Global Standards for Pet Air Travel: Why They Matter & What’s Changing

Why Global Standards for Pet Air Travel Are Critical

Whether you’re relocating halfway across the world or shipping a pet to join you abroad, the experience can be stressful — especially when rules change mid-route. Right now, there is no single, binding global standard for how pets should be transported by air. But that’s changing.

In September 2025, as stated by Reuters, Colombia formally petitioned ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) to establish consistent guidelines for pet transport. The push emerged after several high-profile animal deaths during flights, and the recognition that gaps in regulation expose animals to unnecessary risk.

For pet transporters, this means the possibility of more predictable vetting, handling, and safety protocols — wherever you travel. At Relopet International, we welcome these changes: they support what we already do behind the scenes, and will help raise the baseline for the entire industry.

What’s Driving the Push for International Pet Travel Rules

The Case from Colombia

Colombia’s proposal to ICAO highlights two major concerns:

Though ICAO cannot directly force nations to adopt rules, the organization creates standards that many member countries tend to follow. That means if new guidelines are accepted, they could ripple through aviation regulation globally.

Existing Standards — What We Rely On

Until now, the industry has used IATA’s Live Animals Regulations (LAR) as a de facto standard for pet cargo handling. These rules cover crate dimensions, handling procedures, labelling, and pet welfare during transport.

But IATA’s standards aren’t enforced by all governments. That’s where ICAO’s potential framework could add weight — making some rules legally expected rather than voluntary.

How Rare Are Deaths During Pet Cargo Transit?

While stories of pets dying during transport capture headlines, the majority of air cargo moves pets without incident. According to data referenced by Reuters, incidents remain rare even as pet travel volume increases.

Still, “rare” doesn’t mean impossible. Many of the risks arise from extremes — poor temperature control, improper crate design, or mis-handling during loading/transit. That’s exactly why stronger global standards matter: to reduce risk even further.

How Relopet International Prepares Now & Stays Ahead

We believe in doing more than “just enough” to transport pets — we treat it as a responsibility. Here’s how Relopet International already aligns with the direction global rules may take:

Beyond minimum crate requirements.
We use climate-rated, airline- and cargo-approved crates, often exceeding basic specs.
Strict vet and documentation protocols.
We schedule health checks, documentation, and export/import permits early and precisely.
Route and handling oversight.
We closely vet airline partners, monitor transit schedules, and choose routes to minimize layovers and exposure to extreme conditions.
Continuous learning & adaptation.
As the ICAO proposal evolves, we will adapt our workflows to match or exceed new standards.

When stricter global standards for pet air travel arrive, we’ll be ahead of the curve — committed to even higher safety, transparency, and trust for every pet journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Global Standards for Pet Air Travel

Will ICAO’s new standards be legally binding?

No — ICAO can’t force member states to adopt its standards. But many countries voluntarily align with ICAO’s guidance, making it influential and often widely followed. Reuters

What role does IATA already play in pet transport?

IATA publishes the Live Animals Regulations (LAR), a widely recognized set of best practices for safely transporting live animals by air. But these are voluntary and not universally enforced. IATA+1

We celebrated a significant milestone as the Canadian Choice Award 2025 Winner for exceptional pet transportation services. You can read more about it here: Relopet International celebrates 2025 win.

Are animal deaths during air cargo common?

No — they are relatively rare, though high-profile cases do occur. Still, every incident motivates stricter safety measures. Reuters

👉 Want to learn more about how we can help with your pet’s journey? Request an estimate today.

Will new rules protect all breeds equally?

They should aim to. Some breeds (e.g., brachycephalic — short-nosed dogs) are inherently higher risk. Standards would likely include special handling or restrictions to ensure safety for those breeds. Reuters

How can clients be sure Relopet International stays compliant?

We proactively monitor industry updates, maintain strict protocols, and continuously train our team. When new standards emerge, we’ll adopt or exceed them as soon as feasible.

Contact Relopet International

For seamless and stress-free pet transportation services, rely on Relopet International. We understand the importance of your pet’s safety and comfort, and our expertise ensures a smooth travel experience for both you and your furry companion. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Disclaimer: The information that is provided in this article should not be used as a sole guide for a pet relocation. Relopet International urges you to consult government authorities in the country of origin and destination about the current import/export regulations. Relopet International will not accept any responsibility or liability for the damage resulting from the use of information that is provided in the articles posted on its blog.