respiration at altitude.
Rabbits & Small Pets
- Travel with a fresh hay supply and absorbent bedding.
- Pack a frozen water bottle wrapped in cloth in summer.
- Avoid feeding pellets 1h before to reduce GI stress.
- Use a hard-sided ventilated carrier with hide-pocket.
- Schedule a quiet pickup window — rabbits stress in noise.
12-week countdown
12 WEEKS BEFORE
Vaccinations & microchip
Confirm rabies + species-specific schedule, verify ISO microchip readability.
8 WEEKS BEFORE
Paperwork submission
Begin USDA / EU passport / import permit applications via our compliance desk.
4 WEEKS BEFORE
Crate training
Daily crate sessions with treats and worn-clothing scent items.
TRAVEL DAY
Calm pickup & handover
Light meal 6h prior, exercise 1h before, calm goodbye — your transporter takes it from there.