Your older pet and a long flight: the questions to settle first

Start with your veterinarian, not the airline

Your veterinarian knows your pet's history and is the only person who should judge whether a long journey is reasonable. Book an appointment specifically to discuss the move, ideally before you commit to dates. IATA notes that the health certificate is issued by your veterinarian to state that the animal is healthy and fit to fly (IATA Traveler's Pet Corner). For an older pet, that statement deserves a real conversation.

Questions worth asking at that appointment

1. Is my pet fit for a journey of this length? Count door to door, not just flight time: drive to the airport, check-in, the flight, any connection, arrival clearance and the drive home.
2. How will existing conditions be managed on travel day? Ask about heart, breathing, kidney, joint and mobility issues, and about how any regular medication fits the schedule.
3. What about food and water timing? Ask for a plan specific to your pet.
4. Is there anything that would make you advise against flying? If the answer is yes, it is better to hear it now.
5. Can you see us again close to departure? Many destinations require a final exam in a short window before travel. Japan, for example, requires a clinical inspection within 10 days before boarding (MAFF). Plan that visit with your veterinarian early.

What about sedation?

It is a common request, especially for anxious older pets. The official guidance points the other way. IATA continues to endorse recommendations not to sedate or tranquilize pets in transit, unless a veterinarian directs it for valid medical reasons. Delta states that sedation of household dogs and cats is not permitted for its pet shipments, including any medication that causes sedation (Delta).

If your pet takes medication with a sedating effect for a medical condition, raise it with your veterinarian and with us early, so we can check what the airline will accept.

Choosing the route and the mode with age in mind

Once your veterinarian is comfortable, these choices can make the trip easier on an older animal:

• Fewer legs. A nonstop flight, where one exists for pets, removes a connection and another round of handling.
• The right mode. A small senior cat or dog may be able to fly in the cabin on some airlines, but many transpacific carriers do not offer it. Larger pets fly in the hold. Our guide to cabin, checked baggage and cargo explains how that is decided.
• Cooler months. Some airlines limit pet travel in heat. Delta, for example, does not ship pets when ground temperatures exceed 80°F or fall below 20°F, and China Airlines suspends pets between Taipei and Phoenix from April 1 to October 31.
• Arrival plans. Know how you will get your pet home quickly after clearance, and where it will rest the first night.

Making the crate comfortable for older joints

Senior pets may need more time to adjust. IATA suggests getting your pet familiar with the crate a few weeks or months before departure. For older animals, start early and go slowly:

• choose a crate size that lets your pet stand, turn and lie down without strain (see our IATA crate guide);
• use absorbent bedding your pet already likes, as long as the airline allows it;
• practice short sessions and car rides rather than long ones;
• watch how your pet gets in and out, and mention any difficulty to your veterinarian.

Give yourself time

Some destinations require months of preparation, which also gives you room for extra vet visits. Japan, for instance, requires a waiting period of 180 days after the rabies antibody blood sample for pets from the US mainland. Our planning timeline shows the lead times by destination, and our veterinary documents service keeps the paperwork on track while you focus on your pet.