What it is: The global body that sets airline regulations — including crate requirements for pet travel.

Why it matters: Most airlines follow IATA standards for safe pet transport.

Key item: Your pet’s kennel must be IATA-compliant to fly in cargo on IATA signatory airlines.

Airlines often adhere to the IATA's LAR guidelines for transporting live animals by air, ensuring their safety and welfare.

A division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that oversees animal health, including the review and endorsement of international pet travel documents to help prevent the spread of diseases across borders.

These are rules set by the CDC to protect public health, especially from diseases like rabies. These include vaccination requirements and import restrictions for pets entering the U.S. from certain countries. The CDC Dog Import Form is mandatory for all dogs entering the U.S. whether coming from low-risk or high-risk rabies countries. It helps confirm that each dog meets health and vaccination requirements.

What it is: Your small dog or cat flies under the seat in front of you in a soft-sided carrier.

Usually allowed for: Pets that are typically 15–20 lbs, but this varies by airline.

Limitations: Weight and size (varies by airline). Carrier must fit under the seat and allow the pet to stand and turn comfortably.

What it is: Your pet travels in the pressurized and temperature-controlled cargo hold of the plane.

For: Larger pets that can’t fit in-cabin.

What it is: The set of procedures, standards, and care practices used by airlines, cargo staff, and ground crews to ensure the safe and humane treatment of animals during air travel.

Why it matters: Pets aren’t just cargo, they’re living beings with specific needs. Live animal handling includes careful loading and unloading, climate-controlled environments, minimizing stress and noise exposure, and following IATA Live Animals Regulations. Proper training and protocols help protect animal welfare every step of the journey.

What it is: Cargo that is officially listed and documented on a flight’s manifest, including details like contents, origin, destination, and handling requirements.

Why it matters: When a pet travels as manifest cargo (often for large animals or on international routes or via pet shippers), their crate and details are included in the airline’s official cargo records. This ensures full traceability, priority handling, and compliance with customs and animal welfare regulations. It's different from excess baggage; manifest cargo gets special attention and logistics support.

What it is: French for "Live Animal in the Hold”, AVIH is the airline code for pets traveling as checked baggage in the aircraft hold - a temperature-controlled, pressurized compartment separate from the passenger cabin.

Why it matters: AVIH status means your pet isn’t flying in the cabin with you but is still traveling on the same flight. Airlines treat AVIH animals with specific handling procedures, ensuring they are loaded last, offloaded first, and kept safe throughout the journey. You'll check them in at the passenger terminal, and they’re reunited with you shortly after landing.

What it is: A dog trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability.

Note: Airlines must accommodate service dogs under disability rights laws. Trained service dogs fly for free under U.S. law, but only if they meet the specific criteria and documentation requirements. Service dogs fly in cabin with their handlers, and do not need to be kept in carriers. They must be harnessed, leashed or tethered at all times.

Not to be confused with: Emotional Support Animals or pets.

What it is: An animal that provides emotional comfort.

Current status: Most airlines no longer allow ESAs to fly for free or in-cabin unless they meet pet carrier rules.

Important: ESAs are not classified as service animals under most airline policies anymore.

What it is: A signed certificate from a licensed vet that states your pet is healthy and fit for travel.

Timing: Usually must be issued within 10 days of travel, but this varies by destination.

Required for: Most international travel and some domestic flights.

What it is: A veterinarian authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to complete and endorse international health certificates when required.

Why it matters: Some countries require your pet’s health certificate to be issued by a USDA-accredited vet and then endorsed by USDA APHIS. Others may only require a regular vet’s sign-off. It depends entirely on the destination’s rules.

PadsPass Tip: Always check the specific country requirements early. PadsPass can guide you to the right vet and help you avoid last-minute surprises.

What it is: Proof your pet has a current rabies vaccination.

Why you need it: Most countries and states require it for entry, sometimes with specific timing requirements (eg, at least 21 days before travel).

What they are: Official documents required to bring a pet into or out of a country.

Usually issued by: The destination country’s government, often through an agriculture or animal health department.

Tip: Rules vary. For example, Australia requires import permits for all pets. Always check with the destination’s authority well in advance, as permits (when required) can take weeks or months to process.

What it is: A mandatory isolation period for pets entering certain countries — like Australia, New Zealand, or Japan — to ensure they’re not carrying contagious diseases (especially rabies).

Why it matters: Even if your pet is fully vaccinated, quarantine helps protect native wildlife and prevent the spread of serious illnesses.

How long: Can range from a few hours to 30+ days, depending on the destination country's rules, your pet’s vaccination history, and travel documents.

PadsPass Tip: PadsPass can help you stay ahead of quarantine requirements by tracking your pet’s vaccinations and document timelines — and flagging if you're heading somewhere with stricter rules.

What it is: A tiny chip implanted under your pet’s skin with a unique ID number.

Required by: Most countries for international travel.

Standard: For global travel, an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip is typically required.

What it is: A document that records your pet’s vaccination history, microchip number, and health details for easier cross-border travel.

Where is it used: In the EU and the UK. Switzerland, Norway, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, San Marino, and Monaco also accept or issue similar pet passports.

The U.S. does not issue pet passports, but you’ll still need to prepare equivalent documentation including rabies certificates, microchip info, and a USDA-endorsed health certificate (if required by the destination).

What it is: Airlines limit when pets can fly in cargo based on outside temps.

Usually applies when: It's too hot (often 85°F+) or too cold (below 45°F) at any stop.

Why it matters: For safety and to avoid heat stroke or hypothermia.

What it is: A vet-issued certificate stating that your pet is acclimated to temperatures below 45°F.

May be required: If flying during colder months.

Tip: Not all airlines accept this, so check first.

What it is: A professional service that helps arrange travel for your pet (especially for international cargo). Many are members of IPATA. If you use a shipper, confirm they are experienced with your airline and destination requirements.

Direct Flight: Strongly recommended for pets — fewer changes = less stress.

Layover: Adds risk and time in crates; airlines may not allow long layovers for pets in cargo.