Frequently Asked Questions

As early as possible. Some relocations can be prepared within a few weeks, while destinations requiring rabies titre testing, import permits, quarantine or complex documentation may require several months of preparation.

Preparation time depends on the destination, vaccination history, laboratory tests, documentation, permits and available transport options. We assess the timeline individually before planning the journey.

Yes. Early planning is often beneficial because some veterinary and documentation requirements must be completed well before departure.

We normally need the species, breed, age, weight, body measurements, origin, destination, approximate travel date, vaccination status, microchip details and information about any existing travel kennel.

Yes. We can assess the route, regulatory requirements, airline options and potential difficulties before you decide how you would like to proceed.

Yes. Fly Your Tail specialises in assessing difficult cases and alternative routing options. However, we will not recommend a journey that we consider legally non-compliant or unsuitable for the animal's welfare.

Yes. We handle straightforward family relocations as well as difficult routes, restricted breeds, unusual species, large animals and other specialised cases.

Yes. You can use Fly Your Tail for a specific stage such as documentation, route planning, kennel advice, transport booking, customs or destination handling.

No. Services can be adapted to your needs, from consultation and document review to complete relocation management.

Yes. We can divide responsibilities clearly so you manage the parts you are comfortable with while we coordinate the more complicated stages.

Possibly. Cabin acceptance depends on the airline, route, destination rules, species, weight and carrier dimensions.

Some airlines allow pets to travel in the hold as accompanied baggage when the owner travels on the same flight. Availability depends on the airline and destination regulations.

Manifested cargo may be required because of the destination country, airline policy, pet size, kennel dimensions, breed or route.

Cabin pets travel with the passenger inside the aircraft. Accompanied baggage pets travel in the aircraft hold under the passenger booking. Manifested cargo is booked separately through the airline's cargo system.

It is a standard method of transporting live animals internationally. Appropriate route planning, kennel preparation, airline procedures and environmental conditions are important for reducing avoidable risks.

Yes, where geographically and legally practical. Road transport can also be combined with air travel.

Some rail operators accept pets, subject to their own size, kennel and route restrictions.

Yes. Multi-modal transport can sometimes provide a better solution when direct air travel is unavailable or unsuitable.

Often yes, but it depends on airline policy and whether your pet travels in cabin, as accompanied baggage or as manifested cargo.

Yes. Pets travelling as manifested cargo can normally travel independently of their owner.

Yes. We can provide airport-to-airport arrangements when the owner prefers to manage collection and delivery.

Yes, on many routes. Availability depends on local regulations and partner coverage.

Yes, where local collection services are available.

Yes, where destination delivery services are available.

Yes, when suitable transit facilities are available and the airline or airport permits the animal to be transferred to them.

We consider route, aircraft type, live-animal policies, transit arrangements, breed restrictions, weather, journey duration and overall animal welfare.

No. Some airlines do not carry pets, while others only accept certain species, routes or transport methods.

No. Aircraft configuration and live-animal systems can affect whether pets are accepted.

Yes. Airlines may refuse transport if the kennel, documentation, health condition or other requirements do not meet their rules.

Yes. Policies, schedules, aircraft assignments and live-animal restrictions can change, which is why final arrangements should be reconfirmed.

Yes. Some airlines restrict live-animal transport during periods of extreme heat or cold.

Airlines may impose temperature limits at departure, transit or arrival airports.

Yes on some routes, but high temperatures may restrict certain flights, airports, breeds or travel times.

Usually, but extreme cold can also result in airline restrictions.

Often yes. Exact thresholds vary by airline, breed, aircraft and airport.

Some airlines accept them under specific conditions, while others prohibit them or impose seasonal restrictions.

Brachycephalic dogs and cats, certain strong breeds, restricted breeds and some mixed breeds may face additional airline requirements.

Yes. Breed restrictions are set by individual airlines and sometimes destination authorities.

Yes. We can assess alternative airlines, airports or transport methods.

Yes. We assess transit time, live-animal facilities and airline compatibility before recommending connections.

There is no universal maximum. It depends on the animal, kennel, route and available care during transit.

At some international hubs, specialised animal facilities can provide water, feeding, cleaning and rest.

Requirements may include a microchip, vaccinations, health certificate, import permit, rabies titre test, parasite treatment, disease testing and government endorsements.

Yes. Requirements vary considerably and can also depend on the pet's country of origin.

An import permit is an authorisation issued by the destination authority allowing the animal to enter under specified conditions.

Some countries require an export permit or official export certificate, while others do not.

It is an official document confirming that the animal meets the health requirements of the destination.

In many international relocations, yes. This depends on the destination and certificate format.

An official veterinarian is authorised by the relevant government authority to perform or certify official animal-health procedures.

A pet passport can be required or useful within certain regions, but it does not replace all international import documentation.

It provides useful vaccination and identification records, but non-EU destinations may require additional certificates, permits and laboratory testing.

Yes. Document review is an important part of our relocation support.

Yes. We can prepare a schedule showing what must be completed and when.

Yes. We can identify gaps and advise what needs to be corrected before travel.

Depending on the error, the document may need to be corrected, reissued or endorsed again.

Yes. Incorrect documentation can lead to delays, quarantine, return transport or refusal of entry.

Yes. Government requirements can change, so they should be reconfirmed before departure.

Yes. Regulatory requirements are reviewed as part of route planning.

Most international pet-travel schemes require permanent identification, commonly an ISO-compatible microchip.

An ISO 11784/11785-compatible microchip is commonly required, although destination rules should always be checked.

For many destinations, yes. A rabies vaccination given before valid microchip identification may not be accepted.

Both should normally be recorded in the paperwork, and authorities may scan for both.

Most international destinations require a valid rabies vaccination, subject to age and origin-country rules.

This depends on the vaccine and local legislation, although 12 weeks is common for international pet-travel purposes.

Many destinations require a waiting period after the first valid vaccination. The exact period varies by country.

Possibly. Requirements vary by destination and species.

A new vaccination may restart applicable waiting periods or rabies titre timelines.

Yes. Microchip timing, vaccine validity and booster continuity can affect whether authorities accept the vaccination.

Yes. Minimum vaccination ages and waiting periods can restrict travel for very young animals.

It is a blood test that measures the level of antibodies produced following rabies vaccination.

It is required by certain countries depending on the pet's origin and destination.

The required interval varies by destination, so the applicable regulations must be checked before testing.

A result of at least 0.5 IU/ml is commonly required for international pet travel.

For regulated international travel, usually yes. The laboratory must be recognised by the destination authority.

Yes. Veterinary sample logistics are one of our specialised services.

Laboratory processing time varies, and international courier transit must also be considered.

Some destinations require a waiting period, while others do not.

This depends on the destination and whether rabies vaccination continuity has been maintained.

For some destinations, yes. Rules vary, so vaccination continuity should be carefully maintained.

The pet may require another rabies vaccination followed by a new blood draw according to destination rules.

Yes. Additional tests may be required depending on the destination, origin and species.

Yes. We can help coordinate testing requirements and international laboratory logistics.

The kennel should be selected using the animal's body measurements, airline requirements and applicable IATA Live Animals Regulations.

It means the kennel is designed and prepared in accordance with applicable IATA Live Animals Regulations and airline requirements.

Generally no. IATA publishes standards, while airlines determine whether a particular kennel is acceptable.

Body length, leg length, shoulder width and standing height are used to determine the minimum appropriate dimensions.

Normally nose-to-tail-base length, ground-to-elbow height, shoulder width and ground-to-top-of-head or ears height.

Normally no. The animal should be able to stand naturally without touching the roof.

Yes. The animal should be able to stand, sit, turn around and lie naturally.

They can be. Some airlines require additional space or ventilation.

Sometimes. Certain breeds and airlines require stronger construction or reinforced doors.

Possibly, if it complies with the requirements for the specific animal and airline.

Yes, provided it is structurally sound, correctly sized and airline compliant.

Yes. We can review photographs, dimensions and construction details.

Yes, where appropriate suppliers are available.

Airlines commonly require a strong, secure metal door with an appropriate locking mechanism.

Wheels normally need to be removed or securely disabled for air transport.

Airlines generally require secure water containers accessible from outside the kennel.

Absorbent and non-hazardous bedding is generally suitable, subject to airline rules.

Sometimes, but loose items may be restricted. Airline requirements should be checked first.

Yes. Familiarity with the kennel can significantly reduce travel stress.

Ideally several weeks in advance, particularly for pets that have never used a kennel.

It can be, particularly for animals unfamiliar with kennels or busy environments. Good preparation helps reduce avoidable stress.

We focus on suitable routing, appropriate kennel preparation, minimising unnecessary transit and coordinating suitable handling arrangements.

Sedation is generally discouraged for air travel unless specifically advised by a veterinarian and accepted by the airline.

Sedatives can affect breathing, blood pressure, balance and temperature regulation.

Possibly, but any medication should be discussed with the veterinarian and checked against airline policy.

Usually a light meal several hours before travel is preferable to a large meal immediately before departure.

Pets should remain adequately hydrated. Water should not generally be withheld unless instructed by a veterinarian.

Travel kennels should have water containers, and specialised transit facilities may refill them.

Pets travelling in the hold are placed in an aircraft compartment suitable for live-animal transport.

When an aircraft is approved to carry live animals in the hold, the relevant compartment is normally pressurised.

Suitable live-animal compartments are temperature managed, although exact systems vary by aircraft.

This can include airline staff, cargo handlers, ground-handling agents and specialised live-animal personnel.

At specialised animal hubs, staff may provide welfare checks and water during transit.

The airline and handlers manage the operational disruption while we coordinate information and alternatives where possible.

The airline may rebook the pet and arrange appropriate transit handling depending on the airport and circumstances.

The airline may delay, rebook or refuse the shipment until conditions improve.

Yes. We may recommend postponement when welfare or regulatory risks are unacceptable.

Yes. Finding a solution is important, but animal welfare takes priority over completing a booking.

Yes, where a safe and airline-compliant transport option is available.

Yes. We assess airline, transit and destination restrictions individually.

Yes, subject to suitable kennel availability, aircraft capacity and routing.

Yes. Age alone does not necessarily prevent travel, but health and welfare must be assessed.

Often yes. Kennel preparation and careful route planning become particularly important.

Potentially. Veterinary assessment and airline approval may be required depending on the condition.

Yes, depending on species, airline acceptance and applicable veterinary, wildlife and CITES requirements.

Yes, although airline options for rabbits are more limited than for dogs and cats.

Potentially. Veterinary, wildlife and airline requirements can be considerably more complex.

Potentially, subject to species-specific airline and legal requirements.

Yes. We can coordinate multi-pet household relocations.

Yes. Connecting flights, alternative airports or road sectors may be considered.

Yes. Multi-country routing is one of the situations where detailed coordination becomes particularly important.

Yes. We can investigate why the pet was refused and whether another compliant solution exists.

Yes. We can assess alternative airlines or transport methods.

Yes. Sometimes using a different airport significantly improves the available options.

Yes, where suitable ground transport is available.

This depends on the country and how the pet is transported.

It may be handled by the owner, consignee, customs broker, destination agent or Fly Your Tail partner.

Many destinations require an official veterinary or quarantine inspection.

Yes, where destination handling is available.

Yes, on many routes through our destination partners.

Yes. This can include cargo reception, customs, veterinary inspection and release.

Only where required by the destination or because applicable import conditions have not been met.

It varies significantly by destination and circumstances.

Where the relevant system permits agent bookings, yes.

Only if specifically stated in the quotation.

Yes, where local delivery is available.

We coordinate with the relevant parties and keep the client informed while the issue is resolved.

Not always. This depends on destination rules and who is listed as importer or consignee.

There is no fixed price. Cost depends on route, kennel size, airline, documentation, veterinary work, customs, quarantine and ground services.

The total can include specialist handling, airfreight, government fees, veterinary work, documentation, customs, quarantine and destination services.

Route, airline, kennel dimensions, weight, transit, fuel surcharges and airport fees can all affect the price.

Airfreight is often priced according to either actual weight or the space occupied by the kennel, whichever produces the higher chargeable weight.

A larger kennel occupies more cargo space and therefore increases chargeable weight.

Only when specifically listed.

Only if stated in the quotation.

This depends on the service package and destination.

Only if specifically included.

They may be included or quoted separately depending on the route.

Only when listed in the quotation.

Only when listed in the quotation.

Usually not indefinitely. Airline rates and surcharges can change before booking.

Cargo rates, schedules and available capacity can change frequently.

Yes. Government and quarantine authorities may revise their charges.

Yes. Quotations normally show the principal components of the service.

Yes. Clients can use Fly Your Tail for planning and documentation support without booking full transport.

This depends on the consulting package offered for your case and will be explained before payment.

Yes. Julia remains directly involved in each relocation.

Yes. The aim is to provide consistent communication rather than transferring clients between multiple departments.

Communication can take place by email, WhatsApp and scheduled calls.

Yes.

Yes. Travel-day communication is an important part of our service.

Yes. International relocations often require local agents, handlers, freight forwarders and transport providers.

Depending on the route, bookings may be made directly with airlines or through authorised cargo agents and freight forwarders.

Yes, where appropriate and available for the route.

Yes. We can provide your veterinarian with the relevant testing and documentation requirements.

Yes.

Potentially, provided they can meet the requirements of the shipment.

Yes. We provide updates as information becomes available from airlines and involved partners.

We coordinate with the relevant airline, handler, authority or agent and work toward the most practical solution.

Yes. Fly Your Tail coordinates international veterinary sample logistics.

Depending on courier and regulatory requirements, this can include blood, serum, plasma, swabs and other diagnostic specimens.

Yes, where the sample type and packaging comply with courier and transport requirements.

Yes, subject to appropriate packaging and temperature requirements.

Yes, depending on the diagnostic test and laboratory instructions.

Yes. This is a common veterinary sample service.

Yes.

Yes. We can confirm sample type, packaging, documentation and delivery requirements.

Yes.

Often yes. Packaging depends on sample classification, temperature requirements and courier rules.

Potentially. Temperature-controlled transport must be planned according to laboratory and courier requirements.

International shipments may require customs declarations or supporting documentation.

Yes.

Yes. Tracking and delivery confirmation can form part of the service.

We coordinate the shipment according to those requirements before collection.

Yes. Veterinary sample logistics can be booked as a separate service.

Yes. Fly Your Tail coordinates pet relocations across a wide range of international routes using airlines, freight agents, veterinarians, customs specialists and destination partners. Availability depends on the species, breed, route and current regulations.

Our coverage is international rather than limited to a fixed list. We coordinate relocations involving Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, North America, Africa and the Middle East, using local specialists where necessary.

Yes. Australia has one of the world's more complex pet-import processes, and preparation normally needs to begin several months before travel.

Depending on the pet's country of origin, requirements can include approved-country residency, microchip identification, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody titre testing, additional veterinary tests and treatments, an Australian import permit, official export documentation and mandatory post-arrival quarantine.

Fly Your Tail can coordinate the preparation timeline, veterinary requirements, RNATT logistics, import permit, quarantine planning, documentation and airfreight arrangements.

Yes. New Zealand applies strict biosecurity requirements for dogs and cats.

Depending on the origin country, pets may require microchip identification, rabies vaccination and testing, official identity verification, additional veterinary testing and treatments, an import permit, official veterinary certification and quarantine at an approved facility.

The process should be started well in advance because several steps must be completed within specific timeframes.

Yes. Dogs, cats and ferrets entering Great Britain generally require a valid microchip, rabies vaccination and an accepted travel document or veterinary certificate.

Depending on the country of origin, a rabies antibody titre test and waiting period may also be required. Dogs arriving from many countries additionally require correctly timed tapeworm treatment.

Pets must also enter through an approved route and transport method. Fly Your Tail checks the appropriate process according to the origin and proposed journey.

Yes. Dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU generally require an approved microchip and valid rabies vaccination.

Pets coming from certain non-EU countries also require a rabies antibody titre test and waiting period. An official EU animal health certificate or valid EU pet passport may be required depending on the journey.

Additional national requirements can apply in certain countries, so the exact process must be checked according to origin and destination.

Yes. U.S. requirements differ between dogs and cats and depend particularly on where the animal has been before travel.

Dogs must meet current CDC entry conditions, which can include minimum age, microchip identification, a CDC Dog Import Form and additional rabies documentation for dogs arriving from countries considered high risk for canine rabies.

Additional USDA, state or airline requirements may also apply. We assess each U.S. relocation according to the animal's travel history and route.

Yes. Canadian import requirements depend on species, age, country of origin and purpose of import.

Dogs and cats commonly require valid proof of rabies vaccination or qualifying documentation from a recognised rabies-free country. Commercial, rescue, breeding or resale movements can be subject to additional requirements.

We verify the applicable Canadian Food Inspection Agency requirements before travel.

Yes. South Africa generally requires an official veterinary import permit before dogs or cats are shipped.

The conditions attached to the permit determine the required veterinary certificate, testing and treatments. Depending on origin and species, additional disease tests may be required, and some animals can be subject to quarantine.

Because the procedures can be detailed, we coordinate the permit, veterinary testing, official certification, transport and destination arrangements individually.

Yes. Japan requires careful advance preparation, particularly for dogs and cats arriving from countries or regions not recognised as rabies-free.

The process can include microchip identification before rabies vaccination, two rabies vaccinations, a rabies antibody titre test performed by an accepted laboratory and a 180-day waiting period after the blood draw.

Advance notification to the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service and an official veterinary export certificate are also required.

Pets arriving from recognised rabies-free regions follow a different process.

Yes. There is no single set of requirements for the Middle East because every country has its own rules.

Common requirements can include a microchip, rabies vaccination, routine vaccinations, import permit, veterinary health certificate and government endorsement. Some destinations may also require rabies titre testing, parasite treatment, breed restrictions or specific arrival airports and transport methods.

We assess each Middle Eastern destination individually.

Yes. Fly Your Tail operates internationally through a network of airlines, freight forwarders, customs agents, veterinarians, pet handlers and destination partners.

A physical Fly Your Tail office is not required for us to coordinate the relocation.

For many destinations, yes. Depending on the route, local partners can assist with airport reception, customs clearance, veterinary inspection, quarantine, ground transport and final delivery.

Partners are selected according to the individual requirements of each shipment.

Fly Your Tail can provide a route-specific assessment based on your pet's origin, destination, species, vaccination status and planned travel date.

Our destination pages provide general guidance, while the relevant government authority remains the final regulatory reference. Requirements are reconfirmed before travel because regulations and airline policies can change.

Confirm documentation, keep your pet's routine stable, continue crate familiarisation and follow the final veterinary, feeding and airport instructions.

A normal or slightly lighter meal several hours before travel is generally appropriate unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.

Yes. Moderate exercise and a toilet break before check-in are usually beneficial.

Exact timing depends on the animal and journey. A large meal immediately before travel should generally be avoided.

Normally absorbent bedding and secured water containers. Other items depend on airline policy.

Relevant health certificates, permits, vaccination records and transport documentation may need to accompany the animal.

Certain copies or handling documents may be attached in a secure pouch depending on airline instructions.

Yes. Appropriate identification and live-animal labels are normally required.

Owner or consignee contact details and relevant handling information may be required.

Yes. Pet check-in or cargo acceptance normally takes considerably longer than standard passenger check-in.

The airline or handler reviews the kennel, documents, booking and condition of the animal before accepting the shipment.

Yes. A booking does not override documentation, kennel, health or operational requirements.

The pet is prepared, checked in or delivered to cargo acceptance, documentation is verified and the airline takes responsibility for transport after formal acceptance.

The owner, Fly Your Tail, a local partner or a transport provider may do so depending on the service booked.

At some airports yes, while at others access is restricted.

Usually before check-in or cargo acceptance, depending on the airline procedure.

Cargo shipments often require acceptance several hours before departure.

The pet enters the airline's controlled handling process and is transported to the aircraft according to live-animal procedures.

Flight and airway-bill information can usually be monitored, although this is not GPS tracking of the individual animal.

We provide available updates from airlines and handlers throughout the journey.

Depending on the airport, the pet may remain airside or be transferred to a specialised animal facility.

Usually not unless the transit facility is authorised and equipped to provide controlled animal handling.

Specialised facilities may feed animals when appropriate and permitted.

The airline must confirm that the replacement aircraft can carry live animals. Rebooking may be required if it cannot.

The pet is unloaded and transferred to the appropriate cargo, customs, veterinary or quarantine facility.

It can range from less than an hour to several hours or longer depending on the country, airport and inspections required.

Depending on the transport method, collection can take place at passenger baggage, cargo, an animal reception centre or quarantine facility.

Yes, where local regulations allow an authorised agent to do so.

Yes, on many routes.

Offer water first and allow the animal to settle. A small meal is often preferable to a large meal immediately after a long journey.

Temporary tiredness, thirst, excitement, reduced appetite or mild disorientation can occur.

Some pets settle within hours, while others may need several days to return to their normal routine.

Seek veterinary advice if your pet appears unwell, has difficulty breathing, repeatedly vomits, cannot stand normally or shows other concerning symptoms.

Document the condition immediately, inform the airline or handler and obtain veterinary attention where necessary.

Airlines commonly restrict pregnant animals, particularly during later stages of pregnancy. Veterinary and airline approval may be required.

Minimum age restrictions apply because of vaccination, import and airline requirements.

Sometimes, particularly very young animals of similar size, but strict airline and IATA conditions apply.

Small quantities may be permitted or attached to the kennel for transit use, depending on airline policy.

Possibly, but medication should be clearly documented and accepted by the airline and destination authorities.

Potentially. Behaviour must be assessed carefully because aggressive or severely anxious animals may require additional preparation or specialised handling.

Often yes, depending on their medical condition and ability to travel safely.

Yes. Manifested cargo transport allows pets to travel independently.

Often yes, provided destination regulations allow it and the appropriate documentation is completed.

Yes, provided ownership, import, vaccination and other regulatory requirements can be satisfied.

Potentially. Commercial movement rules may differ from non-commercial pet travel and must be reviewed carefully.

Yes. We can coordinate pet relocation as part of corporate employee moves.

Yes. We can coordinate multi-country journeys and the corresponding transport and documentation requirements.

We can assess them, but mandatory vaccination intervals, laboratory testing and government waiting periods cannot be shortened.

Contact us immediately. We will review airline change conditions, documentation validity, permits, veterinary timelines and any additional costs before rescheduling.