How do I fly my cat internationally?

There are three ways you can ship your pet via the airlines:
  1. Your pet can travel on the plane with you (either in-cabin, as accompanied baggage, or as cargo). Your pet will be charged accordingly. ...
  2. You can book your pet on a separate flight. ...
  3. You can have your pet shipped through a licensed commercial shipper.




People Also Ask

Over in the USA, companies such as Pet Relocation generally charge between $2,500 to $3,000 for moving one small pet internationally.

MORE DETAILS

Generally, airlines charge a pet fee of $100 to $200 each way, but prices will vary depending on where you're traveling and your airline. Check the airline's pet policy before purchasing a ticket to make sure your pet meets the airline's breed and size requirements. If not, the airline won't let them board.

MORE DETAILS

Most of the time, cats travel quite well without the need for medication. Some cats, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your cat if she does not travel well.

MORE DETAILS

Cats and dogs do not require a permit to enter the U.S., they do not require a rabies vaccination either, as the UK and Ireland are rabies free. You should however, get a health certificate from your veterinary stating that your pet is fit and healthy to travel.

MORE DETAILS

When travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your pet needs:
  1. a microchip.
  2. a valid rabies vaccination.
  3. an animal health certificate, or a valid pet passport that's accepted in the country you're travelling to.


MORE DETAILS

Most cats don't have much experience with traveling, and when they do, it isn't positive, so it makes sense why many cats are not fans of traveling. Although travel can be stressful, there is a lot you can do to make traveling and carriers less stressful and even enjoyable for your cat(s)!

MORE DETAILS

If your cat is a snub-nosed or brachycephalic breed, such as Persian, Himalayan, or Exotic Shorthair, special considerations must be taken. These breeds may have respiratory challenges that can be aggravated by traveling in the cargo hold. Some airlines may restrict them to the cabin or even embargo their travel.

MORE DETAILS

All travel, but air travel in particular, is stressful for cats. It's loud, disrupts their routine and can be very confusing for a kitty. And, unless you can charter a private flight, or your pet can fit into limited space down by your feet, it's likely that your kitty will need to travel in the cargo hold.

MORE DETAILS

Even though you can't buy an extra seat for your cat, you'll still have to make a reservation for it. Several of the biggest airlines in the U.S. charge $125 each way for an in-cabin cat. However, fees are somewhat less on other airlines, like Southwest Airlines ($95) and JetBlue ($100).

MORE DETAILS

When it comes to bathroom breaks, you won't be able to let your cat out of their carrier to roam the plane. Instead, you'll need to provide them with a portable 'litter box', which we recommend as shredded newspaper or an absorbent pad, preferably both.

MORE DETAILS

The cheapest way to transport a pet is with you in your own vehicle. However, if this is not an option, using a pet shipper's ground transportation services tends to be cheaper than its air transportation options.

MORE DETAILS

You'll be required to pay a pet fee at the airport upon check-in. For US domestic flights the fee is usually around $125 each way, including stopovers. Internationally, if your pet travels in the cabin or kennel in cargo is about $200, BUT only if you fly directly to a country of your destination.

MORE DETAILS

While cats have been known to fall from over 30 stories and survive, it's not very common or thoroughly researched. That being said, studies suggest cats can fall as far as 20 stories, over 200 feet, and survive with little to no injuries.

MORE DETAILS

Can cats survive long flights? Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights.

MORE DETAILS

As long as your kitty stays in the kennel, there's nothing you can do if your cat starts meowing. Call the airline about their pet policy so you won't get a big surprise. You vet can also prescribe a mild sedative to help your cat relax a bit.

MORE DETAILS

You probably have a plan for your own passport, but your animal companion needs one too. All pets traveling to and from the United States need a passport. Keep in mind, a “pet passport” in the U.S. refers to the extra documents you need to travel to other countries with your pet.

MORE DETAILS

“The average cat does better with flights than we expect,” says Dr. Carlo Siracusa, staff veterinarian, behavior medicine, at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. If you do think a sedative might be necessary, a “trial run” is always a good idea, suggests Dr.

MORE DETAILS

As much as you might like to have your kitty join you on vacation, cats are creatures of habit and probably won't care much for the change in routine and scenery a vacation offers. Some cats become very nervous in unfamiliar situations, like cars. They might start meowing loudly or even get sick.

MORE DETAILS

5 Tips to Calm Your Cat While Flying
  • Choose a Comfortable Cat Carrier. ...
  • Train your Cat to Like the Carrier. ...
  • Try Using Pheromones to Calm Your Cat. ...
  • Prepare for Security Checks. ...
  • Consider Putting Your Cat in the Cargo Area.


MORE DETAILS