Travel day is the day everything either falls into place or falls apart. By this point your pet has already cleared the hard parts — vaccinations, certificates, paperwork — but the airport is where unprepared owners get caught out. A missing document, a non-compliant crate, or a fed-too-recently pet can mean a refused boarding and a rebooked flight.
This checklist combines everything you'll need on the day itself — what to bring, how to prep the crate or carrier, what to do in the hours before departure, and what to expect when you land. It's destination-agnostic, with route-specific notes flagged where they apply.
Quick summary
- •Bring originals plus copies of every document—print at home, in colour, and store in a clear plastic folder.
- •Crate or carrier IATA-compliant and prepped the night before—water bottle, food bag, absorbent pads, and "Live Animal" stickers all in place.
- •No food within 4 hours of departure—water available until check-in, bathroom break before leaving home.
- •Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure—longer for cargo terminals, which are usually 30+ minutes from the passenger terminal.
- •Expect 1–4 hours of customs and inspection on arrival—before your pet is released, even with no formal quarantine.
Step 1. Document checklist
Every document below is required for at least one common route. Use the notes to identify which apply to your destination, and confirm the exact list with the free travel planner.
Pet identification & health
Microchip certificate (ISO 15-digit)
Required by every destination — must be implanted before any vaccinations to be valid.
Rabies vaccination certificate
Most countries require the rabies shot to be administered at least 21–30 days before travel.
Core vaccination records
Typically held in your pet passport — DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats.
Parasite treatment record
Tick and worm treatment within the timeframe specified by your destination.
Fit-to-travel certificate
Issued by your vet within 7–10 days of travel for most routes.
Export & destination documents
Government-attested export health certificate
Issued by the origin country authority — in the UAE this is the MOCCAE attestation.
Destination-specific health certificate
Some routes (e.g. Great Britain) require a specific country health certificate in addition to the export certificate.
Import permit
Required by the UAE, India, Australia, and the Philippines. Must be applied for in advance.
Rabies Titre Test (RNATT) results
Required for non-listed countries entering the EU/UK and others. Test sometimes must be done 3 months before travel.
Tapeworm treatment certificate
Required for entry to Great Britain, Ireland, Finland, Malta, and Norway — must be given 1–5 days before arrival.
Travel & airline documents
Flight booking confirmation
E-ticket for in-cabin, booking confirmation for excess baggage, or air waybill for cargo.
Copy of your passport or travel documents
Some destinations require this to match the importer name on the health certificate.
Any extra documents requested by your airline or pet relocation company
Always confirm with the airline 48 hours before departure — requirements can change.
Route-specific note
Certain destinations require additional documentation — India (AQCS NOC, DGFT licence, owner photographs), Great Britain (separate GB health certificate plus tapeworm treatment), and Australia (BICON import permit). Check our route guides or run a search for the full list.
Step 2. Crate preparation (excess baggage / cargo)
If your pet is moving in the hold — as excess baggage or cargo — the crate must be IATA-compliant and prepped exactly to airline standards. The day-of prep checklist:
- IATA-compliant hard-shell crate labelled with "Live Animal" stickers on at least 4 sides
- Spring-loaded metal door — no plastic latches
- Metal nuts and bolts only — no plastic fasteners
- Water bottle attached to the outside of the crate door
- Food in a labelled ziplock bag taped to the top of the crate
- Absorbent pee pads on the crate floor
- Familiar blanket or worn shirt at the back for scent comfort
- Secure crate door with zip ties (cargo only) — leave wire cutters with the airline if requested
- No loose toys, treats, or hard chews inside the crate
Step 3. Carrier preparation (in-cabin)
If your pet qualifies for in-cabin travel, the rules are simpler — but the carrier still needs to meet airline-specific dimensions and your pet must be able to stand and turn around inside.
- Airline-approved soft-sided carrier sized to fit under the seat in front of you
- Absorbent pad on the carrier floor
- Small amount of food and a few treats for the journey
- No loose toys inside the carrier
- Familiar blanket or worn shirt for comfort
Step 4. Before departure
- Do not feed within 4 hours of departure — keep water available until check-in
- Bathroom break before arriving at the airport
- Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure
- For in-cabin: go to regular passenger check-in counters with your pet in the carrier
- For excess baggage: go to regular check-in counters — staff will direct you to the oversize/animal drop-off area
- For cargo: your pet relocation company or shipper handles check-in at the cargo terminal — confirm handoff timing in advance
- Bring a leash and collar — required for handling at the airport
- Keep all original documents in a clear plastic folder, with copies for the crate and your carry-on
Step 5. On arrival
Customs and quarantine procedures vary by destination, but the common pattern looks like this:
- Customs and quarantine inspection — most destinations clear pets within 1–4 hours of landing
- Have the import permit, health certificates, and microchip number ready in physical form
- For some destinations (India, Australia, Philippines) the importer must be present in person at the inspection
- Allow 4–8 hours total before your pet is released, even on routes with no formal quarantine
- Bring water, a collapsible bowl, and a leash for the pickup
Route-specific note
India requires the importer (the person named on the AQCS NOC) to be physically present at the inspection. Australia routes the pet to a 10-day post-arrival quarantine at the Mickleham facility. Great Britain has no quarantine but requires the tapeworm treatment to be administered 1–5 days before arrival.
Common mistakes
"I'll print the documents at the airport."
Reality: Airport printers are unreliable, and many airline counters refuse digital-only health certificates. Print every document at home, in colour, and bring 1 original and 2 photocopies of every document — including your pet's vaccination booklet — one for the airline, one taped to the crate, and one for yourself.
"The vet certificate is dated last week — that's recent enough."
Reality: Most fit-to-travel certificates are valid for 7–10 days from issue, but some destinations (UK, EU) require the certificate to be issued within 5 days of travel. Check the exact window for your route before booking the vet visit.
"My dog can have breakfast — it's a long flight."
Reality: Feeding within 4 hours of departure is the leading cause of in-flight vomiting and dehydration. A light meal 6–8 hours before, with water available until check-in, is the standard recommendation.
"The crate door doesn't need zip ties."
Reality: For cargo travel, almost every airline requires the crate door to be secured with zip ties (with wire cutters left attached or available to ground crew). Excess baggage rules vary — confirm with the airline in writing.
"I'll sedate my pet so they're calmer."
Reality: Sedation is not permitted by IATA or most airlines. Sedated pets cannot regulate their body temperature or balance in pressurised holds, which is dangerous. If your pet is anxious, talk to your vet about non-sedative calming aids and crate training instead.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I prepare the documents?
Do I need to bring originals or are copies enough?
What if my flight is delayed?
Can I give my pet food and water during the flight?
Should I tranquillise my pet for the flight?
What happens at customs on arrival?
Get my dog's travel plan
The checklist above covers every common requirement across major destinations. Your exact list depends on your pet, your destination, and your travel month.
Use our free travel planner on the homepage to get the exact list for your route — including airline-specific crate sizing and route-specific permits.