Transporting your pet interstate or overseas means you have to find the right container, check up on vaccinations and quarantine regulations, and finally wave him or her off at the station or airport.

Different animals take to travel in different ways. Dogs travel quite well, just make sure they are in an approved container available from a pet shop and have a good supply of water. Cats are sensitive and know something is up on travel day – their instincts tell them to hide. Keep your cat confined inside the house, in a safe area, where they will not be able to escape prior to travel to the airport or station. Some birds will need a permit to travel interstate. Exotic birds that require a permit in their existing home state may require a permit in the state to which they are travelling. They must travel in an IATA approved crate during transportation.

To make sure your pet travels safely, observe these travel tips: Don’t feed the pet a full meal eight hours prior to the flight as this may cause an upset stomach. Take your pet for a walk or let your pet stretch its legs before they go into the travel crate. Ensure your pet drinks plenty of water and is well hydrated. Put a toy into the travelling container to give your pet something familiar to travel with. If you are using bus transport or other transport services, you should place your pet in a Vari Kennel; remember your pet is not just regular freight transport and cannot be sent off in a cardboard box!

Transporting your pet, whether interstate or internationally, is a stressful time that can be made easier by purchasing the right container and by taking a few precautions. Do this and you can ensure that your pet travels in style – and reaches his or her destination safely.