Airport to Airport Pet Shipping

What is airport-to-airport pet shipping?

Airport-to-airport pet shipping means your pet travels by air from an origin airport to a destination airport. You handle transport to the airport at departure, and you handle pickup and transport from the arrival airport to your home.

Your pet flies between two airports; you handle pickup and delivery at both ends

We support the planning and compliance. However, you (or your trusted person) will:

• Drop your pet at the origin airport cargo/animal facility (or airline counter if permitted)

• Pick up your pet at the destination airport after clearance

• Arrange local transport on both sides

Best for: faster timelines, lower cost than door-to-door, experienced pet owners

Airport-to-airport is best if you:

• Want a lower cost option than door-to-door

• Can manage airport drop-off and pickup times

• Prefer direct control over your pet’s local transport

• Need a faster timeline (where route rules allow)

Airport-to-Airport vs Door-to-Door Pet Relocation

Both services can be safe. The difference is responsibility.

When airport-to-airport is the better choice

Choose airport-to-airport if:

• You can do airport drop-off and pickup without stress

• Your destination is relatively straightforward (or you already know the rules)

• You want to reduce total cost

• You want a quicker booking process (again, depending on permits/tests)

When door-to-door is safer or easier

Door-to-door is often better if:

• You are moving with kids, luggage, and 50 things at once

• You cannot manage airport cargo terminals and timings

• Your route is strict or paperwork-heavy

• You want one team handling the full journey end-to-end

Key differences: cost, handling, documentation, and responsibilities

Here’s a simple comparison:

What’s Included in Our Airport-to-Airport Service

We focus on the parts that decide success: compliance, crate, booking support, and coordination.

Route planning and airline-compliant booking support

We guide the route based on:

• Airline pet policies (cargo vs baggage)

• Seasonal temperature rules

• Direct vs transit risks

• Breed restrictions and crate requirements

Document checklist and timeline guidance

You get a destination-based checklist, with dates. This prevents “Oops, we forgot the waiting period” problems.

IATA-compliant crate selection and sizing help

We help you choose the correct IATA-approved pet crate size and setup, based on your pet’s measurements.

Pre-flight health check preparation

We guide you on:

• When to schedule the vet visit

• How to prepare for the health certificate window

• What details must match (microchip number, dates, stamps)

Export/Import assistance and airport handling coordination

We coordinate the flow and timing with airport handling partners (where applicable), and guide how to present paperwork at the terminal.

Customs clearance support (where available)

In some locations, customs clearance support is possible. In others, you may need to visit the office yourself. Either way, we tell you the steps clearly.

How Airport-to-Airport Pet Shipping Works

Step 1: Share pet details (breed, size, weight, destination, dates)

You share:

• Dog/cat, breed, age

• Weight and measurements

• Origin + destination airport/city

• Preferred travel dates (or flexibility window)

Step 2: Confirm airline rules and route (direct vs transit)

We review:

• Which airlines accept your pet type/breed

• Whether transit is allowed (and safe)

• Temperature embargo periods

• Cargo terminal requirements

Step 3: Documents + vet visit scheduling

We provide a document plan (what, when, and who signs). You book the vet visits at the right time.

Step 4: Crate setup and crate-training tips

We help with crate choice and setup, plus simple training steps so your pet doesn’t panic on travel day.

Step 5: Drop-off at origin airport (what to bring)

You arrive at the airport facility with:

• Pet in crate

• Original documents + copies

• ID and contact details

• Airline/booking reference

Step 6: Arrival pickup at destination airport (clearance steps)

After landing, you:

• Present documents to the inspection/customs team

• Pay applicable fees (if any)

• Collect your pet within pickup time windows

• Arrange transport home

Airport Drop-Off Checklist (Avoid Last-Minute Issues)

This section saves people. Like seriously.

Required documents at check-in

Carry originals (and 2–3 copies):

• Microchip proof

• Rabies vaccine certificate

• Health certificate (fit-to-fly)

• Import/export permits (if required)

• Airline forms / shipper declaration

Crate readiness checklist

• Correct crate size (pet can stand, turn, lie down)

• Ventilation on required sides

• Door locks secure

• Absorbent bedding (not messy)

• Water bowl attached (and filled per airline rule)

• Labels: “LIVE ANIMAL”, arrows, contact details

Feeding and hydration timing

General guidance (always follow your vet advice):

• Avoid heavy meals close to departure

• Offer water in the hours before travel

• Keep it simple—no new foods on travel day

Common reasons pets get rejected at the airport

• Crate too small or not airline-approved

• Missing labels or weak door locks

• Paperwork mismatch (microchip number wrong, dates wrong)

• Health certificate outside the allowed time window

• Breed/temperature restrictions not met

• Late arrival at cargo terminal (this happens a lot)

Documents Required for Airport-to-Airport Pet Shipping

Microchip certificate

Many countries require ISO 11784/11785 microchip. The microchip number must match every document.

Rabies and core vaccination record

Rabies is the big one. Core vaccines depend on destination, but complete records always help.

Fit-to-fly health certificate

Issued by an authorised vet within a destination-specific time window. If it’s outside the window, airlines can refuse.

Import permit / export permit (destination-based)

Not every route needs permits, but many do. We confirm based on your destination.

Rabies titer test (FAVN) for certain countries

Some strict countries require FAVN + waiting periods. This affects your whole timeline, so start early.

Airline forms and shipper declarations

Airlines may require shipper details, feeding instructions, and crate compliance declarations.

Document summary table (typical):

IATA Crate Rules for Airport-to-Airport Pet Transport

How to measure your pet for the correct crate size

Measure your pet standing naturally:

• Nose to base of tail (length)

• Floor to top of head/ears (height)

• Shoulder width (width)
  A correct crate allows your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.

Ventilation, locking, labeling, and absorbent bedding

Most airlines want:

• Ventilation on multiple sides

• Strong locking mechanism (often metal hardware required)

• Proper “LIVE ANIMAL” labeling and arrows

• Absorbent bedding (no loose straw/hay that spills)

Single vs double crates (when allowed, when not)

• Single crate: Standard for most pets

• Two pets in one crate: Often not allowed, except very small compatible animals (and airline rules vary). When in doubt, plan separate crates.

Crate mistakes that cause airport rejection

• Using a crate that’s “almost” the right size

• Wheels still attached

• Weak plastic door / broken lock

• No water bowl

• Poor ventilation

• Missing labels and contact details

Cost of Airport-to-Airport Pet Shipping

What impacts cost: size, crate, route, airline, season

Pricing changes based on:

• Pet weight + crate dimensions (major factor)

• Airline policy and space availability

• Direct vs transit route

• Destination documentation complexity

• Peak season restrictions

Direct flight vs transit flight pricing

Direct flights can cost more but reduce transit risk. Transit routes may cost less, but they increase handling points and time.

Extra charges to expect (handling, customs, storage, inspection)

Common extras at airports:

• Handling/terminal fees

• Customs inspection fees

• Storage charges if pickup is delayed

• After-hours pickup fees (some airports)

Cost range table (illustration only):

These are general ranges. Final cost depends on crate size, route, and airline policies.

How Long Does Airport-to-Airport Pet Shipping Take?

Typical timelines by route

• Standard routes: 2–6 weeks planning

• Permit-heavy routes: 4–10 weeks

• FAVN + waiting period destinations: 3–7 months (sometimes more)

What causes delays (permits, titer tests, flight embargoes)

• Permit processing delays

• Waiting period after rabies/titer test

• Airline temperature embargoes

• Limited cargo capacity during peak travel

• Document errors (most common, and avoidable)

Airline Options and Pet Travel Methods

Cargo vs checked baggage vs cabin (what applies and when)

• Cabin: usually only for very small pets on select routes

• Checked baggage: some airlines allow pets in hold on the same flight as owner (route-specific)

• Cargo (most common for international): dedicated cargo handling, common for larger pets and many international rules

Temperature embargo rules and seasonal restrictions

Airlines may stop pet transport during extreme heat or cold periods. Planning dates and flight times helps a lot.

Breed restrictions (especially snub-nosed breeds)

Many airlines restrict brachycephalic breeds due to breathing risk under stress and heat. We check what is realistically allowed.

Special Cases in Airport-to-Airport Shipping

Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds

Extra care, better timing, and stricter airline checks are normal here.

Large dogs and giant breeds

Large crates need aircraft space. So, early booking matters, otherwise you’ll be stuck changing flights.

Senior pets and nervous travellers

We recommend calm routing, crate training, and vet guidance. Also, sedation is usually not recommended unless a vet specifically advises it.

Multi-pet shipping (same flight vs separate flights)

Sometimes pets can travel on the same flight. Sometimes it’s smarter to split flights (space and handling limits). We guide based on route reality.

Customs & Airport Clearance at Destination

What happens after landing

After landing, your pet goes to the designated animal facility/cargo terminal. Then you complete:

• Document verification

• Inspection (if required)

• Fee payment (if applicable)

• Release and pickup

Inspections, fees, and document checks

Expect checks for:

• Microchip match

• Rabies certificate dates

• Health certificate validity

• Permits and endorsements (if required)

Storage rules and pickup time windows

Airports have pickup time windows. If you delay pickup, storage fees may apply. So yes, plan your arrival schedule properly.

Popular Airport-to-Airport Pet Shipping Routes

(Internally link these to your route pages)

Dubai ↔ London

Example internal link: /routes/dubai-to-london-pet-shipping/

Dubai ↔ Toronto

Example internal link: /routes/dubai-to-toronto-pet-shipping/

Mumbai ↔ Dubai

Example internal link: /routes/mumbai-to-dubai-pet-shipping/

New York ↔ London

Example internal link: /routes/new-york-to-london-pet-shipping/

Dubai ↔ Sydney

Example internal link: /routes/dubai-to-sydney-pet-shipping/

Airport-to-Airport Pet Shipping FAQs (Use as Q&A Blocks)

Is airport-to-airport pet shipping safe?

Yes, it can be very safe when you follow airline rules, prepare the crate correctly, and complete documents without errors.

Can I book directly with an airline?

Sometimes yes. However, many owners still use support because airline rules, documents, and timing mistakes are easy to make.

How early should I start the process?

Start 4–6 weeks early for standard routes. If your destination needs permits or FAVN titer tests, start months earlier.

What if my pet is rejected at check-in?

Most rejections happen due to crate or paperwork issues. If rejection happens, you may need to fix the issue and rebook—plus pay extra handling fees.

Do pets need quarantine on arrival?

Some countries require quarantine, many do not if rules are met. It depends fully on destination.

Can I ship two pets in one crate?

Usually not. Some airlines allow two very small compatible animals, but rules vary. Separate crates are safest.

What’s the best crate for international pet shipping?

An IATA-approved crate that fits your pet properly, has strong ventilation, secure locks, and correct labels.

FAQ Topics (Answer Engine Friendly)

What does airport-to-airport pet shipping mean?
It means your pet flies between two airports, and you manage pickup/drop-off locally at both ends.

How much does airport-to-airport pet shipping cost?
Commonly USD 900–6,500+, depending on pet size, crate size, route, airline, season, and destination rules.

How long does airport-to-airport pet transport take?
Planning can take 2–6 weeks for standard routes, and months for strict destinations requiring tests and waiting periods.

What documents do I need to ship a dog by air internationally?
Usually microchip proof, rabies vaccine certificate, health certificate, and sometimes permits and titer tests.

Do pets travel as cargo on international flights?
Often yes, especially for medium/large pets and many international routes.

What is an IATA-approved pet crate?
A crate that meets airline safety standards for size, ventilation, strength, locks, and comfort.

Can I pick up my pet at the airport myself?
Yes, that’s exactly how airport-to-airport works—you or your contact collects the pet after clearance.

What are common reasons for airport rejection?
Crate too small, missing labels, paperwork mismatch, wrong certificate dates, or breed/temperature restrictions.

Do snub-nosed dogs have airline restrictions?
Yes, many airlines have restrictions for brachycephalic breeds, especially during warm months.

Will my pet need quarantine after landing?
Only if the destination country requires it or if documents are incomplete.

What fees might I pay at the destination airport?
Possible terminal handling fees, customs inspection fees, and storage fees if pickup is late.

Can my pet travel on a connecting flight?
Yes sometimes, but it depends on airline rules and safety. Direct routes are often preferred when possible.

12 Most Searched SEO & AEO Friendly FAQs (Bonus)

1. Can cats travel internationally as cargo safely?
   Yes, with the right crate, correct documents, and an airline that accepts pets on your route.

2. How do I prepare my dog for an international flight?
   Start crate training early, keep routines stable, and schedule vet checks within the correct window.

3. What is the best time of year to ship a pet by air?
   Mild seasons are easier due to fewer temperature embargo restrictions.

4. Do airlines charge by pet weight or crate size?
   Many airlines consider both the crate dimensions and combined weight.

5. What if my flight is delayed—what happens to my pet?
   Pets are handled through the airline/terminal procedures. We help reduce risk by choosing stable routes and timings.

6. Can I ship my pet if it’s pregnant?
   Airline and veterinary restrictions apply. Always confirm with a vet and airline before planning.

7. Can puppies or kittens fly internationally?
   Age limits apply, especially for rabies vaccination and destination entry rules.

8. How long before travel should rabies vaccine be done?
   Depends on destination rules and waiting periods. Many routes require vaccination well before travel.

9. Should I sedate my pet for the flight?
   Many vets do not recommend sedation for air travel. Only follow your vet’s advice.

10. What size crate does my dog need for international travel?
    The crate must allow standing, turning, and lying comfortably. We confirm size using your pet’s measurements.

11. Do I need a pet passport?
    Some regions use pet passport systems, but many routes rely on certificates and permits instead.

12. What happens if I don’t pick up my pet on time?
    Storage fees may apply, and pickup windows may be strict. Plan your timing carefully.