Travelling Internationally with your pet – Frequently Asked Questions

It’s an exciting time in your household as the whole family is getting ready for a big overseas trip!

In need of a few handy hints to get prepared? We get the low-down from one of Jetpets Resident Vets Katherine.

Frequently Asked Questions | Jetpets | International Pet Transport | Pet Carrier

Q: What top tips would you give to pet owners preparing their pets for a long haul flight?

A: We always recommend pet owners start the process of familiarising their pets with the travel crate early (you can find some handy hints on how to do this here.) Other things you can do to help include taking them on lots of car journeys in the travel crate so they get used to the crate and the movement, remain calm around them on the day of departure (we know it’s hard!) and add a recently worn old T shirt to the travel crate so they have the owners scent to calm them on the flight.

Q: Will my pet be fed before they fly?

A: We do not recommend feeding your pet within 8 hours of their flight as it may cause travel sickness. They will receive plenty of water throughout their journey.

Q: Will my pet get a chance to stretch their legs before they fly?

A: Yes, if you have a dog, our team ensure your pet is taken for a good walk before they fly. They will also relax in the Jetpets Transit Lounge before their flight, where they can walk around.

Cats will have the opportunity to stretch their legs in the Jetpets Transit Lounge before their flight.

Q: Why do pets have to be at the airport 3 hours before departure?

Like humans, pets are required to check in early for their flight too. The airlines require pets to be checked in 3 hours before international departure.

Q: Who loads them onto the plane?

After we check your pet in for their flight, the friendly airline staff will load them onto the plane.

Q: Where will my pet sit on the plane?

Your pet will travel in the pet’s cabin. The pets cabin is air pressured, climate controlled and dimly lit. Your pets will experience the same sounds and feelings as us, except they have a lot more leg room!

Q: Do pets get jet lag Katherine?

A: Just like humans, it’s possible that pets may also experience jet lag to a lesser extent. I’ve had the odd person tell me they think their pet had jet lag for a few days after their flight. Older pets in particular might take a bit longer to get used to their new time zone after a long flight.

Q: Do pets having any issues with a sudden change in climate?

If your pets are travelling from a hot to a very cold climate I would make sure they are kept inside or at least make sure they have a good warm coat to put on when they do go outside. If they are travelling from a cold to a hot climate, only walk them early in the morning or late in the evening and make sure they always have plenty of water and shade available (or keep them in the air-con).

Frequently Asked Questions | Jetpets | International Pet Transport | Pet Carrier

Our Resident Vets are experts in pet travel, and are the best people to speak to if you have any health concerns about your pet. They can provide pet travel advice to customers worldwide, so if you’re planning a global move in the near future, get in contact with our team today.

Summer and Christmas is the busiest time of the year for the RSPCA

Our friends at the RSPCA have reached out to us this month to spread the word about animals in need this season. As you know, rescue pets are close to our hearts here at Jetpets, with our very own animal ambassador Sahara being a rescue dog who was adopted by our Pet Handler Dave!

From November through to January each year, over 4,000 unwanted dogs, cats, kittens and puppies are surrendered throughout NSW alone, with many more nationwide.

There are currently many beautiful animals looking for their forever homes. Please visit the RSPCA’s Adoptapet website today to find your new best friend.

If you are not able to adopt a pet at this time. Another great way of helping animals in need this Christmas would be to make a donation.

Your support will go a long way to helping many animals this Christmas.

Summer and Christmas is the busiest time of the year for the RSPCA

Trigger’s Big Trek – Proud to be supported by Jetpets

The following is a guest post by Royce Hardman.

My name is Royce Hardman. I’m a 26 year old former Australian soldier who has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) resulting from my service in Afghanistan in 2009. Towards the end of 2014, I attempted to take my own life after years of isolation, alcohol abuse and suffering with untreated PTSD. My life was literally saved by my American Blue Staffordshire Terrier and best mate, Trigger.

It was at this moment that I decided to do something “big” to raise awareness of PTSD and address the appalling rate of veteran suicides due to PTSD-related issues. I decided that the biggest thing I could do was walk around Australia, solo and unsupported, with Trigger – and so was born Trigger’s Big Trek.

Trigger and I set off from Rockingham on 27 October 2015 and I expect to return there some time in 2017. I’m hoping to raise at least $250,000 for registered charity organisation Soldier On, who care for wounded and mentally ill veterans.

I’m very proud to be supported by Jetpets, who recently covered transportation costs to have Trigger attend the Remembrance day service in Canberra, and will continue to provide support as Trigger’s Big Trek continues. I can’t thank Jetpets enough as they have given me peace of mind knowing that my best mate is in very safe hands.

Photos, videos and frequent updates will be posted by Royce and Trigger on the Trigger’s Big Trek Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Afghanistanveteranwalkingforothers

Donations to Soldier On can be made on Trigger’s Big Trek campaign page by clicking here.

Trigger meeting Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at a Remembrance Day Commemoration.
Trigger & Royce meeting Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at a Remembrance Day Commemoration.
Trigger meeting Prince Charles at a Remembrance Day Commemoration.
Trigger & Royce meeting Prince Charles at a Remembrance Day Commemoration.

Dress your pet up for Halloween!

Halloween dachshund puppy wearing a Halloween witch hat

With October 31st just around the corner, it’s time to get excited about Halloween because who doesn’t love the chance to have some spooky fun and get dressed up?

Not only for kids, Halloween is a great time for the whole family (including our pets) to don their favourite costumes, enjoy some treats and have some fun.

Whether you choose to opt for a matching family costume, or show off your own individual style, read on below for some great tips on how your pet can join in on the fun too!

Costumes:

One of the best parts about Halloween is getting dressed up, whether you choose your favourite character from a scary movie or book, or opt for something a little more classic like a witch or a vampire. But it’s not just for humans! Now your pets can wear their Halloween costumes as well, and we have a few great DIY ideas that will make them stand out from the crowd.

Dress your pet up for Halloween! Handy pet hintsThe Mummy Dog:

This one is too easy. Simply purchase a white dog hoodie or a white childs tee (modified to fit) and glue cotton gauze or stick multiple bandages on it. Once your creation has dried, put it on your dog for a scary ‘mummy’ look.

The Black Cat Dog:

There’s something undeniably cute about dressing your dog up as a cat and we can’t think of a better costume idea than a ‘black cat’ dog!

All you need is a child’s black top (again, modified to fit,) for the body of a cat. Next get some black felt, cut into two medium sized triangles and glue them to an elastic headband that will comfortably fit on your pet’s head. And there you have it, a ‘Black Cat’ costume for your dog!

The Groom Dog:

This animal costume is one of our favourites and is easy to make at home. Again, use a child’s black t-shirt as a base. Head to your local arts and craft store and buy some white fabric paint to paint a tuxedo shape onto the front of the tee. Next pop it on your pet (once the paint has dried of course) and tie a black ribbon into a bow around your dog’s neck. Make sure it is loose enough so your pet can breathe easily.

Cat with bandana - Dress your pet up for Halloween! Handy pet hintsThe Mexican Cat:

Cats can join in on the fun as well! While they may not be as happy to get dressed up as dogs, there are a few things you can do to get them in the Halloween spirit. Try easy costumes like a ‘Mexican Cat’ that only requires a red printed bandanna. Simply fold it into a triangle and tie it around your cat’s neck (loose enough so it can still breathe perfectly). Too cute! 

Treats:

A big part of Halloween is the treats and your pets don’t have to miss out! Delicious pet treats could include liver treats, milk chews or dental treats that you can purchase at any pet store. Just remember: keep chocolates and lollies away from your pets as consumption can lead to some serious health problems! Keep in mind that while we love to spoil our pets, only feed them treats in moderation.