Holidaymakers planning to take their pets overseas this summer are being urged to put animal welfare ahead of convenience, cost and the desire to have their four-legged companion beside them.

International pet travel involves considerably more than buying a ticket. Different countries impose their own health and import rules, while airlines may have restrictions covering breeds, temperatures, routes and travel crates.

Before making any arrangements, owners should first ask whether travelling is genuinely in their pet’s best interests.

An elderly animal, a nervous traveller, a very young pet or a dog or cat with an ongoing medical condition may be happier remaining at home with a trusted carer. Flat-faced breeds can also face additional health risks and may be subject to airline restrictions.
If an overseas journey is unavoidable, such as when a family is relocating, careful preparation can make the experience safer and less distressing.

Andrew Hale, emotional wellbeing expert at Pet Remedy, said: “Ethical pet travel starts with seeing the journey from the animal’s point of view. We might understand why we are moving house or boarding a plane, but our pets only experience a series of unfamiliar changes, sounds, smells and environments.

“Preparation should begin well before departure. Allow your pet to explore their travel crate at their own pace, build positive associations with it and never use it only when something stressful is about to happen.

“Familiar bedding and scents can provide reassurance, while calm, predictable handling from the people around them can make an enormous difference. Owners should also listen to what their pet’s behaviour is telling them. If there are concerns about their health or ability to cope, veterinary and qualified behavioural advice should always come first.”

Government rules require dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. The precise documentation depends upon the destination.

For travel from Great Britain to the EU, owners will generally need an animal health certificate issued by an official veterinarian. It must be used to enter the EU within ten days of issue. Following changes introduced in April 2026, Great Britain residents have also been warned that previously issued EU pet passports may no longer be accepted for entering the EU, making it particularly important to check the latest government guidance.

Some destinations require blood tests, parasite treatments, import permits or months of advance preparation. Dogs returning to Great Britain from many countries must receive an approved tapeworm treatment between 24 hours and five days before arrival.

While owners can sometimes arrange flights themselves, using an experienced pet relocation company can reduce the danger of an animal being delayed or refused travel because of incorrect paperwork, unsuitable routing or a non-compliant crate.

Vet-owned and vet-led relocation company PetAir UK says it has transported more than 33,000 pets to over 300 destinations since 2005. Its team coordinates veterinary appointments, export documents, airline bookings, import requirements, customs arrangements and, where requested, collection and delivery.

The company has now announced a partnership with Pet Remedy, whose calming products PetAir says it has used in its travel crates, kennels and cattery. Customers booking a relocation through PetAir will receive a discount on products bought directly from Pet Remedy.

These include calming sprays, wipes, diffusers, atomisers, bandanas and shampoo. Such products may form part of a pet’s preparation but should not be treated as a substitute for crate familiarisation, veterinary care or an appropriate travel plan.

The choice of crate is particularly important. Under international air-transport guidance, a container should be secure, properly ventilated and large enough for the animal to stand, sit, turn around and lie in a natural position. Airlines may impose additional specifications, so owners should confirm the exact requirements rather than relying simply on a product being advertised as “airline approved”. IATA publishes guidance for people travelling with pets.

Animals should be introduced to the crate gradually, ideally several weeks before travelling. Meals, treats and familiar bedding can help establish it as a comfortable resting place rather than a source of fear.

Owners should never sedate an animal for a flight without explicit veterinary and airline guidance. Medication may affect an animal differently at altitude, while some carriers restrict or refuse sedated pets.

Flight routing matters too. The cheapest journey may involve long transfers, extreme temperatures or unnecessary handling. A direct or carefully selected route can shorten the experience and reduce the possibility of disruption.

Anyone appointing a relocation company should check its experience, veterinary involvement, insurance and membership of recognised professional bodies. They should also ask who will handle their pet at every stage and what procedures are in place if a flight is cancelled or delayed.

For more info click here:
https://www.petairuk.com