Pet travel is highly regulated, logistically complex, and influenced by factors no one can fully control — including airlines, weather, and government agencies. That’s exactly why working with an experienced pet relocation partner matters.
At Starwood Pet Travel, our role is not to promise a “perfect” move. It’s to anticipate risk, reduce it wherever possible, and step in quickly when something unexpected happens.
Below, we walk through the most common challenges in international pet travel, what’s outside of our control, and how Starwood protects your pet, your timeline, and your peace of mind.
Listen to the full blog.
Travel Kennels: Why Size and Compliance Matter
What’s outside of Starwood’s control
Airlines strictly enforce kennel requirements. If a kennel is:
- Too small (pets must have 3–4 inches of clearance on all sides)
- Poorly ventilated
- Made of non-approved materials
- Incorrect for breed type (snub-nosed or strong-jawed breeds)
…the airline can reject it at check-in.
Additionally:
- Larger kennels take up more aircraft space, which can increase airline costs.
- Exceptionally large dogs may require custom wooden kennels.
How Starwood mitigates this
- We assess your pet’s size, breed, and airline restrictions before travel.
- We guide you on the exact kennel required and when to purchase it.
- In certain situations, we can swap a rejected kennel on the day of travel to avoid missed flights.
- For large dogs, we can design and build custom wooden kennels that meet airline specifications.
The value to you
- Avoids day-of-travel rejections and missed flights
- Protects your pet’s safety and comfort
- Prevents last-minute panic purchases or rebooking fees
Real outcome: In cases where airlines reject a kennel at check-in, Starwood has successfully sourced and swapped compliant kennels the same day, allowing pets to fly as scheduled instead of being turned away.
Check out our pet travel kennel calculator to help you get started.
Vaccines, Tests, and Microchips: Small Details With Big Consequences
What’s outside of Starwood’s control
- Countries enforce strict vaccine timing rules, even if your pet has a “current” 3-year rabies vaccine.
- Missing or improperly documented vaccines can result in pets being denied exit or entry.
- Microchip failures or non-compliant chip formats can lead to pets being sent back to origin.
How Starwood mitigates this
- Our document specialists coordinate directly with your vet.
- We provide clear vaccine schedules tailored to your destination.
- We require boarding-level vaccines so we can step in if travel plans change.
- We confirm microchip compliance and functionality early in the process.
The value to you
- Prevents denied boarding or customs refusal
- Avoids costly re-vaccinations or re-export
- Ensures Starwood can safely board and care for your pet if plans shift
Real outcome: When travel was delayed unexpectedly, Starwood was able to board pets immediately because required vaccines were already in place — avoiding emergency vet visits and missed flights.
Read more about required vaccines for international pet moves.
Health Certificates and USDA Endorsements
What’s outside of Starwood’s control
- USDA will not endorse incomplete or incorrect paperwork.
- Vet errors can cause delays, rebooking fees, or the need to redo exams.
- FedEx delays due to weather or private carrier operations can impact timelines.
How Starwood mitigates this
- We send vets detailed instructions and pre-filled forms.
- We provide prepaid priority FedEx labels.
- We track USDA submissions when using our account.
- We advise when tapeworm timing or country-specific rules apply.
The value to you
- Reduces documentation errors
- Saves time navigating USDA bureaucracy
- Minimizes costly last-minute re-exams
Real outcome: In time-sensitive moves, Starwood’s priority shipping and tracking has enabled certificates to arrive just in time — preventing flight cancellations and rebooking costs.
Read more about USDA health certificate requirements.
Commercial vs Non-Commercial Moves (EU & UK)
What’s outside of Starwood’s control
- Customs classification depends on your travel timing.
- Commercial moves have shorter documentation windows and higher risk.
- Additional customs fees may apply.
How Starwood mitigates this
- We assess your travel plans early.
- We guide you on documentation type and timing.
- We coordinate proof of travel for customs clearance.
The value to you
- Avoids unexpected commercial classification
- Reduces customs delays and surprise fees
- Protects your travel timeline
Airline Operations and Embargoes
What’s outside of Starwood’s control
- Weather embargoes
- Aircraft changes or mechanical issues
- Airline staffing strikes
- Breed-specific airline restrictions
- Airline medication policies
How Starwood mitigates this
- We monitor airline changes in real time.
- We reroute or rebook flights when possible.
- We arrange boarding, ground transport, or vet care if flights cancel.
- We secure airline approvals for medications when allowed.
The value to you
- Faster recovery from disruptions
- Your pet never “falls through the cracks”
- Reduced stress during unpredictable events
Real outcome: When a snowstorm canceled flights, Starwood rerouted pets, coordinated boarding, and rebooked once conditions cleared — preventing pets from being stranded or sent home.
Learn more about travel embargoes.
Customs Clearance and Arrival
What’s outside of Starwood’s control
- Countries require owner documentation and customs forms.
- Quarantine requirements vary by destination.
- Pets cannot clear customs without completed paperwork.
How Starwood mitigates this
- We coordinate with licensed customs brokers.
- We guide you through required forms and timelines.
- We confirm arrival procedures before your pet lands.
The value to you
- Smooth customs clearance
- Reduced risk of quarantine delays
- Confidence your pet is handled correctly upon arrival
The Bottom Line: Why Starwood Matters
We can’t control airlines, weather, governments, or global logistics.
What we can do is:
- Anticipate problems before they happen
- Prepare you for realistic scenarios
- Act quickly and decisively when plans change
That’s where Starwood delivers real value — protecting your pet, your investment, and your peace of mind when it matters most.