Question 1

Is it safe to fly for my pet?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when your pet is healthy and all preparations are done carefully flying is just as safe for your
pet as it is for you. Traveling by air is still the most safest way of transport.

Yes, in some cases cats and dogs are at a higher risk:
# When you have an elderly pet (older than 8 years) Pets with underlying medical conditions may
be more likely to have problems during transport. Your vet could do a geriatric blood test to make
sure your pet is fit to fly.
# Obese pets may also be at higher risk. Keeping your pet healthy and at a normal weight will
reduce problems.
# When your pet has a condition (per example kidney failure, heart problems, breathing
problems, or is epileptic).
# When your pet is snub-nosed
# When traveling in a crate which is too small or unsuitable.
Contact your pet travel consultant for more information & advise.

As a pet relocation company, Flying Dutch Pets assesses each journey individually and advises on the safest travel option for your pet.

Question 2

Pets and anxiety

Accepted Answer

Crate training will reduce stress during transport for 90% - make sure your pet is comfortable in the travel kennel.
Medication – only homeopathic products may be used – no sedatives. We can recommend Lichtwesen no fear, Pet Remedy, Catnip. Feliway Try these products out before travel so you know what the effect is on your beloved pet.

As part of our pet relocation service, Flying Dutch Pets advises on stress-reducing preparations tailored to each journey.

Question 3

Departure, how do I prepare my pet.

Accepted Answer

Proper preparation is a crucial step in any international pet relocation. 
It is preferable to ship your pet on week days as all staff are working and liaison is easier all along the route.

Acclimate your pet to the travel kennel in advance. Placing treats inside or playing a game with toys can help coax a pet into entering a kennel and make them comfortable and familiar with the container.
Take your dog for a nice walk before check-in. Pets should get extra exercise the days leading up to departure.
Only feed a very light meal 4 hours prior to heading to the airport. With a full belly pets are more likely
to get unwell or uncomfortable during the trip.
Pets may drink water till check-in, but not too much as they will feel uncomfortable when needing to pee.
Special attention should be given to large – deep-chested dogs to avoid possible complications with bloat, a medical condition in which the stomach becomes overstretched and twisted and can be fatal.
Food -and water should be given in small increments prior to departure and on arrival.

Personal items like leashes, collars, bowls and toys are not allowed in the travel kennel. Flying Dutch Pets can secure a leash or collar to the travel crate.
We recommend getting pets nails clipped for safety reasons.
Tranquilizers or sedatives are not allowed & are very dangerous during travel. Your pet will be refused to board when sedated. Even though the aircraft is pressured and climate controlled, the effects of these medications can vary and cruising altitude may affect your pets ability to regulate his/her breathing and body temperature.
Homeopathic medications can be given to your pet but only on advise of your vet. Flying Dutch Pets can advise more on this topic and on products if needed.

Question 4

Pets flying as cargo

Accepted Answer

When pets travel as part of an international pet relocation, cargo transport is often the safest and most suitable option.

You are moving or traveling to a foreign country, and your four-legged friend is joining you on this adventure. 
Are you wondering when your pet should be booked as manifested cargo? 
What does cargo mean? Cargo: your pet travels in the cargo hold at the bottom of the plane on a passenger or cargo flight and is booked by a pet travel agent.

Your pet has to travel as cargo if:
# Your pet is traveling to Australia, Bahrain, Ireland, Hong Kong, New Zealand, United Arab
Emirates, Kenya, Great Britain or South Africa.
# Your pet travels unaccompanied.
# Your pet is snub-nosed, such as the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug, Boxer, Pekinese,
King Charles Spaniels or Persian cars. To ensure the wellbeing of these breeds, most airlines
have adjusted regulations or an embargo.
# Your dog is a Pitbull, Staffordshire (Bull) Terrier, Cane Corso, Mastiff or a Bordeaux Dog, as
these breeds will not be accepted as excess luggage by most airlines.
# Your dog has to be transported in a customized wooden transport kennel because it is too
large to fit the regular sizes.
# Your pet is a rodent or bird.
As a pet travel professional, Flying Dutch Pets will book the best possible pet-friendly option and guide
you through all logistic and veterinary issues.

Flying Dutch Pets manages cargo bookings, airline coordination, and documentation as part of the relocation process.

Question 5

Pets flying as excess baggage

Accepted Answer

For certain relocation routes, pets may travel as excess baggage when accompanying their owner.

You are moving or traveling to a foreign country, and your four-legged friend is joining you on this adventure.

What does excess baggage mean? Your pet travels in the cargo hold at the bottom of the plane on a passenger flight and is booked by the pet owner. Your pet travels accompanied by you or a travel nanny.

In many cases, your cat or dog can easily travel with you by booking them as extra luggage. 
The regulations vary per airline, so make sure to always check your carrier’s website.

Question 6

Pets travel in-cabin

Accepted Answer

In specific international pet relocation scenarios, small pets may be eligible to travel in-cabin, depending on airline and destination rules.

You are moving or traveling to a foreign country, and your four-legged friend is joining you on this adventure.

This option only goes for the tinier ones among them and is not allowed for all destination or airlines.

What does in-cabin mean? Your pet travels with you in-cabin on a passenger flight and is booked by the pet owner.

The regulations vary per airline, so make sure to always check your carrier’s website.

Question 7

Size - How do I measure my dog?

Accepted Answer

Be mindful that getting their accurate measurements are the foundation to your pet’s comfort, essentially their seat for the entire journey, so you want to get this step absolutely right.

A Length from tip of the nose to the root of the tail

B height from ground to elbow joint.

C width across shoulders or widest point (whichever is the greater).

D Height whilst standing in a normal position, from the ground up to the top of his head
Read more here

My cat does not stand still when measuring.
No problem, we only need the weight and breed to determine the right size kennel.

Question 8

How do I know my travel container is airline “proof”?

Accepted Answer

The construction needs to be in line with the IATA Live Animal Regulations.
IATA stands for International Air Transport Association which has regulations on the material, dimensions, door specifications, attachments, flooring and other requirements.
The IATA Live Animals Regulations are the worldwide standards for transporting live animals by commercial airlines. The objective of the IATA Live Animals Regulations is to ensure all animals are transported safely and humanely by air. It is an established fact that carriage of live animals by air is the most humane and expedient method of transportation over long distances.

In short the container needs to be:
# Sturdy rigid shell, waterproof, well ventilated
# Upper and lower shell screwed together with bolts (NO click system)
# Metal bar door
# Centralized locking system which fastens both locks on top and at the bottom of the door (NO
padlocks)
# right size
# ventilation should be 16% of the total.
# openings should be a maximum of 25 mm x 25 mm 2.5 mm fpr dogs and for cats 19 mm x 19
mm for cats
# For all containers the welded wire mesh must be 2.5 mm or thicker for dogs and 2.0 mm or
thicker for cats

Question 9

Were do I buy an IATA travel container?

Accepted Answer

Flying Dutch Pets or online.
For your gentle giants (per example an Great Dane) or Strong dog breeds (like Pitbull, Mastiff, Presa Canario, Cane Corso etc.) Flying Dutch Pets can provide a modified wooden crate which are 100%
compliant with IATA.

Question 10

Touchdown! What happens after arrival?

Accepted Answer

After landing, Flying Dutch Pets manages the arrival and customs clearance process as part of the pet relocation journey.

Fluently and with thorough ethical practices. In compliance with established global policies, your pet is the first to be released from the flight once it has landed. They are then transferred into a carefully regulated and temperature-controlled animal holding area for 30 — 60 minutes before any documentation process begins.
Once they have been hydrated, they are then moved forward for Customs Clearance. The Airway Bill and all other relevant documents that have travelled with your pet must be verified by airport officials before the Customs Clearance has begun. This usually requires anywhere between 3 to 4 hours, however, occasionally, it could take longer at times. As a whole, we recommend you account for anywhere between 3 to 6 hours from the time your pet lands and leave the airport.

FLYING DUTCH PETS

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to fly for my pet?

Pets and anxiety

Departure, how do I prepare my pet.

Pets flying as cargo

Pets flying as excess baggage

Pets travel in-cabin

Size - How do I measure my dog?

How do I know my travel container is airline “proof”?

Were do I buy an IATA travel container?

Touchdown! What happens after arrival?

Anwsers to your questions

Pet travel tips

Flying with a snub-nosed

Flying accompanied with your pet

Flying your pet as cargo

The right travel crate

Because your pets aren’t just cargo, they are family.
And we treat them that way!

FLYING DUTCH PETS

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to fly for my pet?

Pets and anxiety

Departure, how do I prepare my pet.

Pets flying as cargo

Pets flying as excess baggage

Pets travel in-cabin

Size - How do I measure my dog?

How do I know my travel container is airline “proof”?

Were do I buy an IATA travel container?

Touchdown! What happens after arrival?

Anwsers to your questions

Pet travel tips

Flying with a snub-nosed

Flying accompanied with your pet

Flying your pet as cargo

The right travel crate

Because your pets aren’t just cargo, they are family.And we treat them that way!

Because your pets aren’t just cargo, they are family.
And we treat them that way!