Prepare your pet for travel with ‘WorldCare Pet’ transport

Whether you’re shifting to a new city within India or are moving abroad, transporting your pet needs special attention. You must rely on an expert. WorldCare Pet is the world’s leading pet transport service provider.
They ensure that your pet travels safely and comfortably door-to-door, anywhere in the world. They provide comprehensive services to care for the needs of all kinds of pets, from dogs and cats to rabbits, horses, hamsters and more. We got in touch with Varun Nandwani, Country Manager – India, WorldCare Pet to know more about their services.
What travel size carrier does your pet need?
Like people, pets prefer to fly first class. Selecting the most appropriate sized travel kennel for your pet’s upcoming trip is an important first step towards ensuring your pet’s comfort. The size of the carrier must be such that it allows your pet to stand in a natural position, turn around and easily lie down without a problem.
What are the best airlines approved travel carriers?
The best airlines approved travel carriers are hard plastic and non-collapsible with ventilation holes on all three sides (two sides and the back) and a metal door in the front. Wheels or collapsible kennels are not accepted by airlines. All kennels must have the food and water cups attached inside the metal door. We recommend kennels that use nuts and bolts to secure the top and the bottom half of the kennel versus twist locks and snap locks. The latter ones are not as sturdy for your pet.
Acclimating your pet to the travel carrier
If your pet will be home for the next few weeks, you can get your pet acclimated to the travel kennel to help reduce anxiety on the day of departure.

• Before you begin the kennel training, place the kennel in the room most used by the family or next to the pet’s food bowl. This will allow your pet to associate with the new piece of ‘furniture’ as addition to his personal space.
• First, remove the door from the kennel. Many times, the swinging door is what scares the pet most. Encourage your pet to enter voluntarily by tossing or placing a treat or familiar toy into the far end, praising your pet enthusiastically once he enters, then letting him come right back out.
• After your pet starts getting used to the kennel presence, install the door back onto the kennel but secure it in the open position so it does not swing freely. Once your pet enters the kennel confidently, coax him to lie down and relax, using food/treats, if necessary. Shut the door briefly while you sit beside the kennel or when there are people in the room.
• When you feel your pet can remain quietly in the kennel, leave him alone for 15-20 minutes. If all goes well, you can leave your pet for longer intervals. While travelling, your pet will be in the kennel for a longer period of time, so it is best to practice longer and longer intervals at home. Depending on your pet’s age, temperament and past experiences, full kennel training may take days or weeks, but don’t be alarmed if you don’t have that much time. Though kennel training is highly recommended, it is not a legal requirement for airplane travel, and your pet will be able to fly without being kennel-trained.

A note on special breeds (snub-nosed pets)
Whenever possible, snub nosed breeds should not be transported in very warm climates. These brachycephalic breeds have anatomical abnormalities that may cause respiratory issues which increase with heat and stress. Typically, these breeds are best transported when temperatures don’t exceed 750F at any point during the transit.
Snub-nosed breeds include, but are not limited to, the following –
SNUB-NOSED DOGS
Affenpinscher, American Bull Dog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon , Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cane Corso, Dogo Agrentino, Dorgue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, French Billdog, Japenese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Presa Canario, Pug, Rottweiler, Shar-Pei, ShihTzu, Tibetan Spaniel, Valley Bulldog, Chow Chow.
SNUB-NOSED CATS
British Shorthair, Himalayan Cat, Persian Cat, Exotic Shorthair.
“Caring for pets while travelling can be quite different from caring for a pet at home. We know that they are an extremely valued member of your family. We aren’t just saying this because we move pets around the world; we’re saying this because we love animals. We strive hard to provide our furry friends with all love and care they deserve, and make their travel experience smooth and comfortable”, said Varun.
How to get ready for travel
There will be a mixed feeling of both excitement and anxiety for you on the day of your pet’s travel. Some useful suggestions are listed as under for your pet’s safety and comfortable travel.
Pick-up preparation: If you already have a travel kennel, make sure to put your pet in it prior to pick-up.
Nail clipping: It is strongly recommended to clip the pet’s nail a day or two before the travel. This will prevent from injury if your pet is inclined to scratch or claw inside of the travel kennel.
Hair cut: This is required especially when your pet is a long-haired breed travelling from a cold/mild climate place to a warmer place. This will help your dog adjust to the new place comfortably.
Anxiety control: Keep an old cloth or blanket that smells like home inside the travel kennel so that it can help to alleviate your pet’s anxiety during the trip.
Favourite bites: Keep around 170 gm of your pet’s favourite food or treats in a plastic zip lock baggie, which will be placed in the food cup of the pet prior to the journey.
Collar & ID tag: Your pet will be readily identifiable to the paperwork attached to the travel kennel, as there is no need for collar and ID tag that may become risk of getting caught on the front gate door.
Food before journey: Empty stomach travel is comfortable for your pet, but it’s good to consult your vet for specific feeding instructions, especially the pet’s travel is long distance.
Toys or bones: Toys or bones are restricted items for your travelling pet, as these can potentially choke in during the journey.