How to Prepare a Dog for Shipping Overseas

A wire crate is not sufficient for airline travel. Dogs need a hard, plastic crate.

Shipping a pet overseas can be stressful. Not only is it daunting for the dog but it can be costly, time consuming and involve a lot of paperwork. You can start making it easier for your dog by getting him used to being in an airline crate.

Things You'll Need

• Airline crate

Instructions

1. Buy a crate that is approved for use on an airline. These are hard plastic crates that will stand the weight of luggage falling on them, not the wire kind. The crate should have room for your pet to stand up and turn around in.

2. Accustom your dog to the crate slowly. If your dog is already crate trained this won't be too difficult a transition. Feed your dog in the crate and make sure he has positive associations with it. Get him used to lengthier stay, such as overnight, but do not confine him extensively. All associations should be positive.

3. Talk to your vet about any options you can use to help your dog during his journey. Depending on your dog and the length of the trip, he may recommend a tranquilizer or sleeping aid. Natural options may include Bach's Flower Remedies.

Tips & Warnings

• Look into the requirements of the destination country before you make any plans. Be prepared to have to quarantine your dog.

• Know the requirements of the airline you are using. Some airlines like Delta do not allow pug-nosed dogs to be checked during hot weather. They tend to have respiratory problems in hot conditions.

• Some pets are small enough to be carried on the plane. See if you can carry your dog with you.

• Flying is an extremely stressful time for animals. Consider all possible health ramifications, especially on older dogs or dogs with underlying conditions.

References

• Delta: Pet Travel Options
• Transitions Abroad: Moving Pets Overseas

Resources

• Bach Flower: The Original Bach Flower Remedy
• Crate Training Net: Crate Training
• American Airlines Cargo