Research the country you will be visiting and the domestic and international airlines you will need to take to get information about pet regulations and restrictions. For instance, some countries require quarantine of several months after arriving, while others no longer do this as long as your dog is up-to-date on vaccines. You will also need information on size restrictions, the type of crates you need, whether or not you can bring your dog as a carry-on and during which months you can bring it with you.
Get your dog tested and vacccinated at least six months prior to departure, per most airline guidelines. You will most likely need an antibody test and rabies shot if it has not already received those, many times up to a month before the flight. It is also a good idea to have a microchip in your dog prior to the flight, especially if it will be staying in cargo.
Purchase a dog crate that is approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) if you are traveling by airplane. If the crate is small enough, you may be able to leave your dog under your seat during the flight.
Talk to your vet before your trip about possibly sedating your dog for the trip overseas and request a prescription. Many dogs have a hard time when traveling long distances and the sedative will calm it down considerably.
