Frequently Asked Questions

We provide a comprehensive “umbrella” of services, but our core service is expert consulting and guidance. This service includes:

• Close Personal Support – A detailed, step-by-step explanation of the entire process and answers to any questions you may have.

• Document Management – Reviewing all existing documents, providing instructions for required veterinary treatments, and assistance with translating vaccination records.

• Flight Crate Customization – Guidance on accurate measurement and recommendations for the best crate or carrier suited for your pet and the airline’s specific requirements (crates and carriers are available for purchase through us).

• Route Planning – Assistance in finding the most optimal and comfortable flight route for your animal.

• Flight Day Preparation – Full guidance on preparing your pet for the flight and navigating the procedures at the airports correctly.

The bottom line: Our expertise is your insurance policy, ensuring the whole family reaches their destination safely, on the first attempt, and without delays.

Many people ask us: “Can’t I just book a ticket and go to the veterinarian on my own?” The answer is that it is possible, but in the world of pet relocation, there is no room for error. Here is why professional guidance is essential:

• Regulations Change Without Notice – Veterinary and airline regulations are dynamic. A requirement that was valid yesterday (such as a specific type of blood test or a particular phrasing in the health certificate) may change today. At Pets2Fly, we are updated on these changes in real-time, saving you from bitter surprises on the day of your flight.

• Preventing “Heartbreak” at the Airport – The check-in counter is the last place you want to discover that the crate is a few centimeters too small, the microchip cannot be read, or a government veterinarian’s signature is missing. Such a mistake means one thing: the pet stays behind, and you are forced to cancel flights and face massive expenses reaching thousands of dollars.

• Personalized Flight Routing – Doing it yourself usually results in simply finding the cheapest ticket. An expert knows how to verify data that a regular travel agent does not: Is there enough time for the ground crew to transfer the dog during a connection? Does the temperature at the layover destination pose a risk to the animal? Is the specific aircraft for this flight even equipped to transport animals?

• Protection Against Quarantine – In many countries, a paperwork error doesn’t just lead to a refusal of entry; it leads to the animal being sent into forced quarantine at your expense. Our support ensures your landing is smooth and fast, without any complications with enforcement authorities at your destination.

• Your Peace of Mind – Relocating abroad is stressful enough. When you entrust the care of your best friend to us, you offload dozens of hours of bureaucracy, phone calls, and unnecessary worries.

We are not an airline. We are a private company specializing in the logistic and bureaucratic management of pet relocation.

We plan the route, assist with booking the flight space, and handle all the necessary permits, while the airlines perform the actual transportation.

Time management is the most critical factor in a successful pet relocation. Unlike a passenger ticket, which can be booked at the last minute, transporting animals depends on medical and bureaucratic requirements with strict timelines.

Our general recommendation: Contact us the moment you know you are moving.

Why shouldn’t you wait until the last minute?

• Flight Availability: Most aircraft have a strict limit of only 2 to 5 animals per flight.

• Waiting Periods: Most countries require a 30-day waiting period after a rabies vaccination, followed by a rabies antibody titer test (which can involve waiting periods of 3 to 6 months!).

• Crate Customization: If a custom-sized crate is required, it is essential to have enough time to order it and acclimate your pet to it.

In short: Even if you are only in the initial planning stages, we recommend contacting us now to save yourself a great deal of stress and unnecessary expenses down the road.

The biggest fear of any traveler with a pet is getting stuck at the check-in counter moments before takeoff. At Pets2Fly, our goal is zero errors, and we are proud to say that we have never had a client’s pet grounded due to missing documentation or a planning mistake.

However, the airport is a dynamic environment, and sometimes the issue isn’t on your end – it’s with the airline. Here is how we ensure everything goes smoothly:

• Professional Support vs. Ground Staff – Often, the representative at the counter may not be fully familiar with the requirements for your specific destination. In cases where the airline staff is unsure about documentation or regulations, we are available for you via Emergency Support. We know how to speak the “professional language” of the airlines, pointing the representative to the relevant clause in the IATA manual to resolve misunderstandings in minutes.

• “Zero Missing Links” Preparation – The reason we maintain a flawless record is our strict methodology. We don’t send you to the airport until we are 100% certain that every detail in the paperwork is perfect, your pet meets all medical requirements, and the flight crate is fully compliant.

• Industry Experience and Connections – Our experience allows us to anticipate potential “landmines” in advance. Thanks to the relationships we have built with station managers and airlines, we know exactly who to contact to expedite processes and prevent logistical delays in real-time.

• Real-Time Availability – On your flight day, you are not alone. If any question or ambiguity arises with security, the airport veterinarian, or the ground crew – we are just a phone call away to provide the necessary professional response and ensure check-in ends with a smile.

Our professionalism is your peace of mind. We ensure you arrive at the counter so well-prepared that even if the airline representative is surprised, we have all the answers ready for them.

The short answer is yes, but it depends on three main factors: weight, size, and airline policy.

For your pet to be eligible to fly with you in the cabin, the following conditions must be met:

• Weight Limit – Most airlines allow pets in the cabin if their total weight, including the carrier, does not exceed 8 kg (though a few airlines allow up to 9 or even 10 kg). Remember: the weight of the bag and any accessories inside is included in this total.

• Approved Pet Carrier – Your pet must remain inside an approved soft-sided carrier throughout the entire flight. The carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, while still allowing the animal to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

• Airline and Destination Policy – Not every airline permits pets in the cabin, and not every destination allows it. For example, flights to countries like the UK or Australia require all animals (except for specific service dogs) to fly as manifest cargo only, regardless of their weight.

This is one of the most common concerns, and understanding the technical layout of the aircraft will help you rest easy during the flight. It is important to understand how the plane is structured:

• Air Pressure and Oxygen – Although your pet travels in the cargo hold (where suitcases are located), this space is an integral part of the aircraft’s pressurized fuselage. Therefore, the air pressure and oxygen supply in the hold are identical to those you receive in the passenger cabin.

• Temperature Control – Pilots control the temperature of the cargo holds directly from the cockpit. Once an airline approves a pet for transport in the hold, the systems are set to maintain a stable, comfortable temperature.

• Separation and Safety – While an aircraft isn’t built specifically as a “pet hotel,” the area where travel crates are placed is a designated section of the hold. Crates are secured to the floor using specialized tie-down straps to prevent movement, and there is typically a separation (using nets or partitions) from other luggage to ensure free airflow around the crate.

• Quiet and Dark – Unlike the noisy and brightly lit passenger cabin, the cargo hold is dark and relatively quiet (aside from the steady hum of the engines). For most pets, these conditions actually help them enter a state of relaxation and sleep for the majority of the flight.

One of the most frequent questions we receive is about the price, and the complex answer is: there is no fixed price. A flight ticket for a dog or cat is not a shelf product; it is determined by a combination of several technical and logistical parameters.

Here are the main factors that make up the cost:

• Weight and Dimensions (Volumetric Weight) – Unlike a human passenger, the price for a pet in the cargo hold is determined by the total weight (pet + crate) and the size of the crate (Length x Width x Height). The larger the crate, the more valuable space it occupies on the aircraft, and the price increases accordingly.

• Shipping Method – The cost varies significantly based on how the pet travels. Flying in the cabin is the least expensive option. Conversely, flying as Manifest Cargo (air freight) is much more expensive and can reach thousands of dollars.

• Airline and Route – Every airline has a completely different price list. One company might charge a low fee for pets but a high price for the human passenger ticket, while for another, it may be the opposite. Additionally, direct flights are usually more expensive than flights with layovers, but they are often safer and more comfortable for the animal.

• Destination Country – Each country has its own entry fees and veterinary taxes. Certain countries require additional inspections or “handling fees” upon landing, which must be factored into your total budget.

Why should you get a quote from Pets2Fly? Because of this complexity, many pet owners discover at the last minute that the price they planned for has spiked due to a mistake in measuring the crate or choosing the wrong airline.

The topic of nutrition and hydration during a flight is governed by strict international regulations, requiring a delicate balance between the animal’s comfort and its medical safety. Here is everything you need to know:

• Water – A mandatory requirement. According to IATA regulations, water containers must be installed inside the crate. Water is the most critical element for preventing dehydration and helping the animal regulate its body temperature. We ensure the installation of specialized bowls or dispensers that attach to the crate door; this allows ground crews to refill them with fresh water from the outside without opening the crate and risking a pet escape.

• Food – Less is more. Unlike water, feeding during a flight is generally not recommended. There are several medical reasons for this: preventing nausea and vomiting, reducing pressure on the digestive system, and maintaining hygiene within the crate.

Yes, this is absolutely true, and it is one of the most critical factors in flight planning.

In the aviation world, this is known as a “Temperature Embargo.“ These are seasonal restrictions that certain airlines impose on transporting pets in the cargo hold (whether as excess baggage or manifest cargo). The purpose of these restrictions is simple: the absolute protection of your pet’s life.

The short answer is – absolutely not. While the internet is full of information, relying on unofficial or outdated guides is one of the biggest risks you can take when flying a pet. Here is why it is a dangerous “gamble”:

• Dynamic Regulations – Countries update their entry requirements frequently. A change in a country’s health status (such as a rabies outbreak or a new parasite) can lead to an immediate change in procedures that isn’t always reflected in blogs or private websites.

• Veterinary Precision – Import and export documents are legal documents. A minor error, such as a vaccination date that doesn’t follow the required chronological order, can invalidate the entire medical file.

• Quarantine (The scenario everyone fears) – If an inconsistency is discovered during border control at your destination, authorities will not permit entry. In the best-case scenario, the animal will be sent to a long-term quarantine at your expense (which can last weeks or months in isolation). In the worst-case scenario, the pet could be deported to the country of origin or face the threat of euthanasia.

• Specific Formats – Every country has its own specific forms. Using an outdated form or an invalid version will lead to the document being rejected outright by the government veterinarian or customs officials.

Our recommendation: Do not rely on the “past experiences” of users in Facebook groups. A safe relocation process requires guidance from experts who consult directly with international veterinary authorities in real-time to ensure a smooth transition without unnecessary delays.

Flying brachycephalic breeds – such as Bulldogs (English, French, American), Pugs, Boxers, and others – is one of the most complex challenges in the world of pet relocation. The risk is not merely “technical,” but a significant health and safety concern.

Why are they at higher risk?

• Respiratory Syndrome – Due to the anatomical structure of these breeds (shortened muzzles, narrow nostrils, and elongated soft palates), airflow to the lungs is naturally restricted. In situations of stress, anxiety, or excitement common during travel, the breathing rate increases, and the animal struggles to cool its body efficiently.

• Temperature Sensitivity – Dogs and cats cool themselves through panting. In flat-faced breeds, this cooling mechanism is far less effective. A slight rise in temperature in the cargo hold or during tarmac wait times can quickly lead to fatal heatstroke.

• Air Pressure Changes – Changes in atmospheric pressure during the flight can exacerbate existing respiratory difficulties and lead to acute respiratory distress.

• Airline Policies – Due to these health risks and potential legal liability, many airlines have tightened their regulations: some refuse to fly these breeds altogether, while others only permit them under strict limitations.

You can find more information about flying flat-faced dogs in the following article: Flying Brachycephalic Dogs.

The answer is a definitive no. While it is understandable that owners want to “spare” their pets the stress of travel, administering sedatives or tranquilizers before a flight is dangerous and strictly prohibited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and most veterinarians worldwide.

Why are sedatives dangerous during a flight?

• Impact on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate – Sedatives affect the cardiovascular system. Combined with atmospheric pressure changes at high altitudes, an animal’s blood pressure can drop to life-threatening levels.

• Respiratory Depression – Many medications slow down the breathing rate. In a cargo hold environment, where oxygen levels and airflow differ from the ground, this can lead to severe respiratory distress or even death.

• Loss of Balance and Reflexes – Under sedation, animals lose their ability to stabilize themselves inside the crate during turbulence or air pockets. They may get bruised or injured without the ability to react and protect themselves.

• Choking Hazard – A sedated animal may vomit (due to motion sickness) and be unable to clear its own airways, creating an immediate risk of choking.

What do we recommend instead? Rather than taking medical risks, we focus on solutions that ensure the animal’s well-being without endangering its life:

• Early Crate Training – This is the most effective tool. The more your pet feels that the crate is their “safe space” weeks before the flight, the significantly lower their anxiety will be on travel day.

• Natural Essences – You can use plant-based products (such as Rescue Remedy for pets) or pheromone sprays that emit a scientifically proven calming scent inside the crate.

• A Familiar Scent – Placing a piece of the owner’s clothing inside the crate provides the animal with a sense of security and familiarity throughout the journey.

Remember: Our goal is for your pet to land at its destination healthy and alert. Sedatives can turn a temporary state of stress into a mid-air medical emergency.

A chronic illness is not necessarily a barrier to flying, but it does require significantly more rigorous medical and logistical preparation. Our goal is to ensure that the flight does not exacerbate the animal’s condition and that their medication routine remains as consistent as possible.

Essential steps for a safe flight:

• Pre-Travel Veterinary Consultation – The first step is a meeting with your primary veterinarian to assess if your pet’s medical condition is “balanced” and stable. An animal experiencing active seizures or unstable glucose levels will struggle with the stresses of travel. Your vet will need to provide an official medical certificate (in English) detailing their condition and their fitness for the journey.

• Medication Management During Travel – Medication schedules must be planned well in advance. If the pet is flying in the cargo hold, it is impossible to administer medication during the flight itself. Therefore, we may recommend shorter flight routes or longer layovers (connections) that allow access to the animal and the administration of medical care at designated transit points.

• Preparing for the Destination Country – It is vital to ensure you have at least a one-month supply of medication upon arrival, along with the relevant prescriptions. The exact medication may not always be available in every country, and it often takes time to register with a local veterinarian.

• Notifying the Airline and Crew – In certain cases, we will inform the airline of the animal’s special condition to ensure extra attention during waiting and loading periods.

• Nutrition and Hydration Adjustments – For pets with kidney issues or diabetes, for example, the management of fluids and food before and during the flight is critical. We will guide you exactly when to offer water and how to prepare the crate so that the animal remains maximally hydrated.

The bottom line: With proper planning and professional guidance, most pets with chronic illnesses complete their flights safely and join their families at their new destination. Do not withhold medical information – the more we know in advance, the safer the route we can build for them.

This is one of the strictest rules in the international bureaucracy of pet relocation. As far as customs and veterinary authorities abroad are concerned, if a rabies vaccine was administered before the microchip was implanted, the vaccine simply does not exist.

Here are the primary reasons for this specific order of operations:

• Identity Verification – The rabies vaccine is a legal and health requirement to protect public health. To ensure that the authorities at your destination are certain that the dog in front of them is the same dog that received the documented vaccine, there must be an inseparable link between them. The microchip serves as the animal’s “ID card”; without it, there is no way to prove the vaccine was given to this specific animal and not another.

• International Regulation – In most countries, the law dictates that a vaccine is only valid if performed after the official identification of the animal via an electronic microchip. If medical records show a microchip implantation date that is later than the vaccination date, the receiving country will treat the animal as “unvaccinated.”

• Rabies Antibody Titer Test (RNATT) – If you are flying to a country that requires a blood test for rabies antibodies, the laboratory must include the microchip number on the test results. If the microchip was not present at the time of vaccination, the entire blood testing process (which is costly and time-consuming) may be disqualified.

What if my pet was already vaccinated before receiving a microchip? In such a case, there is no choice but to “re-vaccinate.” Please note that in many instances, you will need to wait for an additional waiting period (usually 21–30 days) from the new vaccination until the flight date.

Our Tip: Always ask your veterinarian to scan the microchip before administering the vaccine, and ensure the exact microchip number is explicitly recorded in the vaccination booklet.