Preparing your pet for travel and using the proper pet shipping container are critical for maximum safety and comfort during the trip. Here are steps to take to insure a successful journey for your pet.

Click the pet shipping tips below for details, including:

Bedding for pet air transportation – Proper bedding for airline pet transportation

What about bedding?

High sided beds such as this are not permitted for security reasons

We recommend a solid piece of cardboard cut to fit snugly in the bottom of the kennel to help prevent sliding in the crate. As long as your pet does not eat paper, it is best to cover the cardboard with lots of shredded copy paper. This also helps to reduce sliding, gives your pet a place to hunker down in and feel secure and will also pull any urine away from the pet should an accident occur. If you are unsure if your pet will eat paper, don’t chance it – you may also place a soft lose sided bed, blanket or towel in the crate.

Tip: Personally handle a sock, tee shirt or other personal item for a few days and include this item in the crate – the familiar scent can help reduce stress.

Flat beds or a pillow such as this are permitted in the crate
Crate with shredded paper
Pet shipping crate with flat bed

Food and water for pet air transportation – Food and water during the trip

It is recommended that your pet have water prior to flight with ample time to exercise and relieve itself before tender. Withholding food is probably best in order to prevent motion sickness.   Water dishes provided with most crates are not suitable for international travel due to their size.  We recommend you purchase two plastic food storage containers (pictured below).  Cut a slit on each end of one side about an inch in from the end of the dish, just below the lip.  Insert one zip tie into each slit.  Fill with water to just below the zip tie and freeze or take a bag of ice cubes with you to the airport.

IF YOUR DOG CHEWS, FOR THEIR SAFETY, IT IS BEST TO PURCHASE METAL DRINKING BUCKETS THAT ATTACH WITH CLIPS, OR MORE STURDY HARD PLASTIC CONTAINERS 

Logical Pet Moves Checklist

Moving pets presents special challenges, especially if you are moving internationally. As the matter can be a complex issue, we can provide you assistance and will help you in the collection of the proper documentation to help make the transporting of your pet a less stressful experience.

 Traveling Specialist:

  • Worldwide and nationwide door-to-door service
    • International and domestic flight reservation
    • Outbound and inbound customs clearance
    • Document arrangement i.e. health certificate, permit, blood test, microchip, etc.
    • Supply of IATA-approved kennels with various sizes
    • Pet travel insurance

Kennel Checklist:

Travel kennel being used must meet IATA Live Animal Regulations.
A = From the tip of the nose to the root of the tail
B = From the ground to the elbow joint
C = The width of the pet at the widest point
D = From the ground to the tip of the ears or the top of the head, whichever is higher (ears must not touch the top of the kennel in the animal’s natural standing position).

Minimum Kennel Dimensions:
Length = A + 1/2 B
Width = C x 2
Height = D

Sizes Dimensions (LxWxH) Pet’s Weight
Small 22″ x 17″ x 16″ Under 9 kg.
Medium 27″ x 22″ x 20″ 10-30 kg.
Intermediate 32″ x 23″ x 23″ 10-30 kg.
Large 36″ x 25″ x 26″ 10-30 kg.
XL 40″ x 27″ x 30″ Up to 45 kg.
Giant 48″ x 32″ x 35″ Up to 45 kg.

The Logical (Pet) Moves Checklist takes you through the process step by step.