How to Fly With Your Cat: Documents and Step-by-Step Process

1 Documents to Prepare

Vaccine proof or vaccination booklet. It must include records of the FVRCP (feline distemper) and rabies shots, with the injection date at least 21 days before the flight.

Animal quarantine certificate. Take the cat, the vaccine booklet, and the travel carrier to the local animal health supervision office to obtain it. Call ahead to confirm details so you do not make a wasted trip. The certificate is usually valid about 3–5 days, so apply about three days before departure to keep it in date; over a holiday, staff may extend it to five days if you explain.

Transport agreement, application form, and related paperwork. Download these from the airline’s website; some airlines call to verify and then email the forms separately.

2 Step-by-Step Process

After fixing the flight, call the airline to request an oxygenated cabin and reserve a spot for the cat.

Vaccine records: the clinic gives you proof after each shot. If you already have it, skip this; otherwise get the FVRCP and rabies shots and certificate at least 21 days before departure.

Get a travel carrier from a pet shop—prices vary widely. Choose one that is sturdy and well-ventilated.

Check the quarantine certificate’s validity window and schedule the visit to the supervision office accordingly.

On the day, put the cat in the carrier at home and reinforce it with tape. Reach the airport several hours early—at least three—and handle the cargo check-in with the pet, carrier, and the three documents.

Before landing, give the cargo tracking number and arrival time to the picker. On pickup, keep the cat in the box during transit and only release it at home, to avoid stress from strange surroundings. At home, place it in a quiet room with food and litter in plain sight, and if possible a cardboard box for security.

Note: try to fly on the same plane as your cat. Some flights do not accept pets, so confirm pet shipping is available when booking.