Relocating overseas with your furry family member is exciting — but we know it can also feel overwhelming with so many decisions to make. That’s where our caring team steps in. We’ll guide you through the process with clear information, practical advice, and heartfelt support.

Even though we help hundreds of pets travel safely each year, we treat every single one as if they were our own. Your pet’s journey will always be handled with love, patience, and expertise.

To see the journey step by step, watch our video: What should I expect when moving my pet overseas?

We know how comforting it would feel to fly together. Because pets travel as special cargo, their schedules don’t always match passenger flights.

It is unlikely that you will be on the same flight as your pet due to the restrictions and requirements placed around pet travel, however we will we always try to keep you and your pets’ flights as closely aligned as possible.

What we can promise is that your pet’s journey is handled with the same love and care as if they were our own.

From Australia, pets must travel in the dedicated pet section of the aircraft rather than the cabin. While that might sound worrying at first, rest assured:

• They are in a quiet, climate-controlled area, separate from baggage.
• Conditions mirror the passenger cabin, so they’ll feel comfortable throughout.
• Every crate is safely secured to ensure a smooth ride.

Think of it as their own private “pet cabin in the sky,” designed with safety in mind.

Pets fly in the cargo hold, located in the belly or front/rear of the aircraft, which is completely separate from passenger baggage. The cargo hold is pressurised and temperature-controlled, maintained at a comfortable 18°–22°C, just like the cabin. This ensures your pet experiences similar conditions to human passengers, even at altitude.

Watch:  Where Are Pets Stowed During Flight Video

• All pets will travel in their IATA approved travel crates. Their crate, once loaded into the cargo hold, will be secured and strapped down by airline staff to prevent movement during the flight.
• Pets will not be monitored during the flight, however our team will ensure your pet is well prepared and looked after before their flight. We will give your pet the uttermost love and care until the airline checks in your pet for their flight.

• Your pet will not be fed within 6-8 hours of departure. This is to reduce any nausea, vomiting your pet may experience with dynamic altitudes, but also to reduce the chance of your pet relieving themselves in their crate during transit.
• Departure Pets will secure your pets water bowl to the inside of the crate door, that will be filled right before boarding. Your pet will have access to their water throughout the entire flight.

It’s natural to want to calm your pet, however we strongly advise against sedating your pet for air travel. It can make it harder for them to adjust to altitude and can affect their breathing. Instead, you can help them feel secure through gentle crate training, calm handling, and keeping their travel routine familiar. If medication is ever needed, it should only be prescribed by your vet

Read more about the reasons why we do not advise the use of sedatives for pet air travel here: The Do’s and Dont’s of Pet Travel.

We help pets move to more than 30 countries, including:

• USA, UK, Canada, EU
• New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, UAE
• South Africa and beyond

Watch: International Pet Travel Made Simple with Departure Pets

Visit: Top Locations Page

While requirements vary by country, most will need:

• An ISO-compatible microchip
• A rabies vaccination certificate
• A government-issued veterinary health certificate
• Export and import permits
• Parasite treatments

Our relocation team will guide you through every document required for your destination.

Visit our  Top Locations Page, here you will find the most travelled to locations and their pet travel requirements.

Yes. At a minimum, your pet must be up to date with core vaccinations and have a valid rabies vaccination which is destination dependent and is usually given after microchipping. Some countries also require additional vaccines or blood tests — we’ll advise based on your destination.

Our team will guide you and your vet through the destination country’s requirements to ensure compliance, and smooth journey into your new home.

The cost depends on:

• Destination country
• Pet size, breed, and weight
• Airline and route availability
• Quarantine and permit fees
• Pickup and delivery locations

Request a Free Quote for a personalised estimate of your pet’s journey.

It’s completely normal for pets to feel anxious about unfamiliar experiences like flying. Whether it’s separation anxiety, motion sickness, or fear of new environments, there are ways to ease their stress and make the journey more comfortable.

Read our full Pet Travel Anxiety Guide for crate training tips, calming product recommendations, and expert advice.

Most airlines and quarantine rules do not allow personal items (toys, bedding, etc.) in crates. However, we recommend something small with familiar scents, like a worn t-shirt or small towel to help ease your pet’s anxiety.

We provide deluxe fleece bedding for all our international departures. Talk to us about what’s allowed for your route.

Pet must travel in an airline-approved, IATA-compliant crate that ensures safety and comfort and meets strict safety and comfort standards.

Your pets travel crate is one of the most important parts of the entire process. We prioritize the safety and comfort of your pet, and the travel crate is an essential part of this process.

You will find more information about Travelling Crates here, including examples of approved and non-approved pet travel crates.

Watch: IATA Approved Crates to learn what makes a crate airline-approved.