Whether you're moving or just taking your favourite four-legged companion on a holiday, Flight Centre can help ensure the fur doesn't fly on your pet's journey. Sit, stay and read up on hassle-free pet travel.
Before the Flight
Visit the vet
The first step in pet travel is taking your furry friend to the vet for a check-up. For airlines to accept your pet for travel, they must be more than eight weeks old, appear to be in good health and not show signs of undue aggression.
The vet will assess your pet’s health and make sure their vaccinations, worming and flea and tick treatments are up-to-date. Ask the vet to provide a certificate for a clean bill of health as you may be required to show it when you check your pet in for their journey.
Should I sedate my cat or dog prior to travel?
Most vets do not recommend sedating your pet prior to travel and airlines may not accept a sedated animal. There are natural calmers to help your pet if they are particularly anxious or hyperactive, but this should be discussed with your vet during your pre-flight visit.
Organise your container
All pets must travel in containers approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). When it comes to containers (also called crates, pet packs or carriers) you may choose to hire one or purchase your own from a company such as Dogtainers, depending on how often your pet is likely to travel.
For domestic and short-haul journeys, plastic and steel mesh containers are the norm, while metal or wooden crates may be more suitable for animals such as large dogs if they are travelling long-haul. Make sure there is plenty of room for your pet to stand up fully and lie down inside.
Containers come in various shapes, sizes and styles and include secured drinking cups so your pet can stay hydrated during the journey. Some containers are already fitted with protective kennel mats which can absorb liquids and odours, but you may have to purchase this item separately.
Get your pet used to their travel quarters
Getting your pet comfortable with their container is the best thing you can do to calm their nerves (and your own!). Put their favourite toy or a comfort item such as an old shirt with your smell on it in the container and encourage them to sleep in it, explore it and become comfortable with it at
home. Taking your pet on a few short drives in the container may also help them become used to travelling in it.
On-the-day pet travel checklist
During the Flight
Where does my pet stay?
After you check your pet in (at least 90- to 120-minutes prior to departure), they will be taken to the freight/cargo area. Airlines have staff trained in pet travel who will care for your precious cargo on their journey.
If your furry friend is accepted as cargo or checked baggage, they will be travelling securely in the aircraft hold – a climate controlled space perfectly safe for animals. The hold is usually located under the main cabin or at the front or rear of some aircraft. The area is pressurised, just like the cabin, and most pets sleep comfortably during the trip.
Will my pet be checked on during the flight?
The cabin crew do not access the hold during the flight, but the ground staff will ensure your pet is securely loaded on board and are unloaded as soon as possible after landing.
After the Flight
Check with your Flight Centre consultant to find out where you can collect your four-legged traveller after their sky-high journey. Like check-in, some airlines may require you to go to the cargo/freight section as opposed to the checked baggage area.
Seasoned pet travel pros recommend taking some wet wipes to clean the container (and your pooch or puss) at their destination. After they are out and about, give them a little light exercise, keep them hydrated and treat them to a good meal.
Before the Flight
Visit the Vet
Much the same as domestic pet travel, the first step in organising your furry friend’s big adventure abroad is booking in a visit to the vet. As well as giving your cat or dog a clean bill of health with up-to-date vaccinations, worming and flea and tick treatments, the vet may be required to
dminister some extra checks for international travel.
Be sure to visit an certified vet well in advance of your trip, at least 30 days prior to travel. The vet may need to vaccinate your pet for rabies depending on your country of origin, take blood tests and write a note for you to submit to the appropriate government body.
It is not recommended to sedate your pet prior to travel and your airline may not accept sedated animals and sedation can cause dehydration, but your vet may be able to provide a natural calmer if your pet is anxious or especially active.
Travel Tip: Some countries require pets to be microchipped for identification so organise with your vet to have this done if you haven't already.
Organise your container
All animal containers must comply with the specifications of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), including a sturdy construction and enough space for your pet to stand, turn and lie down.
Most airlines require your pet’s travel abode to be made of metal or wood, as larger animals can potentially breakthrough plastic crates. Containers (or crates, carriers or kennels) must not be collapsible if they are to be stored in the cargo hold, must have a secure door that can be locked and must be leak-proof with suitable rubber matting inside that absorbs liquids and odours.
Long-haul containers should have separate food and water dishes attached inside the kennel, and it’s a good idea to include a favourite toy or comfort item to keep your pet feeling safe. Containers can be hired or purchased from dedicated pet travel companies such as Dogtainers, or sometimes even from the airline themselves.
Travel Tip: Make sure to label your pet's carrier with your name, contact details, destination details, and attach a bag of food and feeding details for ground staff upon arrival.
Permits and paperwork
The process to send pets internationally can be a complex and arduous one and should be started well in advance of travel – sometimes at least six months beforehand. Your Flight Centre consultant can help you along with this process and ensure all the right boxes are ticked and the journey is
a smooth one.
There will be different forms depending on the country you are entering to be arranged through the appropriate government body.
International pet travel checklist
During the Flight
Where does my pet stay?
Like domestic travel, your pet will be placed in the cargo hold under the main cabin seating or sometimes in the front or rear of the plane, depending on the aircraft. The hold is climate controlled and pressurised for the comfort of your pet, but some international aircraft do not accept pets in
extremely hot or cold weather in consideration of their welfare.
Pets as carry-on
Believe it or not, some international airlines actually allow pets as a carry-on! It does depend on the destination, but some flights in the US and Europe do allow you to keep your small pampered pup or purring pal with you in the cabin.
Pets must stay in their carrier at all times during the flight and there are limits to how many animals can travel in the cabin at one time so check with your Flight Centre consultant to find out all the fine details about treating your pet to an onboard journey.
After the Flight
Quarantine
New Zealand is free from many diseases that affect cats and dogs in other places and, in turn, affect native animals and livestock. When your pets return to Australia from another country, they must stay in quarantine for at least 10 days, sometimes up to a few weeks if they need to be tested or treated for disease.
Your pet may be placed in quarantine both to and from New Zealand. Don't worry, your pets will be well cared for and comfortable during their time in quarantine.
Travel Tip: You can arrange for your pet to be transported from the quarantine location to your home address when they are given the all clear.
Dogtainers - Special Animals, Special Transport
Dogtainers are a leading pet transport supplier and the preferred pet carrier of Flight Centre. With services right across Australia and New Zealand from capital cities to regional hubs, Dogtainers aim to be the easiest and most cost efficient way of getting your furry family member to where they need to be.
Dogtainers have more than 40 years experience in pet travel so you can be sure your little friend is in safe hands. Taking out the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) award for excellent service in 2012, Dogtainers pride themselves on an ethical and caring approach to pet travel and Flight Centre is proud to be working with them.
Where is Dogtainers located?
Dogtainers have 3 domestic offices located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Dogtainers can also arrange a door-to-door service for your pet to be picked up at their home address and dropped off to a specified address by a professional and pet-friendly handler.
What sort of animals can Dogtainers transport?
Dogtainers are well versed in transporting family pets, but can also arrange travel for the wider animal kingdom (including but not limited to pot-belly pigs and giant worms). With experience in handling rare species, zoological animals, birds, reptiles and all animals great and small, there’s virtually no critter Dogtainers can’t send by air, road or sea. Dogtainers and Flight Centre understand how important your pet is to you and will do everything possible to provide a smooth, safe and comfortable trip.
Can I buy or rent a crate from Dogtainers?
Yes, definitely. Dogtainers has an extensive range of crates/cages/carriers for all sorts of animals that can either be hired or purchased if your pet is likely to travel more than once. Dogtainers works closely with airports and airlines to ensure their crates are all 'IATA approved' for travel, and can even arrange custom-built crates for any animals out of the ordinary.
Most pets such as cats and dogs will travel in plastic or steel mesh containers that are suited to their breed, size and route travelled (international journeys may require a sturdier or more spacious abode). Your pet should be able to stand fully inside their crate and have the ability to turn around and lie down. Dogtainers work to ensure the journey is as stress-free for your pet as possible and finding the right crate is a big part of that.
Does Dogtainers do international pet transport?
Yes, Dogtainers and Flight Centre can take care of both domestic and international pet transport. International destinations serviced by Dogtainers include cities across Europe, Asia, North and South America, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. To date, more than 30,000 animals have been safely transported around the world by Dogtainers.
Does Dogtainers take care of the paperwork?
Yes, Dogtainers’ staff are highly experienced when it comes to the rigmarole of animal transit. Whether it’s import permits and veterinary clearances for international transport, quarantine documentation or special permits for birds travelling between states, Dogtainers can offer advice or arrange all the important documents for your pet’s journey.
Dogtainers together with your Flight Centre consultant can also put together a customised travel plan to best suit yours and your pet's needs. With an extensive national and international network of depots, partners and affiliates, Dogtainers is the easiest way to get your cuddly creature from point A to point B with no muss, no fuss.
How do I book my pet travel with Dogtainers?
As Dogtainers is the preferred pet travel carrier of Flight Centre, your travel consultant can arrange everything for you when you make your booking. Whether your pet is travelling with you on holiday, you’re adding a new interstate member to the family or relocating abroad, Flight Centre and Dogtainers will be with you every step of the way and are always available to help.
Together, we can sort out the quickest flight route, provide details you need to know at the airport, arrange pick-up or drop-off services and offer expert advice along the way for a safe and enjoyable journey.