How to Prepare Your Pet for a Flight in Cargo.

How to make your pet feel comfortable, safe, and happy in cargo.

Moving places is hard! And transporting a pet can be a stressful experience for both the pet and the owner. It’s especially hard on pets that love their routine. Fortunately, there are quite a few things that you can do to prepare your pet for its big move. So, here are some tips on how to make your pet feel comfortable, safe, and happy in cargo:

Tip 1. Plan in advance.

For example, the Australian Government requires owners to start veterinary preparations at least 6 months before entry. There’s also a need to provide proof of several treatments and vaccines – that means you and your pet will have to see your veterinarian quite frequently. It’s always best to minimize the number of appointments by planning document preparations as there’s a high chance that your pet (like many others) is not fond of veterinary visits.

If you have too many things on your plate or the entry requirements seem confusing, Relopet International can help you come up with the treatments and vaccinations plan that suits your pet’s needs. Simply fill out an estimate request form on our website to receive a free quote.

Tip 2. Crate training.

Your pet needs to feel safe inside its travel carrier. It’s highly recommended to purchase an IATA-compliant travel carrier and let your pet get used to it well in advance.

Introduce your pet to the carrier in advance, and let them explore it at their own pace. This will help your pet feel more comfortable and familiar with the carrier on the day of travel. If your pet is food motivated – placing treats inside the travel carrier or rewarding them with a treat when they explore the carrier will make a tremendous difference.

Include your pet’s favorite blanket and toys in the carrier so it has a familiar scent. This will provide a sense of familiarity and comfort for your pet during travel. Ideally, your pet starts using its crate as a nap spot and doesn’t mind it when you close the door. That’s when you know that they are comfortable and happy inside their crate.

Tip 3. Socialization.

There’s a high chance there will be other dogs or cats sitting close to your pet when flying. Hence, it’s important to teach your pet that it is completely okay if another pet is breathing the same air as them! As a consequence, your pet will be much less stressed if they don’t mind the presence of other pets. Moreover, their good behavior enables other pets to have a pleasant flight.

Tip 4. Road trips.

If your car is big enough for your pet’s travel carrier – it’s a good idea to let your pet ride in the car while inside the carrier. Car rides can be treated as a rehearsal for the big move that will come up later. If your pet is calm and collected when riding inside their crate – it’s safe to say they will do just fine when flying.

Consider using natural calming remedies. If your pet is anxious or prone to motion sickness, consider using natural calming remedies such as lavender or chamomile essential oils or supplements recommended by your veterinarian.

However, if your pet seems to be stressed during car rides, you can consider FELIWAY for cats and ADAPTIL for dogs. Both products were proven to be effective in helping pets overcome travel-related anxiety.

In summary, by using an appropriate carrier, familiarizing your pet with the carrier, providing familiar bedding and toys, staying calm and positive, providing food and water, exercising your pet before travel, and considering natural calming remedies, you can help your pet feel comfortable, safe, and happy in cargo during their journey.

Let a professional help.

Early planning paired with precise scheduling will make both your journey and that of your pet far less stressful. Relopet International aids customers and their treasured pets in planning safe and easy travel from beginning to end.

Contact us regarding the transport of your furry family member using our online request form, email [email protected], or phone (604) 774-2707.