Emergency Pet Travel: What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Even with perfect preparation, emergencies happen. Lost pets, medical emergencies mid-flight, rejected crates at check-in - knowing how to respond quickly can save your pet's life and your trip.
Source: IATA Pet Container Requirements
Crate Rejected at Check-In
You're at the airport and your crate is rejected. Now what?
IMMEDIATE STEPS: 1. Stay calm - panic doesn't help 2. Ask for SPECIFIC rejection reason 3. Ask if airport has crates for sale (many do) 4. Check if modification is possible (adding bolts, labels) 5. Consider delaying to next flight
IF NO QUICK FIX:
PREVENTION: Use our pre-check service. Know BEFORE you get to the airport.
Pet Medical Emergency In-Flight
Pet becomes ill during flight or immediately after.
IN CABIN:
IN CARGO (YOU SUSPECT ISSUE):
ON ARRIVAL:
Pet Lost During Transit
The nightmare scenario: your pet doesn't arrive.
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS: 1. Report to airline cargo immediately 2. Get written acknowledgment 3. Demand tracking information 4. Contact destination cargo facility 5. File missing pet report
GET THESE DETAILS:
WHILE SEARCHING:
PREVENTION: Ensure crate has your contact info, photos inside, and working microchip.
Denied Entry at Destination
You arrive but your pet is denied entry.
COMMON REASONS:
OPTIONS: 1. Quarantine (if available and you accept) 2. Return transport to origin 3. Transfer to third country that accepts pet 4. Emergency document correction (rarely possible)
HOW TO RESPOND:
This is why documentation matters.
Conclusion
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Have backup plans, emergency contacts, and contingency funds for unexpected situations. Your pet's safety depends on your preparedness.
Check Your Crate Before You Fly
Enter your pet's measurements and upload 3 crate photos. We apply the IATA size formula and check what is visible: bolts, door, ventilation on four sides, bowls. Independent service, not affiliated with IATA or any airline.
Related Guides
IATA Pet Crate Requirements: The Full Checklist
IATA publishes the container requirements that airlines following IATA rules use for dogs and cats travelling in the hold. Here is every rule in plain English, with the official source.
Why Airlines Reject Pet Crates: The Top 10 Reasons
Every day, pet owners arrive at airport check-in counters only to face the devastating news: their pet's crate has been rejected. The flight leaves in hours, and there's no quick fix. Understanding why airlines reject crates - and how to prevent it - can save you from this nightmare scenario.
IATA crate size calculator for dogs and cats
Airlines that follow IATA rules require a crate big enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down naturally. IATA sets this out as a simple formula based on four measurements of your pet. Enter them below to see the minimum inner dimensions your crate needs. It's free, and nothing is sent to us unless you choose to continue to a full check. PetFlyCheck is independent and not affiliated with IATA.