How does the pet travel checker work?▾
Pick origin, destination, species, age and size. We cross-reference a curated database (IATA LAR 52nd ed., USDA APHIS, DEFRA, MAFF, EU 576/2013) and show documents, vaccines, quarantine, airlines, IATA crate and costs.
Does international dog travel require a microchip?▾
Yes — ISO 11784/11785 microchip is mandatory for EU, UK, USA, Japan, Australia and most destinations. Argentina and Brazil do not federally require it, but it is strongly recommended.
Can brachycephalic dogs (Bulldog, Pug, Boxer) fly?▾
Many carriers ban brachycephalic breeds from cargo holds due to thermal and respiratory stress risk. Cabin is usually allowed if weight ≤ 8 kg. Confirm with the airline before booking.
Can I fly with a pregnant cat?▾
Not recommended. Most airlines ban pregnant females past 30 days and kittens under 8 weeks. Veterinary pregnancy certificate is mandatory if allowed.
Does the UK still require quarantine?▾
Not since 2012 — if the Pet Travel Scheme is complete (microchip → rabies vaccine → FAVN ≥0.5 IU/ml with 3-month wait, tapeworm treatment for dogs). Failure of any step: up to 4 months quarantine.
What about ESA (Emotional Support Animal)?▾
Since Jan 2021 the US DOT removed ESAs from service animal status. US airlines treat ESAs as regular pets (standard cabin fee and rules). Only service dogs retain free access.
Where do I get my pet microchipped?▾
Any veterinarian can implant. Look for ISO 11784/11785 — older AVID/Home Again US chips may not be readable by European scanners. Cost: USD 30-80.
How long is the rabies titre (FAVN) valid?▾
FAVN ≥0.5 IU/ml is valid for the animal's lifetime IF annual rabies boosters are kept current. A lapsed vaccine voids the titre — new test and new wait period required.
Do pets travel freely within the EU?▾
Almost. With an EU Pet Passport (microchip + rabies vaccine ≥21 days), dogs, cats and ferrets move freely. Post-Brexit UK requires an Animal Health Certificate. Tapeworm treatment only for dogs entering UK, IE, FI, MT and NO.
What IATA crate size fits under the seat?▾
Cabin general rule: 43-46 cm length × 28-30 cm width × 19-23 cm height (varies by airline). PP10 and PP20 are compatible. Soft-sided Sherpa-style bags compress slightly.
Long flight hypoglycemia — how to prevent?▾
For small and senior pets: rub honey or Karo syrup on cheeks 30 min before boarding, hydrate with water gel, never sedate (banned by almost all airlines due to pressure/breathing risks).
Cabin under-seat dimensions by airline?▾
LATAM: 55×35×25 cm · GOL: 43×30×20 · Air France: 46×28×24 · Lufthansa: 55×40×23 · United: 44×30×19 · Delta: 43×30×19 · TAP: 45×30×20.
Is cargo hold safe for pets?▾
Pressurized cargo is climate-controlled (5-29°C). Risks: stress, noise, turbulence. IATA stats: 0.01-0.03% incident rate. Avoid for brachycephalic, seniors (>10y), puppies (<6mo) and pregnant females.
Can pit bull-type dogs enter any country?▾
No. UK, Australia, France, Germany, Singapore, Denmark and others restrict or ban pit bull-type, Staffordshire Terrier, dogo argentino. Check destination BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) before booking.
Estimated total cost — dog from Brazil to Portugal?▾
CVI: USD 40. Microchip + FAVN: USD 100. IATA crate: USD 80-150. Cargo flight TAP/LATAM: USD 400-800. Broker (optional): USD 200. Total: USD 800-1,400.
