International Pet Travel — In-Cabin Relocation for Cats & Dogs
International pet travel requires more than booking a flight. It demands careful coordination, confirmed in-cabin pet space, and strict compliance with international health and customs regulations.
Cabin Companions provides private, personally escorted international pet relocation for cats and dogs. Your pet remains in the passenger cabin at all times — never shipped as cargo, never handed off between providers.
We manage flight coordination, documentation timelines, veterinary requirements, and customs preparation so your pet travels legally, calmly, and without unnecessary stress.
Whether relocating overseas for work, returning home internationally, or navigating complex destination rules, we design each journey around your pet’s temperament, medical needs, and regulatory requirements — not the other way around.
Why Families Trust Cabin Companions for International Pet Relocation Services
International pet travel is regulation-driven. One missed document, incorrect routing decision, or misunderstood airline policy can result in denied boarding, quarantine delays, or entry refusal.
We structure every international relocation around compliance first — not convenience.
What Sets Us Apart
Personally Escorted, In-Cabin Travel Only
Your pet remains with us at all times — from airport check-in through arrival and customs clearance. We do not operate as a cargo shipping service.
Airline & Aircraft Expertise
Airlines limit:
- Number of pets percabin
- Pets per passenger
- Aircraft types eligible for in-cabin travel
- Seasonal embargoes
- Breed restrictions
We confirm aircraft type and pet space before booking — not after.
USDA & Documentation Oversight
International relocation may require:
- USDA-endorsed health certificates
- Rabies vaccination validation
- Rabies titer testing (for certain destinations)
- Microchip verification
- EU Pet Passport coordination
- Import permits
We provide a customized timeline and oversee compliance so deadlines are not missed.
Strategic Routing for Complex Countries
Some destinations — such as the United Kingdom — do not allow in-cabin arrivals. We structure compliant EU entry routing and ground continuation when necessary.
Structured Planning, Not Last-Minute Booking
International pet travel is not a same-week service. Proper planning typically requires 30–90 days depending on destination requirements.
We build travel plans that are calm, coordinated, and regulation-compliant — because international mistakes are expensive.
How Our International In-Cabin Pet Relocation Works
International pet relocation is built around regulation, airline coordination, and structured timelines. Here’s how we manage it from start to finish.
Consultation & Route Strategy
We begin by evaluating your origin and destination requirements, airline cabin policies, aircraft restrictions, and passenger-per-pet limitations. Not every airline or aircraft allows the same arrangements. We confirm routing feasibility and in-cabin eligibility before flights are finalized, ensuring the itinerary is built around compliance from the start.
Documentation Planning & Timeline
International travel often requires a USDA-endorsed health certificate, rabies verification, microchip confirmation, and sometimes rabies titers or import permits. Each document must be completed within a specific time window. We provide a clear planning timeline and oversee the process to ensure all paperwork aligns with airline and customs regulations.
Airline Pet Space Confirmation
Airlines limit how many pets are allowed in cabin and how many each passenger may accompany. Carrier dimensions and weight restrictions vary by aircraft. We secure confirmed in-cabin pet space in advance and coordinate directly with airline pet desks when necessary.
Personally Escorted Travel
On travel day, your pet remains with us at all times. From check-in through arrival, your cat or dog stays in the passenger cabin under direct supervision. We do not operate as a cargo shipping service, and your pet is never handed off to third parties.
Arrival & Customs Coordination
Upon arrival, we assist with documentation presentation and import compliance before coordinating final handoff. For destinations requiring additional ground routing, such as EU entry prior to UK arrival, we structure the continuation in advance to ensure a smooth transition.
What Our Clients Say
Why Families Trust Our International In-Cabin Pet Relocation
USDA Certified & Fully Insured
USDA-certified, fully insured, and experienced in managing international health certificate endorsements and regulatory compliance for overseas pet travel.
24/7 Access to Veterinarian
Continuous access to a licensed veterinarian during travel — especially important for senior pets, anxious travelers, or animals requiring medication oversight during long-haul flights.
30+ Years of Animal Welfare & Relocation Experience
Over three decades of professional experience handling complex relocations, reactive or high-needs pets, and international regulatory coordination across multiple countries.
Live Tracking & Structured Travel Updates
Real-time AirTag tracking and structured travel updates so you know exactly where your pet is — from departure airport through customs arrival.
Common International Routes We Support
- United States ↔ France
- United States ↔ Netherlands
- United States ↔ Germany
- United States ↔ Spain
- United States ↔ Italy
- United States ↔ Portugal
- United States ↔ Canada
- United States ↔ Mexico
For travel to the United Kingdom, we structure compliant EU entry routing followed by coordinated ground continuation, as direct in-cabin arrival into the UK is not permitted.
We also evaluate select Asia destinations — including routes where customs regulations require one passenger per pet — and build structured escort solutions when airline policy allows.
If your destination is not listed, we review feasibility during consultation and determine the safest, regulation-compliant strategy based on airline restrictions and import requirements.
Is International In-Cabin Pet Relocation Right for You?
International pet relocation is a structured, regulation-driven service. It is designed for families who value compliance, careful planning, and in-cabin travel over the lowest-cost shipping option.
This service is a strong fit if:
You are relocating overseas permanently or for an extended assignment.
Your pet qualifies for in-cabin travel under airline size and weight restrictions.
You are planning 30–90 days in advance (or more for destinations requiring rabies titers).
You prefer direct oversight and personal escort rather than cargo handling.
You want documentation timelines and airline coordination managed correctly the first time.
This service may not be the right fit if:
You are traveling internationally within the next two weeks.
You are seeking the lowest-cost international shipping option.
You prefer to manage documentation and airline coordination independently.
International travel involves precise timing and country-specific compliance. We operate as a premium, in-cabin relocation service focused on structured planning and safe execution.
If that aligns with your needs, we’re ready to build a compliant travel plan around your route.
What’s Included in International In-Cabin Relocation
• Personalized route strategy and airline compliance review
• Confirmed in-cabin pet space coordination
• Documentation timeline and USDA endorsement oversight
• Destination import requirement review
• Personally escorted travel from departure through arrival
• AirTag live tracking throughout the journey
• 24/7 access to a veterinarian during travel
• Direct communication with Gabe during planning and flight
International relocation is managed end-to-end — not handed off to cargo agents or third-party shippers.
International In-Cabin Travel Pricing
Most international in-cabin relocations range between:
$5,500 – $9,900+
Final pricing depends on:
• Origin and destination country
• Number of pets traveling
• Airline and aircraft limitations
• Escort requirements (including one-passenger-per-pet rules)
• Documentation complexity
• Seasonal airfare fluctuations
We provide a detailed proposal after consultation once routing and compliance requirements are confirmed.
Led by Trusted Experts in International Pet Relocation
Cabin Companions is a proudly woman-owned business, co-founded by Monica Tarant and Gabe Downey, bringing over 30 years of combined experience in animal welfare, regulatory coordination, and professional pet relocation.
Monica is nationally recognized for her expertise in cat sheltering and animal welfare systems, having overseen the relocation of tens of thousands of animals across the United States and internationally. That depth of operational experience directly informs how we approach complex, regulation-driven international pet travel.
International relocation requires more than transportation. It requires precision, documentation oversight, airline strategy, and customs awareness. We design each journey around country-specific import rules, airline in-cabin limitations, and structured compliance timelines — not guesswork.
Cats. Small dogs. Seniors. Anxious travelers. Medically managed pets.
Your pet is never treated as cargo, never outsourced, and never handed off to third-party shipping agents. Each international relocation is personally managed from departure through arrival.
This is international pet travel done properly — structured, compliant, and handled with care.
Frequently Asked Questions About International Pet Travel
Can my pet fly internationally in cabin?
Many destinations allow in-cabin arrival, but not all. Some countries, including the United Kingdom, do not permit direct in-cabin entry. In those cases, we structure compliant routing through an EU country and coordinate ground continuation when necessary.
How far in advance should I plan international pet travel?
We recommend planning a minimum of 30–60 days in advance. Some destinations requiring rabies titer testing or import permits may require additional time.
Can two pets travel with one person internationally?
Some airlines allow two pets per passenger on specific aircraft types. Many do not. We confirm airline policy and aircraft eligibility before booking and arrange additional escorts when required by customs regulations.
Do you provide cargo-only international shipping?
No. Cabin Companions specializes in personally escorted, in-cabin relocation. If a pet must travel as manifest cargo due to size or destination restrictions, we can provide guidance but do not operate as a cargo shipping service.
What documents are required for international pet travel?
Requirements vary by country but may include a USDA-endorsed health certificate, rabies vaccination verification, microchip confirmation, and in some cases a rabies titer test or import permit. We provide a structured documentation timeline during consultation.
What if my pet is anxious or older?
We design travel plans around your pet’s temperament, age, and medical needs. Route selection, layover duration, and cabin eligibility are evaluated carefully to minimize stress.
I have two pets, but my airline or destination only allows one pet per passenger. Can Cabin Companions travel with me?
Yes. Many international routes limit the number of pets allowed per passenger, and some countries require one passenger per pet for customs entry. When this applies, Cabin Companions can coordinate additional in-cabin escorts so both pets travel compliantly and remain in the passenger cabin.
We work directly with airline policies and destination regulations to structure a solution that allows your pets to travel together — even when the rules restrict individual passengers.
Ready to Relocate Internationally With Your Pet — Calmly and Compliantly?
International pet travel is complex — but it doesn’t have to be chaotic.
With structured planning, confirmed in-cabin pet space, documentation oversight, and personally escorted travel, your pet can arrive safely, legally, and without unnecessary stress.
We design every international relocation around compliance first — so there are no surprises at check-in or customs.
If you’re planning an overseas move and want it handled properly from start to finish, we’re ready to build your travel plan.
