Flying with a dog or cat: the complete checklist

Weeks before

4–8 weeks before you fly

• Book the pet place and get it confirmed in writingAirlines take only a few pets per flight. Choose direct flights where you can.
• Weigh your pet and the crate togetherAirline limits for cabin and hold include the crate or carrier.
• Buy the crate and start crate trainingLeave it open at home with treats and bedding inside. Aim for 4–6 weeks of practice.
• Check the travel paperwork for your routeMicrochip, rabies timing and certificates have strict dates. Pawperwork works them out for you.
• Ask your vet for a check-up and a fit-to-fly letterSome airlines ask for one, and it's the moment to talk about anxiety and food timing.
• Check summer and winter restrictionsAirlines can refuse pets in the hold in extreme heat or cold. Avoid midday connections in summer.
• Update the microchip registryAdd your new address and a phone number that works at your destination.

The crate (hold or cargo)

What IATA's rules and airline check-in staff look for

• Big enough to stand, sit up, lie down and turn aroundSnub-nosed breeds need a crate about 10% larger.
• Rigid crate with ventilation on all four sidesNo all-wire or soft crates in the hold.
• Metal door, and the two halves bolted togetherClips alone aren't accepted. Use metal nuts and bolts in every hole.
• Cable ties for the door corners, plus sparesMany airlines ask for them. Tape a few spares to the crate.
• Water bowl fixed inside that can be filled from outsideFreeze a little water in it the night before so it doesn't spill at check-in.
• Absorbent beddingA puppy pad under a blanket that smells of home.
• "Live Animals" and "This Way Up" labelsPlus your pet's name, your name, and phone numbers for home and destination.
• Wheels removedCrates with working wheels are refused.

Plan B: crates break, often at check-in. Know where to buy another IATA crate near the airport, or carry spare bolts.

Carry-on kit

Keep this with you, not in the hold

• Original documents in one folder, plus two copiesHealth certificate, rabies certificates, microchip record, booking confirmation. Photos on your phone too.
• Leash and a well-fitting harnessEssential for cats at security.
• Collapsible bowl and a bottle of water
• Absorbent pads, poo bags and wipesAnd a spare pad for the carrier.
• A small portion of their usual food, and treatsEnough for delays. Check what your destination allows you to bring in.
• A recent photo of your petIf they ever get loose, this is what staff will need.
• Any medication, with the vet's instructions

Day before and travel day

• Ask your vet about food timingMany recommend a light meal a few hours before the flight. Keep water available until departure.
• Don't sedate unless your vet says soIATA advises against sedating dogs and cats, and most airlines refuse pets that seem sedated.
• A long walk or play session before you leaveA tired pet travels more calmly.
• Cats: calming spray on the beddingSpray a pheromone product on the blanket about 15 minutes before your cat goes in, not on the cat.
• Remove anything that can snagTake off retractable leads and loose tags inside the crate. Keep the collar ID tag on.

At the airport

• Arrive earlyPet check-in usually opens and closes earlier than for passengers. Check your airline's times.
• Last walk before check-inMany airports have pet relief areas, before and after security.
• Cabin pets at security: carry them throughThe carrier goes through the scanner, and you carry your pet. Ask for a private room if your cat might bolt.
• Ask crew to confirm your pet is on boardFor hold pets, staff at the gate or on board can usually check.

On arrival

• Know where to collect your petUsually oversized baggage, sometimes a separate cargo building. Ask before you land.
• Have the documents ready for the checkSome countries check pets at a specific point of entry.
• Water, a walk and a quiet spaceOffer a small meal once your pet has settled.

Questions people ask

Checked 23 October 2026