UK: Final Checklist

Let's make sure you have everything you need for your pet's big trip to the United Kingdom!

Please have your pet ready to go with the items below at the time of pick up:

• IATA-approved travel kennel
• Two (2) bowls that attach to the inside of the kennel door 
• Thin blanket, t-shirt, or towel that smells like home
• Crate pad (no more than 3 inches thick)
• Pee pee pad (optional)
• Ziplock baggie with 2-3 servings of dry food
• Original paperwork (listed below)

The following ORIGINAL paperwork must travel with your pet:

1. Signed Rabies vaccination certificate (must have your pet's microchip number and the vet's original ink signature)
2. USDA-endorsed UK Veterinary Certificate (international health certificate)
3. APHIS 7001 Form (signed by the vet in original ink - this will not be endorsed by the USDA - **Only if your pet is flying on British Airways or Aer Lingus.
4. If your pet is flying on American Airlines, they will need additional paperwork
5. If your pet requires medication, they will need a Medication letter signed by your vet AND must travel with the medication in it's original packaging with clear labeling

The Pet Travel Support Team will email you updates when your pet is checked in, departed, and landed (bear in mind time zone differences). 

Other tips to keep in mind:

• Your dog would love a nice long walk, run, jog, canter or generally active time before heading to the airport.  This gives them a chance to stretch their legs before the big flight and tucker them out a bit so they are relaxed on the plane. 
• As you are aware, cats can be quite the escape artists and quite stubborn when you want to catch them when you need to be somewhere.  It's recommended that you keep your kitty in one room like a bathroom or bedroom before heading to the airport so it is easier to catch them when you need to head out the door.
• Don’t feed your pet a large meal within 4 hours prior to flight departure.  Pets tend to travel better on a relatively empty stomach and you don’t want them to have an upset belly while in flight. 
• No need to restrict their water intake but rest assured we will make sure the water bowl is filled at check-in.  
• Check-in for pets on international flights is typically 4-6 hours prior to departure, so we will need to be on time so we do not miss the check-in cutoff and risk your pet being refused for travel.
• Once your pet is checked in for the flight, they will remain in the care of the airline.  The airline staff will top off their water bowl and they will be the ones who bring your pet out to the aircraft and load them onto the plane.  Please remember this is a restricted area, so no visitors are allowed.
• When your dog arrives to their new home after the flight, be sure to slowly get them back into their usual routine.  NEVER give them too much food, water or exercise immediately after their flight as larger dogs can be prone to bloat, which can be very serious and potentially life threatening.