Moving a pet internationally is much more involved than booking a human flight. Every country has its own import rules, and airlines also have their own safety requirements. Most pet owners are surprised by how detailed the process is and how far in advance planning needs to start.
Entry requirements vary by country
The destination country determines what must be completed before a pet can travel. Requirements often include:
- Microchip identification (usually ISO-compliant)
- Specific vaccinations, such as rabies, given within exact time frames
- Blood tests for certain countries (for example, rabies antibody tests)
- Parasite treatments or additional vaccines
- An official veterinary health certificate issued within a strict window before departure
- Government endorsements and paperwork approvals
- Import permits
- Quarantine reservations in destinations that require them
Some countries allow pets to go home immediately upon arrival. Others require a quarantine stay that may last a few days or several months depending on the rules and preparation timeline.
Because these requirements must be completed in a precise order and within exact timing windows, most pet owners choose to work with a professional relocation company to avoid delays, denied entry, or missed flights.
What the pet owner is responsible for
Even when working with a relocation company, owners play an important role. Typically, they provide:
- Up-to-date vaccination records and veterinary history
- Access to their local veterinarian for exams and paperwork
- Accurate information about their travel timeline and destination
- Approval of flight options and travel plans
- Preparation of the pet for travel (crate training, comfort items, etc.)
A good relocation partner coordinates the process, but the pet still needs veterinary care and documentation from the owner’s side.
What the pet actually experiences during travel
Pets travel in airline-approved, climate-controlled cargo areas that are pressurized and temperature-regulated similarly to the passenger cabin. They are not placed in the same environment as luggage.
Before departure, pets are checked in and inspected for safety and comfort. During travel:
- They remain in a secure travel crate sized appropriately for standing and turning
- Airline staff monitor temperature and handling procedures
- They are transferred carefully during layovers
- Upon arrival, they are taken to a designated animal facility or cleared through customs
Most pets handle travel well, especially when properly prepared and crate-trained. Some pets may be nervous initially, just like people can be when flying, but airlines and professional transport teams follow strict animal welfare standards.
Do pets get scared?
Some pets may feel uncertain at first, particularly if they are not used to being in a crate or traveling. However, with proper preparation and experienced handling, most pets settle and travel safely. Sedation is generally not recommended because it can interfere with breathing and balance at altitude. Instead, preparation focuses on familiarization, comfort, and safe handling.
Do companies ever lose track of pets?
Airlines and professional relocation companies use structured tracking and documentation procedures. While any travel process carries some level of risk, incidents are extremely rare when experienced teams manage the move. The key is proper planning, correct paperwork, and coordination with airlines and animal facilities at every stage.
How professional pet relocation companies help
Because of the complexity, many families prefer to work with a specialized international pet transport company. A professional team typically:
- Reviews destination requirements and creates a timeline
- Coordinates veterinary steps and documentation
- Secures import permits and government endorsements
- Books airline travel with approved carriers
- Arranges ground transport when needed
- Monitors the pet’s journey from departure through arrival
- Provides updates and support to the owner throughout the process
What Starwood provides specifically
Starwood coordinates international pet relocations from start to finish. We guide owners through every requirement, manage documentation timelines, work directly with airlines and animal facilities, and track pets throughout their journey. Our team monitors each step so the owner knows where their pet is and what stage of travel they’re in.
We focus on preparation, safety, and communication so pets arrive safely and owners feel informed and supported the entire time.
Why most people use a professional service
International pet travel involves strict rules, detailed paperwork, and exact timing. Missing even one step can delay travel or prevent entry into the destination country. Because of that, most pet owners prefer to work with a company that handles the logistics and keeps everything on track.
The goal is simple: make sure pets travel safely, meet all import requirements, and reunite with their families at their new destination with as little stress as possible.
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