Travelling With Pets: Car, Train and Plane

Animals must be restrained: a crash-tested crate, a harness attached to a seatbelt, or a secured carrier. An unrestrained animal is a projectile in a collision and a distraction before one.

Never leave an animal in a parked car. Interior temperatures rise dangerously within minutes even on mild days with windows cracked.

Travel sickness is common in young dogs and often improves with age. Effective anti-nausea medication exists, and short positive practice journeys — to a park rather than only to the vet — change the association.

Policies differ sharply between airlines, and many refuse brachycephalic breeds in the hold because of the documented risk of respiratory distress. Book directly with the airline's live animal desk and confirm crate specifications in writing.

Requirements vary by destination and change regularly. Typically you will need a microchip, a rabies vaccination after microchipping, a waiting period, an official health certificate and sometimes a rabies antibody titre test or import permit.