Pet Travel Preparation

Pets can be very perceptive, they almost seem to know what we are thinking sometimes, so in the lead up to a move, it’s important to try to keep your pet as calm as possible.

  1. Try to be as relaxed as possible when around your pet, and go about your normal daily business. As the move gets closer, there a few things you can do to ensure and your fur baby for is prepared for a safe and comfortable journey.

  2. Have a Vet checkup to ensure a your pets has a clean bill of health, and make sure all your pets’ vaccinations are up to date. For overseas travel, you may be required to have a specific set of vaccinations depending on the destination country (Dogtainers Pet Transport can clarify the requirements with you).

  3. Keep your pet’s vaccination history and any other relevant documentation available, and make sure it’s not somewhere likely to be packed away. Dogtainers may require these documents when booking flights, boarding kennels and applying for the relevant permits from government agencies or third parties. 

  4. Have a soft item with a familiar smell to place inside the crate with your pet. An old shirt, a soft toy or blanket that your pet is used to will help your pet get familiarized with the crate and will limit the distress on move day.

  5. Make sure your pets is acclimatized to the travel crate prior to travel. We recommend introducing your pet to the travel crate in a positive environment, where your pet is most at ease in the household. This will help them develop a positive association with the travel crate, and overall comfort during the transport. In most cases, having the crate delivered to your residence several days before departure is included in the international service offering. You can enquire about this with your Dogtainers consultant. 

Frequently asked questions

Should I sedate my pets before the flight?

We receive this question from many pet owners, especially those that feel their pets are more anxious than others, and the answer is a resounding no. Sedation and altitude are not a good mix. Animals can become easy dehydrated, disorientated and suffer from travel sickness. It can also make it difficult to assess your pet’s wellbeing when they arrive at their destination.

We do recommend that you do not feed your pet 6 hours prior to travel day to help avoid your pet getting travel sickness. We also recommend talking your dog for a walk or run prior to the flight to stretch their legs.

What size travel crate should I use when transporting my pet?

It is vitally important that the crate is a suitable size for your particular pet. This means that the crate must not be too small, or too big. A crate that is oversized can result in the animal being to unsettled if the flight is to suffer turbulence, and a crate that is too small will likely be rejected from traveling by an airline, not to mention the discomfort of your fur baby during the flight. Dogtainers are experts at travel crate sizing and can provide a full range of IATA approved travel crates. For a comprehensive guide on choosing the correct travel crate, visit https://www.dogtainers.com.au/crate-info/

Where do pets travel on the plane?

Pets travel in a compartment which is usually towards the rear of the aircraft. This compartment is climate controlled with the temperature usually being set at 18 degrees by the captain of that particular aircraft.

For more frequently asked questions and expert pet travel advice, contact Dogtainers Pet Transport  

https://www.dogtainers.com.au/frequently-asked-questions/