Moving long distance can be especially hard on pets because they cannot understand what is happening – they only know that their familiar routine has been disrupted. The more you can do to comfort them in advance and prepare them for the journey, the easier the move will be for everyone.
Reducing the strain of a long-distance move often starts with partnering with an experienced international pet transport company. Look for a team with an excellent reputation for treating pets as thoughtfully and compassionately as you do at home. These are beloved family members, not baggage, and whether they travel on the same itinerary as you or on a separate flight, you want every detail to be carefully managed. It also helps to understand what tends to be less stressful for pets on long-distance moves – driving or flying.
A top-rated professional shipper will coordinate every aspect of your pet’s relocation with safety and comfort as the top priority. This includes booking flights with pet-friendly airlines that follow established procedures for transporting live animals and adhere to aviation safety regulations.
A transport company with deep experience moving pets from your current location to your new home will know the specific rules and logistics involved. That expertise is crucial, since every destination country has its own import requirements, timelines, and veterinary protocols. Airlines also have their own pet travel policies and documentation standards.
Your shipper may offer additional, tailored guidance on how to make a long-distance move easier on your pet. In general, these four steps are a helpful place to start:
Your pet will need to meet certain requirements depending on your destination. This may include a microchip, rabies vaccination, additional vaccinations, blood testing, parasite treatments, as well as the appropriate health certificates and supporting documents. Initially, you’ll want to confirm they are healthy enough for long-distance travel. Please note that sedation is no longer permitted for pets flying as air cargo or checked baggage. Sedating pets can affect their balance, breathing, and ability to regulate body temperature, leaving them more disoriented instead of calmer. Instead, focusing on preparation and following the rest of these recommendations can significantly reduce your pet’s travel-related stress.
For domestic or international air travel, airlines require an IATA-compliant travel kennel. These kennels are designed to keep pets safe in transit, with smooth interior surfaces, ample ventilation, and no openings large enough for paws, noses, or tails to protrude. The door is fitted with a secure latch that your clever pet cannot open on their own.
While those features provide peace of mind for you, some pets may initially be unsure about a new kennel. Obtain it as early as possible so your dog or cat has time to adjust. If your pet is nervous, start by letting them explore just the bottom half of the crate, then add the top once they’re more comfortable. Encourage them to sit, eat, and sleep inside so it becomes a familiar resting place. By departure day, the kennel should feel like “their” space – a safe, predictable den.
For the flight, place a small blanket or thin bedding (less than 3 inches thick) in the kennel to provide comfort and help with stability. Avoid using newspaper, which can transfer ink or be shredded and eaten. If your pet has a short nose (also known as snub-nosed), do not add excessive padding that could allow them to bury their face; these pets need maximum airflow at all times. Snub-nosed breeds also require a kennel one size larger than what a pet their size would usually need.
If you have a cat or a small dog, they may be eligible to travel in the cabin under the seat in front of you in an airline-approved soft carrier. Check your destination's requirements as well as the airline's rules since not all airlines allow pets in the cabin on every route, and there are size, weight, and route-specific restrictions. Even when in-cabin travel is available, there are pros and cons, so you’ll want to review what is safest and least stressful for your individual pet.
Moving often feels hectic and unpredictable, especially if you’re relocating internationally, but try to view the situation from your pet’s perspective. Sudden change is unsettling for dogs and cats, so maintaining familiar patterns can be very reassuring. Feed them at their usual times, in their usual bowls, and keep daily walks, playtime, or cuddle time as consistent as you can. On packing days or when movers are in and out of the house, consider taking your dog to daycare or confining your cat to a quiet room so they have a calm, secure space away from the commotion.
Remember that your pets look to you for reassurance. If you stay calm, organized, and positive, they are more likely to feel secure as well. The more of the complex logistics you entrust to a professional pet shipper, the more you can focus on your pet’s comfort and emotional needs—making your long-distance move smoother for both you and your four-legged family members.