Pet Travel Agency Information

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Pet Relocation Made Simple

Relocating a pet internationally is a complex process that requires detailed planning, logistical precision, and specialist knowledge of animal travel regulations. Elliott International offers a dedicated pet relocation service that ensures your pet’s journey is handled with the same level of care and professionalism we apply to household relocation. Whether you are moving your personal belongings with us or only require assistance with your pet’s travel, our experienced team will coordinate every aspect, from documentation and airline requirements to comfort, safety, and final delivery.

Why Choose Elliott for Pet Relocation?

We understand that for many clients, the most emotionally challenging aspect of a move is not the logistics of household goods, but the welfare of their pet during travel. Elliott works with trusted, industry-leading animal travel partners to manage every step of the process, from documentation and veterinary requirements to in-transit care and final delivery to your new home.

Getting Started with a Pet Travel Agency: Documentation and Booking

To start the pet relocation process, you will need to submit the following:

Copies of your pet’s microchip certificate, vaccination booklet, and rabies titre test results (if applicable for your destination).

All original documents must be handed over to our Animal Handler during collection. We also recommend keeping a copy set with you for veterinary visits and registration in your new location.

Pre-Travel Preparation: Feeding, Hydration and Crate Training

Feeding Guidelines

Feed your pet a normal meal the night before collection.
On the day of travel, offer only a small snack early in the morning.
For pets with sensitive stomachs or early morning departures, feed them no less than 6–8 hours before pick-up.

Hydration

Two securely attached water bowls are provided in the travel kennel.
Water is topped up at check-in, during transit, and upon arrival.
Frozen water can be added before departure to reduce spillage and maintain cool temperatures.

Travel Kennels: Sizing and Familiarisation

Your pet will travel in an IATA-compliant container, sized appropriately for their breed and individual measurements. Proper sizing ensures safety, ventilation, and comfort throughout the journey.

How to Measure Your Pet:

A: Length from nose to base of tail (do not include the tail)
B: Height from floor to top of shoulders
C: Width across the shoulders
D: Height when standing with head erect
E: Weight in kilograms

Accurate measurements are crucial because:

The airfreight cost is calculated based on the kennel size.
Your pet must be able to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably in the container.

Tip: Containers can be delivered in advance so your pet can become familiar with their temporary space. Place their favourite blanket inside to make the kennel feel like a safe, familiar environment.

Bedding: Comfort with Safety in Mind

Adding bedding to your pet’s travel kennel is encouraged — it provides comfort, warmth, and absorbs familiar scents, which can have a calming effect.

Bedding Options:

Kennel pad
Soft pet bed
Towels or t-shirts with familiar scents
Shredded newspaper* (provided for accidents)
Puppy pads

Important Sizing Note:

Bedding must be less than 5 cm in height so that your pet has adequate standing room.
Oversized or bulky bedding will be removed before airline check-in.

If your pet soils their bedding during transit and has a comfort stop, the material will be replaced by the airline with clean absorbent material. For this reason, do not use items of sentimental or monetary value, as they may be discarded. Instead, send such items ahead to your destination.

Medication and Sedation

Medication

Pets cannot travel with medication unless prior arrangements have been made.
If medication is necessary, a veterinarian’s letter must accompany it.
Certain airlines with veterinary support staff may administer medication at a comfort stop.

If possible, send medication separately or arrange for it to be sourced locally upon arrival.

Sedatives

Sedation is strongly discouraged and often banned by airlines.
Sedatives can impair a pet’s natural ability to balance and breathe, making air travel unsafe.
Instead, we recommend crate training and, if needed, herbal calming products without side effects.

How Pet Travel Agencies Handle Feeding During Travel

Pets are typically not fed during their flight, except in the case of a scheduled comfort stop.

If your pet has special dietary needs:

Provide up to 750g of dry food in clear resealable plastic bags, attached to the kennel.
For comfort stops, supply 2–3 servings.
Wet or raw food is not permitted on any airline.

If your pet’s current food is unavailable in your destination country:

Take a photo of the food’s nutritional label.
Choose a similar formulation abroad.
Transition slowly over 7 days, mixing old and new food in stages.

Leashes, Collars, Toys and Accessories

What is Allowed?

No collars, harnesses, jackets, toys, or leashes are allowed in the kennel during travel. This is for their safety during the flight.
Our pet travel partner will handle your pet using approved equipment.

Include any toys or leashes in your luggage instead, or send them ahead to your destination.

Pet Travel Agency Pick-Up Day: Final Preparations

To ensure a smooth departure, follow these important steps:

Exercise your pet to reduce anxiety and encourage rest.
Groom and trim nails to avoid tangling or injury.
Isolate cats in a secure room with food, water, and a litter tray from the evening before collection.
Stay calm — your pet will pick up on your energy.

Provide a photo ID and be ready to sign paperwork at pick-up.

Check-In and In-Transit Care

Once your pet arrives at our travel partner:

Dogs are walked before check-in.
Cats and other animals receive comfort time in a quiet lounge.
Pets wait in a climate-controlled, secure area before boarding.
Pets are loaded last and removed first on the aircraft, minimising exposure to the tarmac and reducing travel stress.
Airlines and handlers will top up water and monitor your pet at scheduled intervals.

Arrival and Delivery

Elliott and our pet relocation partners coordinate:

Customs clearance
Final delivery of your pet to your new residence
Communication throughout the journey to keep you informed

We are committed to providing the highest level of care and professionalism so that your pet arrives safely and ready to settle into their new home.