📋 Pet Preparation Guide
Everything you need to know to prepare your pet for a safe and comfortable journey
Preparation Timeline
Follow this timeline to ensure your pet is fully prepared for travel
weeks
Initial Planning & Booking
- Contact Petrecolation for a quote
- Book your pet's transportation
- Review destination requirements (especially for international travel)
- Schedule veterinary appointment for health certificate
- Order or verify pet crate meets IATA/USDA standards
- Begin crate training if pet isn't crate-trained
weeks
Veterinary Preparation
- Ensure all vaccinations are current (rabies, DHPP/FVRCP)
- Schedule rabies titer test if required by destination
- Obtain microchip (ISO-compliant for international travel)
- Discuss any medications or special care needs with vet
- Get flea/tick prevention treatment
- Request copies of all medical records
weeks
Documentation & Supplies
- Apply for import permits (international travel)
- Purchase pet travel supplies (food, bowls, toys)
- Prepare comfort items (favorite blanket with your scent)
- Update ID tags with destination contact information
- Take recent photos of your pet for identification
- Prepare care instruction sheet for handlers
week
Final Preparations
- Obtain health certificate from veterinarian (within 10 days of travel)
- Confirm all documentation is complete and accurate
- Pack pet's travel bag (food, medications, records)
- Acclimate pet to crate with positive reinforcement
- Maintain normal routine to reduce stress
- Confirm pickup time and location with Petrecolation
hours
Day Before Travel
- Give pet a bath and trim nails
- Exercise pet normally (don't over-tire)
- Feed regular meals on normal schedule
- Prepare travel crate with absorbent bedding
- Double-check all documents are packed
- Get good night's sleep (for both you and your pet!)
of
Pickup Day
- Feed light meal 4-6 hours before pickup
- Remove food 2 hours before, water 30 minutes before
- Exercise pet for bathroom break
- Place comfort items in crate
- Have all documents ready for handler
- Provide detailed care instructions and emergency contacts
- Stay calm and positive during handoff
Detailed Preparation Guide
Health Requirements
Required Documentation:
- Health certificate (CVI) issued within 10 days
- Current rabies vaccination certificate
- DHPP (dogs) or FVRCP (cats) vaccination records
- Microchip documentation (international)
- Rabies titer test results (if required)
Health Checks:
- Veterinary examination within 30 days
- Flea and tick prevention current
- Deworming if required
- Any necessary medications refilled
Crate Preparation
Crate Requirements:
- IATA/USDA compliant design
- Large enough to stand, turn, lie down
- Proper ventilation (3+ sides)
- Secure, escape-proof latches
- Leak-proof bottom
- Attached food/water containers
Crate Setup:
- Absorbent bedding material
- Familiar blanket or toy
- Proper identification labels
- "Live Animal" stickers
- Feeding instructions attached
What to Pack
Essential Items:
- Regular food (journey + 2 extra days)
- Medications with dosing instructions
- Leash and collar with ID tags
- Favorite toy or comfort item
- Copies of all medical records
- Recent photo of pet
Care Instructions:
- Feeding schedule and amounts
- Medication administration details
- Behavioral notes (fears, triggers)
- Emergency contact information
- Veterinarian contact details
Feeding Guidelines
Before Travel:
- Maintain regular feeding schedule until day of travel
- Light meal 4-6 hours before pickup (50% portion)
- Remove food 2 hours before pickup
- Remove water 30 minutes before pickup
- Avoid new foods or treats
Food to Send:
- Pet's regular food (prevents upset stomach)
- Sealed, labeled containers
- Clear feeding instructions
- Extra supply for delays
- Special diet foods if applicable
Stress Reduction
Before Travel:
- Maintain normal routine as much as possible
- Practice crate training with positive reinforcement
- Avoid major changes in days before travel
- Exercise normally (don't over-tire)
- Stay calm and positive yourself
Calming Aids:
- Familiar blanket with your scent
- Favorite toy (non-destructible)
- Calming pheromone spray (ask vet)
- Anxiety medication if prescribed
- Calming music during crate training
International Travel
Additional Requirements:
- Import permit from destination country
- ISO-compliant microchip (15-digit)
- Rabies titer test (if required)
- Additional vaccinations per country
- Parasite treatment certificates
- USDA endorsement of health certificate
Timeline Considerations:
- Start planning 4-6 weeks minimum
- Some countries require 3-6 month waiting period
- Factor in quarantine time if required
- Allow extra time for document processing
Expert Tips for Success
💡 Crate Training Tip
Start crate training at least 2 weeks before travel. Make the crate a positive space with treats, meals, and praise. Never force your pet into the crate or use it as punishment.
💡 Medication Tip
Clearly label all medications with pet's name, drug name, dosage, and timing. Include written instructions. Test any new anxiety medications before travel day to check for side effects.
💡 Identification Tip
Update ID tags with destination address and phone number. Microchip your pet and register it with current contact info. Take clear photos from multiple angles before travel.
💡 Food Transition Tip
If you need to change food brands, do it gradually over 7-10 days BEFORE travel. Mix increasing amounts of new food with old food to avoid digestive upset during the journey.
💡 Grooming Tip
Bathe and groom your pet 24-48 hours before travel. Trim nails to prevent snagging. Don't use strong perfumes or sprays that might irritate during confined travel.
💡 Comfort Item Tip
Include an unwashed t-shirt or small blanket with your scent. This provides comfort and familiarity during the journey. Avoid items that could be choking hazards.
💡 Senior Pet Tip
Older pets may need extra preparation. Discuss travel with your vet, ensure joint medications are current, and inform handlers about any mobility issues or special needs.
💡 Multi-Pet Tip
Each pet travels in their own crate for safety. Prepare each pet individually. If pets are bonded, inform handlers so they can coordinate rest stops for socialization.
💡 Weather Consideration
For summer travel, schedule pickup during cooler hours. For winter, ensure your pet has adequate bedding. Handlers adjust for weather, but planning helps.
💡 Arrival Preparation
Have your pet's setup ready at the destination: bed, bowls, food, toys, and litter box. Maintain their routine as much as possible to ease the transition.
💡 Communication Tip
Save your handler's contact info and tracking number. Don't hesitate to check in or ask questions. We want you to feel connected throughout the journey.
💡 Post-Travel Tip
Give your pet time to decompress after arrival. Offer water immediately, food after 1-2 hours, and plenty of reassurance. Some pets may need a day to fully settle.
📥 Download Complete Checklist
Get our comprehensive, printable pet preparation checklist to ensure you don't miss any important steps.
📄 Download PDF ChecklistIncludes species-specific guides for dogs, cats, birds, and exotic pets
Additional Resources
Ready to Book Your Pet's Journey?
Now that you know how to prepare, let's get started on your pet's safe and comfortable journey.