Flying pets safely: A closer look at animal transport

Sonia Sali

Pet cargo is one of the most delicate and sensitive segments of air freight. Unlike other commodities, transporting pets by air requires care, attention, and precision at every stage. From documentation to health checks, the process is detailed and highly regulated. In an interview with CargoTalk Middle East, Tom Sohorab, Premium Product Manager, Etihad Cargo, highlights the key aspects involved.

What are the key steps in transporting pets internationally?

Transporting pets internationally involves careful planning and compliance. Some of the key steps include securing all required export, transit, and import approvals from authorities and the airline, ensuring the pet parent fully understands destination regulations and restrictions. Pets must travel in IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR)–compliant kennels that meet the latest welfare standards. Etihad Cargo also manages pre‑ and post‑flight handling, including tender at origin and smooth retrieval at destination, to ensure a safe, efficient, and stress‑minimised journey.

How is the temperature and cabin/hold environment controlled during pet transport?

When pets are transported, they are kept in pressurised, ventilated, and temperature‑controlled aircraft holds. Flight crews receive NOTOC instructions detailing required temperature settings, which are actively monitored throughout the journey. While outside temperatures can reach –51°C, cargo holds are maintained between 4°C and 30°C. Etihad Cargo positions pets near ventilation outlets, and ensures they are loaded last and unloaded first. On the ground, they are moved in air‑conditioned airside vehicles, minimising exposure to heat, noise, and tarmac conditions.

What documentation is required before a pet is cleared for shipment?

Before pets are accepted for transport, they must have complete and correct documentation. This typically includes a pet passport (where applicable), an official veterinary health certificate confirming the animal is fit to fly and free from infectious disease, microchip identification details, and valid vaccination records, including rabies. All documents must be endorsed by the relevant authorities and fully aligned with destination country and airline requirements prior to travel.

Are there any digital tracking or monitoring systems used for pets in transit?

Etihad Cargo's SmartTrack solution provides advanced, real‑time monitoring for pet shipments, with visibility of temperature, humidity, location, tilt, g‑force, light exposure, and more. Powered by cellular and wireless technology with AI‑enabled decision‑making, the system proactively alerts teams if conditions fall outside acceptable limits. This allows immediate intervention if any risk is identified, offering pet parents added reassurance and an extra layer of protection for their animals throughout the journey.

What vaccinations, health certificates, and regulations such as quarantine, are mandatory?

Requirements depend entirely on the export and import countries. All pets that are travelling must have valid health certificates, vaccination records, and microchip identification. Some countries enforce strict biosecurity rules or mandatory quarantine, such as Australia. Others apply embargoes on pets from high‑risk rabies countries or impose breed or seasonal temperature restrictions. Besides, pet parents are advised to research government and airline requirements early and plan travel carefully, especially when crossing hemispheres or travelling during extreme weather seasons.