GVC global pet relocation advice

Planning an international move with your pet can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and expert guidance, the journey can be smooth and stress-free for both you and your furry companion.

At German Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi, we specialise in pet relocation services Abu Dhabi residents trust, offering expert advice and veterinary support every step of the way. Whether you’re relocating across borders or continents, ensuring your pet’s safety, comfort, and wellbeing is our top priority. From selecting the right crate and preparing travel documents to offering tailored anti-anxiety solutions, our team of professionals is here to guide you.

As a trusted vet in Abu Dhabi, we understand the intricacies of travel regulations and the specific needs of pets in transit—especially for more sensitive breeds like snub-nosed dogs and cats. In this article, we share essential tips and best practices for successful pet travel, from pre-flight crate training to last-minute comforts like pheromone sprays.

Whether you’ve never used a pet relocation service before or a seasoned expat moving again, our advice is designed to give you peace of mind and your pet the best possible start to their new adventure. 

• Purchase crates well in advance so that your pets can get used to their crate at home, in a safe environment, prior to travel.
• Take care to ensure that your crate is the right size for your pet – that they can sit upright, lie down and turn around freely.
• Research the best travel times for your ‘snub-nosed pet’, as airlines have a summer embargo, usually from the end of April to the beginning of October.
• Value your pet’s comfort during travel by providing a small towel/T-shirt with familiar home smells on it.
• Ensure that your crate is lined with an absorbent pad to absorb any ‘accidents’ during travel.
• Leads for dogs should be attached to the crate in a clear plastic bag.
• Care should be taken to label crates with shipper/consignee details (and phone contacts) as well as copies of travel documents, so they are independent travellers.
• Reach for your freezer to make an ice water container on the eve of travel to avoid spillages during transit to the airport.
• Always secure the doors of the crate with cable ties after the final security check at the airport for added security of your pet during transit.
• 15 minutes prior to departure, spray Feliway (cats) or Adaptil (dogs) pheromone spray in your pet’s crate so they feel comforted during travel.
• Enquire with us about prescribing anti-anxiety products such as Zylkene within 10 days of travel to ease anxiety during their journey.