From Abu Dhabi to Madrid:
Gigio’s Journey Home

Some cats don’t just dislike their carriers… they’re absolutely terrified of them. And when a beloved pet becomes so fearful that even stepping into a crate feels impossible, how do you safely get them on a plane across the world?

This was the situation Gigio’s family found themselves in.

Gigio is a beautiful rescued Arabian Mau living in Abu Dhabi with a deeply loving family. When it came time for them to return home to Spain, they knew he would of course be coming with them. But they were also facing a very real, very distressing challenge: Gigio had a traumatic history with vet visits and crate experiences. Just the sight of the carrier would send him into a full-blown panic.

And yet, they had a non-negotiable deadline – a booked flight, and no idea how to get him safely on it.

Reaching Out

Thankfully, Gigio’s family reached out to our Behaviour Services Department, and a home visit was arranged with Dr. Katrin, the only double board certified veterinary behaviourist in the country.

During the visit, we were able to take the time to understand Gigio’s full story not just his fear’s, but who he is as a cat. Together, Dr Katrin, Nora and Joanna our Relocations Manager  worked with Gigio’s family to develop a custom behaviour and travel plan, one that was practical, compassionate, and centred around Gigio’s individual needs.

Gigio’s Travel Solution

In Gigio’s case, we agreed that the most supportive option was a short stay at GVC’s boarding facility prior to his flight. It gave our team the chance to build trust, manage medications appropriately, and crate him gently when the time came – removing the immense stress that would have been placed on his family to do this at home.

Despite the summer season and a busy schedule, we arranged for Gigio to have his own private, quiet room, filled with familiar smells and comforts from home. We played calming music, kept the lighting soft, and ensured he had regular, fear-free check-ins from our nursing and behaviour team, at his pace.

Dr. Fatima was able to develop a bond with Gigio despite him being vet-phobic. She became his go-to person, and the team all knew that she spoke Gigio’s language best. That relationship helped make his stay smoother and more reassuring.

Meanwhile, Dr. Katrin formulated a carefully tailored combination of anxiolytic medications to help ease Gigio’s anxiety in the 24 hours before departure.

A Beautiful Reunion

The evening of departure came upon us quickly. Thanks to the plan in place, Gigio was calmly and safely crated by our senior nurses with ease. Our relocations team, Joanna and Amir, then took over with their usual warmth and professionalism, making sure every detail of Gigio’s travel was handled with care. Gigio’s crate has been decorated with care by Joanna who is has transported her fair sjare of nervous flyers. Custom made privacy curtains and stickers alerting all handlers to his shy nature were affixed to shield him from the stresses of the evening.

Gigio, while understandably relieved to see his people again, was calm, content, and handled the travel better than anyone had dared hope. His family was beyond grateful – not just for the end result, but for how supported and reassured they felt through the entire journey.

Why This Matters

We share Gigio’s story because we know his family’s fear is one shared by many. The logistics of relocating a pet especially one with trauma can be overwhelming. And yet, with the right support, understanding, and a personalised plan, it can be done in a way that honours the emotional wellbeing of both the animal and the people who love them.

Gigio’s journey reminded us once again why we do what we do and how special it is to be trusted with moments like this.

Need help relocating your cat or dog with less stress?

Contact our behaviour department or relocation services -we’re here to help make a smoother, more compassionate journey possible.