Shipping Your Pet Abroad: What to Do (and What Will Get You Rejected at Check-In)

Flying a pet internationally isn't like checking a suitcase. Get the small things wrong and your pet either gets pulled from the flight, or worse, has a rough journey. Here's what actually matters on flight day.

What to Do

Do This	Why It Matters
Walk or run your pet before drop-off	They'll be in the crate for 24+ hours between check-in, layovers, and pickup. Tire them out first.
Feed them 6 hours before the flight	Reduces the risk of an upset stomach or motion sickness mid-air.
Let them familiarize with the crate for a few days prior	A pet that's never seen the crate before flight day will panic inside it. Start early.
Leave a worn t-shirt, toy, or blanket with your scent in the crate	Familiar smell keeps them calmer during a stressful, disorienting trip.
Spend extra time with them in the days leading up	Reduces separation anxiety before the disruption of travel.
Use an IATA-compliant crate, sized so they can stand, turn, and lie down	This is the single biggest reason pets get rejected at check-in — not paperwork, crate sizing. We will let you know if it is compliant on the survey day.
Book a direct flight where possible	Layovers mean more tarmac time, more handling, more chances for delay-related stress or heat exposure.

What Not to Do

Don't Do This	Why
Don't add trackers (AirTags, etc.) to the collar	Several airlines confiscate or remove these mid-transit - they're often flagged as unauthorized devices.
Don't add supplements or medication to their food without vet disclosure	Undisclosed substances can cause serious complications, and most airlines require full disclosure to the handler. Failure to do so can result to your pet being offloaded at transit.
Don't sedate your pet before the flight	Sedation lowers blood pressure, which combined with high cargo-hold altitude can be fatal. Only a vet can authorize this, and only with a certificate stating the medical reason.
Don't book during peak heat months if avoidable	Airlines enforce heat embargoes for a reason — tarmac temperatures are dangerous for animals in crates.
Don't ship snub-nosed breeds (pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats) without checking the airline's breed policy first	Brachycephalic breeds have restricted airways and many carriers outright refuse to fly them.
Don't use a second-hand, damaged, or non-IATA crate	Ground staff will reject it at check-in, and you'll lose your booking slot.
Don't overpack the crate with bedding, toys, and bowls	Extra clutter shifts around during handling and can trap or injure the pet. Keep it minimal — one comfort item is enough.

The Bottom Line

Most pet shipping problems aren't dramatic — they're avoidable mistakes at check-in: wrong crate size, missed heat embargo, undisclosed medication, or a breed the airline won't fly. Handle those, and the flight itself is usually the easy part.

If you're relocating and want someone who handles the crate compliance, customs, and airline coordination for you, Orient manages pet relocation end-to-end — from prep to pickup on the other side.