By Pet Chauffeur

10/31/2022 Ever since the pandemic hit the world in 2019, all businesses have made drastic changes to their services, especially in public transportation. During the peak of COVID-19, most countries closed their borders to avoid foreigners and animals from entering. This is to prevent a widespread infection throughout the country.


Years have passed and transportation services are almost back to normal, except for some difficulties when booking, especially when it comes to pet airline transportation services in NYC. So if you’re ever flying with your pet, whether domestic or international, check the new airline guidelines to avoid mistakes.


7 Things to Check and Prepare Before Traveling
There are a lot of documents to prepare when traveling with a pet, so be prepared because some paperwork is not easy to get.

1. Pet Passport
   

As with babies, your pet will need a passport to travel to another country. The passport will contain important information such as the pet’s date of birth, the owner’s information, the microchip number, and the pet’s physical identification to be identified by the authorities. Vaccinations and medical tests are also included in the pet passport.

2. Regulations
   

If you’re planning on traveling outside the country with your pet, you’ll also need to take note of the foreign country’s regulations when it comes to pet travel. Some countries will either need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or Export Health Certificate (EHC) or maybe even both. Always do thorough research.

3. Health Certificates
   

Some states and countries require an updated pet health certificate. Whether it’s needed or not, you should still prepare a copy just in case to avoid flight cancellations. Aside from AHCs and EHCs, some airlines also require an Acclimation Certificate. All certificates should be signed by an accredited veterinarian. Make sure to check with your veterinarian if they’re federally accredited.

4. Weather Conditions
   

Another important thing to consider is the weather, if your destination is a tropical country, make sure the weather is not at the peak of summer. If your pet is born and raised in a cold place, they will have a hard time adjusting to a country that is twice hotter than where they’re from. Your pet should be closely monitored to prevent heat strokes.

5. Vaccinations
   

All domestic pets should be fully vaccinated for protection from diseases and parasites, as well as microchipped for quick identification if they become lost. Anti-rabies vaccination is also a must.


And before flying, make sure your pet is 6 months old or older as some airlines won’t accept flying with young pets. To make things easier, you should seek help from worldwide pet transportation services.

6. Pet’s Comfort
   

Always consider your pet’s comfort when flying to another state or country. If your pet has separation anxiety, you should consider looking for an airline that allows pets in the cabin. If they’ll be placed in the cargo area, make sure to use a crater that is big enough for them to stand up and turn around.

7. Pet’s Necessities
   

And of course, prepare your pet’s things and needs throughout the trip. If your pet is taking any prescribed medications, make sure to bring enough supplies that can last the entire trip. Other things you should bring are:

• Toys
  
• Portable bed
  
• Blankets
  
• Collar, harness, and leash
  
• Crate
  
• Food and water bowls
  
• Food and water
  

If you’re planning on touring throughout the whole trip with your pet, make sure to bring food that could last for a week or so if you’re not getting groceries during the trip.


Challenges You Could Face

1. Flight Booking
   

It was a bit challenging booking a flight with pets before the pandemic, now it is even harder and stricter. Therefore, it’s important to prepare all necessary documents, even those that aren’t needed, in case they look for them unexpectedly.

2. Change in Flights
   

If your pet is on a different flight, there’s a possibility that the flight can be canceled due to an emergency, such as a passenger being COVID-19 positive. This will not only cause stress on you but your pet as well.

3. Overall Costs
   

Flying with a pet domestically can range from $100 to $1,000 and international flights can go from $800 to $7,000. The rates will depend on the airlines, the pet’s weight, staying in the cabin or cargo, and the destination. Make sure you’re financially prepared because you will also have to pay for your pet’s travel documents.


It will cost you a lot of money and effort to fly with your pet for the first time. If you don’t have enough time to gather all the documentation your pet needs for the flight, you can seek help from reputable pet airline transportation services. There are some pet shipping experts who can assist with the paperwork such as health certificates and customs clearances.