Manifest cargo · Supervised end to end
Pet cargo relocation, supervised at every stage
Temperature-controlled hold travel with IATA-compliant crates, correct permits, trained handling at both airports and one person accountable from collection to your front door.
What's included
Fully managed cargo travel, not just a booking
Booking a pet as cargo is straightforward. Doing it well is not. Crate sizing, airline embargoes, breed restrictions, ground handling, customs paperwork and arrival clearance all have to line up, and a single missing endorsement can stop a pet at the counter.
We take responsibility for the whole chain and stay reachable throughout travel day.
- Route and airline selection based on animal handling standards
- IATA-compliant crate sizing and sourcing
- Import permits and endorsed veterinary certificates
- Airport check-in and supervised handover
- Live monitoring while your pet is in transit
- Customs and veterinary clearance on arrival
- Door-to-door collection and delivery
- Guidance on acclimatising your pet to its crate
Preparing your pet
The weeks before travel matter most
Pets travel far better when the crate is already familiar. We ask owners to introduce it early, feed inside it, and build up to longer periods with the door closed so travel day is not the first time.
Crate familiarity
Four to six weeks of gradual introduction turns the crate into a safe space rather than a shock.
Vet health check
A pre-travel examination confirms your pet is fit to fly and catches issues while there is still time.
Feeding and water
A light meal well before departure, with water available up to check-in and attached bowls in the crate.
Comfort items
Familiar bedding carrying home scent, secured so it cannot shift in flight.
No sedation
Airlines and vets advise against sedatives, which can affect breathing and temperature regulation at altitude.
Arrival plan
A quiet room, familiar bedding and a calm first day at the other end.
Choosing between options
Cargo or a cabin charter seat?
Cargo relocation is the most flexible and cost-effective route, and works well for most healthy pets. A shared private charter seat costs more but avoids the hold entirely, which is why owners of snub-nosed breeds, anxious dogs and older pets often choose it.
We will tell you plainly which we would recommend for your pet, even when it is the cheaper one.
Questions
Pet cargo relocation FAQs
Is travelling as cargo safe for my pet?
Pets travel as manifest cargo, which is a separate category from freight. The hold used is pressurised and temperature-controlled, animals are loaded last and unloaded first, and the crew are informed there is a live animal on board. We choose airlines and aircraft with strong animal-handling records rather than the cheapest option.
What is the difference between manifest cargo and excess baggage?
Manifest cargo means your pet travels on its own air waybill and can fly independently of your ticket, with dedicated handling at both ends. Excess baggage ties your pet to your itinerary and is unavailable on many routes.
What kind of crate does my pet need?
An IATA-compliant crate, sized so your pet can stand, turn and lie down naturally. We measure your pet and confirm the correct size, and we recommend acclimatising your pet to the crate for several weeks before travel.
Can my pet fly cargo in summer heat?
Airlines apply seasonal embargoes and temperature limits, particularly on Gulf routes in summer and for snub-nosed breeds. We plan around them, often using night departures — or recommend a cabin charter instead.
Will someone be with my pet at the airport?
Yes. Your pet is accompanied to check-in, handed over to trained animal handling staff, and met on arrival for customs and veterinary clearance before delivery.
Is cargo cheaper than a charter seat?
Usually, yes. Cargo relocation is the most cost-effective way to move a pet internationally, especially for larger dogs. A charter seat costs more but keeps your pet in the cabin beside you.
Where to next
International Pet Relocation
The full door-to-door relocation service.
Shared Private Pet Charters
Keep your pet out of the hold and beside you.
Pet Relocation Dubai
UAE-specific permits, timelines and heat rules.
About PetsPassport
Ten years of moving pets between the UK, Dubai and beyond.
Contact
Speak to Penny about your pet's route.
Scheduled charter flights
Current cabin charter routes and fares.
Ask for a cargo relocation quote
Send your pet's breed, weight, crate size if you know it, and the route and dates you have in mind.