Head & Paws™

Safe international transport

Car: secure each dog and every stop

Use suitable individual restraints or secured crates. Practise short, comfortable journeys first. Plan water, toilet breaks, shaded rest and dog-friendly overnight stops. Attach leads before opening doors; keep documents reachable without unloading dogs beside traffic. Never leave dogs in a vehicle where temperature can become unsafe. Delay or reroute if weather, breakdowns or exhaustion compromise welfare.

Ferry and tunnel: check the actual service

Check the operator’s rules for the sailing or crossing, vehicle/foot passengers, kennels, pet cabins, visits to the vehicle deck and animal numbers. A pet-friendly route does not mean all accommodation is suitable or available. Confirm check-in and chip/document inspection arrangements. Check ventilation, toilet opportunities, emergency procedures and what happens during delays. LeShuttle is a vehicle service; do not assume equivalent rules for passenger trains.

Air: obtain written acceptance before payment

Ask the operating airline about cabin, accompanied hold or cargo arrangements for each leg, including codeshares. Confirm carrier size, combined weight limits, dog age, breed, weather embargoes, connections and arrival handling. Crates must meet the applicable IATA standard and the airline’s rules; IATA does not approve individual commercial crate brands. Allow gradual positive crate familiarisation. Cabin access is never guaranteed by a dog’s small size or an owner’s preference.

Choosing professional help

A relocation provider may coordinate routes, crates, customs, vets and handling. Ask who actually transports the dog, what authorisations and insurance apply, how welfare is monitored, who handles delays, how emergencies are funded and what is excluded from the quote. Ask for cancellation terms and an itemised contract. Paying a provider does not remove your responsibility to verify official requirements or make optional services legally mandatory.

Official sources and verification

Substantive source check: 22 October 2026. These are dated references, not live monitoring. Recheck before booking and again before departure. Local rules and transport availability require separate confirmation.

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