FLYING WITH CATS
Flying With Your Cat Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful.
Whether you’re flying with your cat across the country or relocating overseas, Cabin Companions personally escorts cats on domestic and international flights—handling every detail from pickup and airport check-in to TSA screening, the flight itself, and final reunion.
Trusted by families flying with cats across the U.S. and around the world.
✓ Personally escorted from pickup to reunion
✓ Domestic & international cat flight specialists
✓ Private TSA screening whenever available
✓ Transparent, all-inclusive pricing
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
Feeling Overwhelmed? Start Here.
If you’re like most families we help, you’ve probably spent hours comparing airline pet policies, researching cat carriers, and wondering if you’re missing an important requirement.
The good news? Flying with your cat is absolutely manageable when you understand the process. Here’s the same framework we use to help families safely plan domestic and international flights every week.
FLYING WITH CATS, STEP BY STEP
Your Cat’s Flight, Simplified.
Whether you’re flying across the country or around the world, every successful cat journey follows the same basic process. Here’s what to expect from planning to arrival.
Before You Book
Choosing the right airline, understanding cabin pet policies, selecting an approved carrier, and avoiding common booking mistakes.
Preparing for Travel
Health certificates (when required), TSA screening, harnesses, feeding schedules, medications, and what to pack.
Travel Day
Airport check-in, private TSA screening whenever available, in-flight care, layovers, and helping your cat stay comfortable throughout the journey.
Arrival & Settling In
Clearing customs (for international travel), settling into a new environment, and helping your cat transition successfully after the flight.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Ready to Plan Your Cats’ Flight?
Get personalized support for airline planning, carrier setup, travel timing, airport logistics, and calm in-cabin cat travel — from experienced companions who travel with cats every day.
No-obligation consultation • Cat-focused travel support • Domestic & international relocation
REAL JOURNEYS. REAL FAMILIES.
Cats We’ve Helped Fly
From short domestic flights to complex international relocations, every journey is planned around the individual cat—not an airline schedule or a shipping route. Here are a few of the families we’ve helped.
We’ve escorted cats on flights throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, with every journey planned around the individual cat’s needs.
Washington, D.C. → Tucson, Arizona
Helping Two Rescue Cats Relocate Cross-Country
Supported a cross-country relocation for two rescue cats traveling from Washington, D.C. to Tucson, Arizona. From airline planning and carrier preparation to calm in-cabin handling and arrival coordination, every part of the journey was designed to keep travel low-stress and manageable for both cats.
2 Cats • Domestic Relocation • Washington, D.C. → Arizona
Phoenix → Madrid, Spain
Helping Two Cats Relocate to Spain
Personally escorted two cats relocating from Phoenix to Madrid, Spain, with coordinated airline planning, USDA documentation guidance, and individualized in-cabin travel support throughout the journey. Every part of the trip was designed to keep travel calm, safe, and manageable for both cats and their family.
2 Cats • International Cat Relocation • USA → Spain
San Francisco → Sofia, Bulgaria
Helping Three Cats Relocate to Bulgaria
Coordinated and personally escorted an international relocation for three cats traveling from San Francisco to Sofia, Bulgaria. From airline planning and documentation guidance to multi-cat airport logistics and in-cabin handling, every part of the journey was designed around keeping travel calm, organized, and low-stress.
3 Cats • International Cat Relocation • USA → Bulgaria
WHY FAMILIES TRUST CABIN COMPANIONS
Built by People Who’ve Dedicated Their Lives to Cats.
Flying with cats requires more than understanding airline policies and paperwork—it requires understanding cats. Cabin Companions was founded by Monica Tarant, a nationally respected leader in feline welfare who has spent more than two decades improving the lives of cats through shelter leadership, disaster response, and safe relocation programs.
Together, Monica, Gabe, and Natascha combine decades of hands-on experience helping cats travel safely and comfortably—from first-time flyers and senior cats to complex international relocations.
Unlike traditional pet shipping companies, we never hand pets off between unfamiliar drivers or contractor networks. The same experienced companion who plans your cat’s journey is there every step of the way—from pickup to airport check-in, through the flight, and until they’re safely reunited with your family.
Our team has helped families fly cats everywhere from New York to Los Angeles, Seattle to Brussels, Rochester to Bangkok, Phoenix to Madrid, and Boston to Dublin.
MEET GABE
The Calm Presence Behind the Journey
Gabe has personally escorted cats on domestic and international flights, helping families navigate everything from first-time travel to complex international relocations.
Known for his calm communication and reassuring presence, he personally accompanies cats from pickup through safe reunion with their families.
MEET Natascha
Feline Veterinary Technician & Travel Companion
Natascha is an Elite Fear Free Certified veterinary technician with extensive experience caring for anxious, senior, and medically complex cats.
Her feline-focused medical background brings an extra level of confidence and care to every journey, especially for cats who need additional support while traveling.
TRUSTED BY CAT FAMILIES WORLDWIDE
Real Reviews From Real Cat Flights
From first-time domestic flights to complex international relocations, families trust Cabin Companions to help their cats travel safely, comfortably, and with less stress.
Kelly DayTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Monica and Gabe were great! They were well organized, prepared, and communicated very well. Our cats get very anxious traveling and they gave us suggestions for medication to discuss with our vet which made a big difference. Highly recommend! Kelly S. MoyesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gabe and Monica made what would have been impossible, possible. I was moving abroad alone with two cats. Gabe was a massive help, even letting me use his upgrade so I was able to get some food on one of our flights. They were responsive and helpful throughout the whole process. Can't recommend them enough! Dominic EspositoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gabe and Monica were amazing at organizing and carrying out the move of our two cats across the country. From the very detailed early discussions, the clear travel plan, and the concierge-like service on the day of travel, the whole process was simple and efficient. Everything was planned for and went smoothly from pickup to dropoff, and both cats arrived safe and happy at their new homes! I cannot imagine a better process for something I was very worried about (one of our cats does not travel well normally), and Gabe and Monica clearly showed a real concern for our kitties and their comfort, as well as their obvious experience in handling the process. Could not recommend any higher! Ana Maria GomezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have no words to describe the peace of mind I felt by having Gabe take my sweet dog from San Francisco all the way to Columbus while our family was getting ready to move. Gabe was extremely professional but more importantly he treated my dog like it was his own.... Heidi SmithTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend Monica and Gabe highly enough for their services. Not only did they ensure safe transport for my two cats from the US to Paris, they were professional, organized, and reassuring. It's a stressful experience for everyone, and I know my cats benefitted from having competent carriers on the flight. My partner and I are so grateful for their expertise. MelissaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Cabin Companions. They were amazing and took great care of my furry family members. I would use them again in a second. Not only were the cats in caring and capable hands but it took the stress of moving them myself out of the equation during a cross country move. Thanks you Cabin Companions!!! Lauren HowardTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd give them more than 5 stars if I could. My husband and I moved from DC to Key West and due to a bunch of factors, we had to fly down. We have 2 dogs, one of them is on medication so she can't fly. Plus, they are each 50 pounds of their own brand of crazy. Sweet, but crazy. So, alright, they have to drive down. I found Cabin Companions and it became the easiest part of the trip. Of course, I was nervous. My two dogs. A stranger. 1200 miles to cover. For pickup, Gabe showed up right on time and my dogs immediately liked him (have to mention that because usually they don't). We got an air tag to track their trip and updates throughout their travels. He even showed up with them early which was amazing. AND each dog got a little report card about how they did. Super cute touch. You can tell he cared about my dogs as if they were his own. Their process of booking was easy. They took the time to speak with me and answered all of my questions. Worth every single penny. I can not recommend Cabin Companions enough. I'll be passing their information on to anyone who needs this type of service. Thank you for taking such great care of the dogs! Paula Marron-PoitrasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From our first Zoom interview with Gabe to the time he finally delivered our fur baby to our destination, we were completely impressed with Cabin Companions. Most importantly, Gabe was able to deal effectively with adversity: First of all, he was able to get our very highly sensitive cat through TSA with no problems. Secondly, when the original flight to our destination was delayed for several hours, Gabe was able to think quickly, and find an alternative flight that got our cat back to us only 45 minutes late. We would recommend Cabin Companions to anyone. Julie PhillipsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gabe was wonderful from start to finish in the process of taking care of getting my cat, Millie, to France. This was a very stressful time in general and having him handle the ins and outs of how to get her safely to France with the least amount of stress to me was totally worth it. I met with him personally and could tell he was an animal lover and would care for her like I would, but he was able to do it completely focused on her. The peace of mind knowing she was in the cabin with Gabe as opposed to cargo was priceless. Millie is my baby and I would not hesitate to use Cabin Companions if you are looking for quality service. He brought her right to my door and by the next day she was totally fine and happy with her surroundings. Rina LyubkinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience transporting our 2 kitties from NC to FL.Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 27 reviews
TRUSTED BY CAT FAMILIES
"We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would absolutely use Cabin Companions again!"
★★★★★
“We had a wonderful experience with Cabin Companions bringing our new cat home. Gabe carefully selected a travel itinerary designed to be as low-stress as possible, and when she arrived, it was obvious she had been loved on and well cared for throughout the journey.”
— Katie C., Verified Cabin Companions client
1 Cat • Domestic Relocation • New Jersey → Austin, Texas
FLYING WITH CATS FAQ
Common Questions About Flying With Cats
Whether you’re flying across the country or relocating overseas, these are the questions we hear most often from families planning to travel with their cats.
Can cats fly safely on commercial airlines?
Yes. Many of cats travel safely by air every year. The key is choosing the right airline, preparing properly, and understanding what to expect before, during, and after the flight. Every journey we plan is designed around the individual cat’s comfort, safety, and routine.
Can my cat fly in the cabin?
In many cases, yes. Most airlines allow cats to travel in the cabin if they fit comfortably inside an airline-approved carrier that fits beneath the seat in front of you. Each airline has different size restrictions, fees, and limits on the number of pets allowed per flight.
Do cats need a health certificate to fly?
It depends on where you’re traveling. Many domestic flights do not require one, while international travel almost always does. Some destinations also require vaccinations, ISO microchips, import permits, or USDA-endorsed health certificates.
Can you help with international cat travel?
Absolutely. Cabin Companions personally escorts cats on domestic and international flights throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. We help families navigate airline requirements, veterinary paperwork, customs procedures, and travel-day logistics from beginning to end.
What happens during TSA screening?
Whenever possible, we request a private TSA screening room. This allows cats to be safely removed from their carrier in a secure, enclosed environment while the carrier is screened separately, greatly reducing the risk of escape.
Can you fly with more than one cat?
Yes. We regularly help families travel with multiple cats, including complex international relocations. Planning becomes more important because airlines often limit the number of pets allowed in the cabin on each flight.
Do you provide the airline-approved carrier?
We can. Many families already own a carrier, while others prefer that we recommend or provide one that meets their airline’s requirements. We also help ensure it is appropriately sized for both your cat and the airline you’ll be flying.
How much does it cost to fly my cat with Cabin Companions?
Domestic cat flights typically begin around $2,995, while international journeys vary depending on destination, airline availability, travel dates, and itinerary complexity. Every proposal is completely customized and includes transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden travel expenses.
I’m worried my cat will be anxious during the flight. Can you help?
Absolutely. Travel anxiety is one of the most common concerns we hear from families. While sedatives are generally not recommended for healthy cats during air travel, many veterinarians prescribe safe, non-sedating medications that can help reduce stress. We’re happy to help you prepare for that conversation and share what has worked well for many of the cats we’ve escorted.
What makes Cabin Companions different from traditional pet shipping companies?
We don’t operate shared cargo vans or contractor networks. Every journey is personally managed by an experienced companion who stays with your cat from pickup through safe reunion. Our focus is on individualized care, clear communication, and making air travel as stress-free as possible for both you and your cat.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
READY TO PLAN YOUR CAT’S FLIGHT?
Whether you’re flying across the country or relocating around the world, we’re here to make the journey safe, smooth, and far less stressful.
Cat-Focused Travel • USDA Registered • Fully Insured • In-Cabin Specialists
START YOUR JOURNEY
Tell Us About Your Cats’ Travel Plans
No-obligation consultation • Domestic in-cabin pet travel support
