How to Fly Internationally With Your Pet Without Paying Thousands for Help

September 09, 2026

How to Fly Internationally With Your Pet Without Paying Thousands for Help

How to Fly Internationally With Your Pet Without Paying Thousands for Help

Tsuguliev / Shutterstock

https://www.fodors.com/news/news/how-to-move-abroad-with-your-pet-international-pet-travel-guide

Learn how to handle vaccinations, breed restrictions, airline rules, pet kennels, USDA paperwork, medications, and flight-day prep.

Often, the hardest part about traveling is leaving your pet behind. Even if left under the watchful eye of loving caretakers, it’s difficult to be away for weeks at a time. However, that doesn’t always need to be the case. If you’re planning on a long international trip, or even a permanent move, it is possible to take your furry friend with you.

Now, prepping your pet for plane and international travel may seem like an overwhelming ordeal, and the last thing you want is for your pet to be put into quarantine abroad or injured. Thankfully, if you know what to do and how to prep, you can handle all your pet’s travel requirements on your own, which will save you thousands of dollars compared to a pet transit service.

Determine Foreign Requirements

To start, you need to identify the destination’s vaccination requirements. Regardless of location, an up-to-date rabies vaccine will be needed. Some countries require vaccination against distemper, parvovirus, and other diseases. Additionally, your pet will almost certainly need a microchip.

If your pet is due for their annual boosters, do that now rather than closer to the transit date, as the most recent rabies vaccine needs to be at least 21 days old. Depending on the number of vaccines required, your vet may choose to spread the inoculations out so as not to overwhelm your pet’s system.

You also need to look up requirements for returning to the U.S. This shouldn’t be a problem if traveling to the EU or the United Kingdom, but if you are visiting a country with high rates of rabies, your dog may need a titre test to detect rabies vaccine antibodies in their blood. Unless you’re moving to the new location, do not wait to do this. It can take several months for a blood test to be performed in these countries, so it’s better to have it done before departure

Check Breed Restrictions

Some countries have breed restrictions. Sometimes these rules only pertain to entering the country with the breed. For example, in Colombia, it is legal to own a pit bull, but it is illegal to bring one into the country.

If you’re doing a multi-stop overland journey—through Europe, for example— check the requirements for all countries you will be traveling to, as you may find that breed restrictions vary from place to place.

Some countries are extremely strict and will prevent any animal that even looks like a banned breed. While this may come down to the animal control agent you interact with, don’t leave it up to chance. If it looks like your pet might be barred from entering, leave them at home.

Transit Options

Your dog has three airplane transit options: cabin, hull (with luggage), or cargo plane. Flying in the cabin is an option for smaller dogs and cats, but anything larger than about 15 pounds (it depends on the airline) will need to fly in the hull or by cargo plane.

In the hull or cargo plane, your pet will have their own kennel, which is strapped down so it won’t move. Do not worry about plane temperatures, as the inside of the luggage compartment is the same temperature as the cabin. The main difference between the two is how much time, energy, and money you’ll spend.

If your pet is transported in the hull of the plane, you’ll check them in with your luggage and likely pick them up from the baggage claim area upon arrival. If your pet travels on a cargo plane, they will go to the airport’s cargo area. You will need to complete both export and import paperwork, which can be especially difficult if you are not fluent in the destination country’s language. Additionally, watch out for added fees.

Finding the Right Airline

Not all airlines allow pets. You will find that international airlines are more open to transporting pets in the hull than most domestic carriers. The best way to determine an airline’s pet requirements is to Google the airline’s pet rules.

While searching for airline pet requirements, double-check any breed restrictions. Like countries, many airlines are wary of bully breeds and won’t transport them. Additionally, they might not accept dogs with smushed faces, such as pugs or boxers. These animals are more susceptible to breathing problems, and airlines do not want to be liable for injuries to pets.

When choosing an airline, try to pick a non-stop flight whenever possible. This might mean you have to drive to a different airport or pay a bit more, but it is far easier on your pet. The most stressful time for a pet—especially one traveling with luggage—is being loaded onto a plane and during takeoff. Ensuring they only get loaded once will be less stressful for them.

Pet Kennel

If your pet is lucky enough to fly in the cabin, you need a soft-top case that will fit under the seat. Do note that your dog will typically not be allowed out of the case at any point of the flight, though some flight crews are more lenient, especially if you are flying business class.

Checked-luggage kennels have far more stringent requirements. The kennel or crate needs to be large enough for your dog to sit, stand, and turn around in. It also needs to be made of heavy-duty plastic, with at least two of the three vented windows constructed from metal (plus the metal door).

You will need to replace the provided plastic screws that secure the top and bottom halves of the kennel with metal ones, which can easily be purchased online. You will need “Live Animal” stickers placed on the kennel sides, as well as “Up” arrow decals pointing toward the top of the kennel. It should be easy for any luggage handler to see how the kennel should be positioned as they are loading it.

Lastly, remove any wheels from the kennel; they are not allowed.

Securing Passage for Your Pet

Airlines only allow a certain number of pets onto the plane, so you need to make sure there is room available on the jet before you make any purchases.

The best way to secure passage for your pet is to identify the flight you plan to take. Jot down the date, flight number, and any other information regarding the flight, but do not purchase your airline ticket yet.

Now, contact the airline. You’ll need to work your way through the customer service hotline, but once you’re connected with a representative, tell them you want to fly with a pet and check whether there is any available space on your desired flight. When they confirm there is space, you can book your ticket and transportation for your pet at the same time.

When adding the pet to your travel ticket, you’ll need to tell them the breed, the size of the kennel, and the total weight of your pet and the kennel combined. It is a good idea to save the receipt emailed to you after this purchase.

Testing Medications

Air travel can be an anxious time for a pet. Whether traveling in the cabin or the hold, you should consider giving your pet some kind of anxiety medication or supplement to help reduce their stress level.

There are CBD-based supplements for pets who are afraid of fireworks or other loud noises. These are hit or miss, which is why you should experiment ahead of time.

Aside from this, you may want to consult with your vet about giving your pet medication such as Trazodone. This is a drug commonly used for depression and insomnia, though it is also prescribed to pets that suffer from anxiety. As a mild sedative, it helps relax your pet. While the medication will likely not last the entire length of your flight, it will be at full effect during loading and departure, when your pet will need the anxiety medication most.

Your vet may prescribe this medication or a similar one, so talk with them a few months in advance. This gives you time to test the medication on your pet and monitor their behavior for side effects.

Vet Visits and USDA Approval

Timing is very important for this part of international pet travel. Within 10 days of departure, you need to visit a USDA-accredited vet who will go over all the documentation, perform a once-over on your pet, and administer tapeworm medication. They will then electronically send this information to the USDA for an official review. The form will be returned to you via email as a PDF, though you should also receive a printed and signed form from the vet, as some locations will need to see a physical copy. This process can take several days, so visit the vet a week or more before your intended day of travel.

Keep in mind not all vets are USDA-accredited. There’s a good chance someone at the vet office you visit has this accreditation. If not, ask your vet for a recommendation, or Google “USDA Accredited Vets” in your area.

The Day of the Flight

The morning of the flight, feed your pet a light meal and give them plenty of opportunities to go outside. Inside the kennel, place a thin cushion—there are good, inch-thick orthopedic options that won’t bunch up if your pet moves around. Set a doggy training pad over top, just in case there’s an accident.

You can leave a toy inside, but don’t include anything that will shed or rip apart. A de-stuffed toy is great, as is one of your t-shirts, since these add comforting smells to the kennel.

Aim to arrive at the airport three hours before the departure time but not earlier, as the airline will likely not check in your pet. When you get there, let them outside one last time, give them any medication/supplements needed, and go check in. At this point, you will remove your pet from the kennel so it can be scanned by an X-ray machine. When your kennel is cleared, remove the collar from your pet and put them back inside.

You will now need to zip-tie each corner of the kennel door. This provides extra security to ensure the door doesn’t open during transit. Some airlines will also require a lock on the door. Use a standard luggage lock so crews can remove it in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Give Yourself Time to Prep

If this is your first time traveling internationally with your pet, it is important to give yourself adequate time to prep. In many ways, you need more documents and government approval for your dog or cat than you do yourself. As you become more accustomed to the requirements of international travel, you won’t need as much time, but in an ideal situation, you’ll give yourself six months or so.

After all, your pet will feed off your anxiety, and the purpose of being organized is to make travel for you and your pet as stress-free as possible.

These 10 TikToks of Unhinged Tourist Behavior Show Why Locals Are Fed Up

Helivideo/iStock

https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/these-10-tiktoks-of-unhinged-tourist-behavior-show-why-locals-are-fed-up

Apeksha Bhateja

Tourists have earned a bad reputation around the world because of these stunts by a few.

Every year, tourists are shamed, fined, or banned for behaving poorly on vacation. With destinations increasingly getting frustrated with obnoxious behavior by visitors, it’s important to understand local customs and laws before jetting off, and doing the opposite of what these tourists have done. A responsible traveler does not slip and slide at a service station, dump ashes on streets, or dive into a historic fountain.

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Tourists Slip-n-Sliding at a Service Station in France

A group of tourists appalled the internet when a video of them sliding across the floor went viral last month. The incident happened at a service station in France, where grown men were seen pouring liquid onto the floor and running and sliding on it. Needless to say, this is the kind of behavior that needs to be avoided at all costs.

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Tourists Insulting a Local in Thailand

This story drew a lot of attention in July when a group of Italian teenagers on a school trip to Thailand insulted a Thai woman. The video showed the woman asking the group to be quieter while traveling on the train, to which one of them replied, “Sorry for bringing money to your country.” A boy raised his middle finger at the woman, and then expletives were exchanged. After the video went viral, the group apologized to the woman, who had filed a complaint with the police. The Italian embassy also apologized to the Thai people, and the students were fined.

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A Tourist Throwing Her Suitcase Down the Stairs in Croatia

Last year, a TikToker posted a video with her mom throwing a suitcase down the stairs in Croatia. The caption said, “Croatia stairs are no joke.” People commented that not only can this damage the stairs, but it could also hurt someone coming up the stairs. Despite all the negative feedback on disrespecting another country, the traveler reposted the video again last month and got a fresh wave of backlash.

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A Tourist Swimming in the Trevi Fountain

A historic baroque fountain is somehow mistaken to be a public pool or a playground. People dip into it, and one video this summer showed a woman swimming. It is forbidden to pull these stunts in Rome, and visitors can be fined €500 or slapped with a lifetime ban if caught in the act. She was escorted by the authorities and fined for the stunt.

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Another Tourist Diving Into the Trevi Fountain

Sadly, it is too common for people to disobey the law. Another tourist was seen diving headfirst into the fountain and doing laps. The incident happened in May, and the 30-year-old tourist from New Zealand was fined €500 and banned from returning to the attraction.

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Tourist Throwing a Rock at Seal in Hawaii

Absolutely unhinged behavior of a tourist was caught on camera in May. Washington resident Igor Lytvynchuk threw a rock at a monk seal at a beach in Maui. The 38-year-old was arrested and charged, and faces up to a year in prison for two charges, as well as $50,000 and $20,000 in fines.

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Tourist Dumping Ashes on a Greek Island

In June, a woman was seen scattering ashes of a loved one on the streets of Santorini in broad daylight. The British tourist was joined by a group who were singing Everything’s Gonna Be Alright by Bob Marley as she poured out the ashes from a plastic bottle. One person from the group also said, “Goodbye, dad,” and they broke into applause. The grieving tourists sparked the fury of islanders, who pointed out that human remains can’t be disposed of like this. An official called it a health bomb.

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Tourist Trashing a Cafe in Vietnam

A 34-year-old Australian tourist was arrested in May after he vandalized a cafe in Vietnam. The incident happened shortly before midnight at Ge Cafe on Le Hong Phong Street in Da Nang when Shaymus Lilly went on a rampage, using a chair to destroy the coffee machine and breaking bar equipment. He also held another person in a chokehold and broke customers’ laptops and phones.

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Tourist Singing at Vatican City

In June, a woman was escorted out of the Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Basilica. Gabriela, the singer, posted the video herself of being kicked out by security after being told to quit singing in the quiet zone. She continued to sing outside, and even blogged about it on YouTube, all the while addressing herself in the third person.

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Tourist Ranting, Screaming, Shouting in Public

Another individual who is chasing notoriety has posted videos of herself shouting in public, saying “Social anxiety does not exist.” British-Egyptian content creator Farah Shams has complained about Thai people not knowing English and posted video after video calling Booking.com a scam, including one at an airport. But it’s nothing new for the prankster who went viral in 2023 for faking an emergency at the hospital in the U.K. Her videos have millions of views, and a lot of it is rage-bait.

The $5,360 Mistake You Should Never Make Around a Polar Bear

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https://www.fodors.com/world/europe/norway/experiences/news/tourist-fined-5-360-for-waking-sleeping-polar-bear-with-ships-horn

Scott Laird

A visitor in Svalbard was fined $5,360 for intentionally waking a sleeping polar bear with a ship’s horn, violating strict wildlife protection laws.

The governor of the Norwegian island of Svalbard has fined a visitor for using a ship’s horn to wake up a sleeping polar bear.

Neither the ship nor the person who used the ship’s horn was identified in the government’s mid-August message regarding the offense and the fine. The ship’s horn evidently woke up the sleeping bear and caused it to move to another location. Other people on the ship alerted the government to the incident.

Intentionally disturbing polar bears is a violation of Svalbard’s environmental laws, which prohibit anybody from unnecessarily disturbing, luring, or pursuing polar bears. The governor judged that the action to disturb the bear was done intentionally, and has issued a fine of 50,000 Norwegian kroner, or $5,360 U.S. dollars. The government indicated the fine has been accepted and paid by the individual.

The ship had been sailing in Lomfjorden in Hinlopenstretet in the northern part of the archipelago when it used the horn, which is normally used for alerting other ships. Loud noises can cause severe stress to polar bears, often leading to den abandonment and lower cub survival rates. The sex and estimated age of the bear were not reported.

Polar bears have been protected by international treaty since 1973, when the five nations containing polar bears: Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Norway, the United States, and Russia, agreed to ban certain hunting or harassing activities. In Svalbard, which is part of the Kingdom of Norway, directly administered by a governor who has broad powers, polar bear protections are significant. Rifle protection (and training) is required for anybody outside of settlement areas, and shooting a polar bear is only permitted in situations where human life is in immediate danger. Major expeditions outside of settlements in Svalbard must also have permission from the governor.

There are estimated to be some 3,000 polar bears living in the Svalbard and Barents Sea region, although many migrate between the archipelago and Franz Josef Land. It’s estimated there are a few thousand bears on the island of Svalbard at any given time, and around 300 permanent residents.

Polar bear safaris are banned on Svalbard because they would violate the prohibition on pursuing the bears. Depending on the time of year, humans must keep between 300-500 meters (1,000-1,600 feet) away from a bear if they see one, and retreat if the bear comes within the prohibited distance.

Worldwide, polar bear conservation status is listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as “vulnerable,” meaning the species is threatened with extinction unless the circumstances threatening its survival and reproduction improve. Polar bear populations are threatened by the reduction in sea ice in polar regions, where the bears spend most of their lives hunting for seals. Polar bears are popularly thought of as the most dangerous species of bear, but some studies suggest they’re no more likely to attack humans than other species of bear under similar conditions.

The last time the governor of Svalbard fined individuals for disturbing polar bears was 2024, when two guides from a French shipping company drove rubber boats with paying guests toward a polar bear and her cub who were eating a whale carcass. The approaching boats caused the bears to abandon their food source and leave the area, and the guides were fined 20,000 Norwegian Kroner ($2,145).

Svalbard has just under 3,000 residents, largely comprised of Norwegian citizens but with a sizable expatriate community from all over the world. The territory famously does not maintain visa requirements for living and working in the community, but functionally prevents anybody without formal employment from moving there.

The governor has also recently issued fines for illegal drone flights, illegal fishing, and to airlines for failing to report passenger lists in advance.

Flight Attendants Threaten Strike Action Over Israel Flight Assignments

Faruk Kaymak/Unsplash

https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/flight-attendants-threaten-strike-action-over-israel-flight-assignments

Fodor's News Desk

And more of today's top travel news stories.

Today in travel, we have several stories that may have flown under your radar. Among them: flight attendants consider striking over Israel flights; Ryanair renews concerns about Greek air traffic control; a tropical storm heads towards Baja; and a cruise ship slams into a pier.

Dive into these and more as we examine the latest in travel news.

Some or all of this article was crafted with help from AI. An editor reviewed and vetted this article before publishing.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF ROYAL CARIBBEAN

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Passengers Board Cruise Ship, Never Depart

Royal Caribbean has canceled an Alaska cruise aboard Serenade of the Seas after passengers had already boarded the ship in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The August 30 sailing was originally scheduled as a seven-night Alaska cruise, but Royal Caribbean had shortened it to five nights and postponed departure until 9 p.m. on September 1 while crews carried out maintenance. Guests were allowed to board on August 30 or 31 and stay aboard while the ship remained docked.

On Tuesday evening, however, passengers were informed that the sailing would not take place because Royal Caribbean had been unable to resolve a technical problem in time for the ship to depart safely. Passengers subsequently reported that they had been told to leave the vessel by 11:59 p.m. on September 2.

Royal Caribbean says guests will receive refunds for their cruise fares, taxes, port fees, shore excursions, and other eligible charges, along with prorated refunds for prepaid drink, internet, and dining packages. The cruise line is also offering a future cruise credit equal to 100% of the fare paid, valid for one year.

For travelers who need to change flights, Royal Caribbean is offering reimbursements of up to $200 per guest for domestic flight changes and $400 for international changes.

As of September 2, Royal Caribbean had announced no changes to Serenade of the Seas’ next scheduled voyage, a seven-night Alaska cruise departing September 6.

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