Short answer: whether you're travelling by car, public transport or plane, the most important thing is that your pet travels in a well-ventilated carrier or crate of the right size, one it has got used to beforehand. For short trips and vet visits, a light carrier is enough, while for a flight you'll need a model that meets the specific airline's requirements.
Travelling by car
In a car, your dog or cat should travel secured – in a carrier or crate placed firmly on the seat or in the boot, not loose between the seats. This protects the animal in the event of sudden braking and doesn't distract the driver. For more nervous travellers, a closed or partly covered carrier is often calming, since it limits the view of the moving scenery.
- Never leave your dog or cat alone in a parked car – the temperature inside rises quickly even when it's cool outside.
- On longer trips, take breaks every few hours for water and a walk.
- Feed your pet lightly a few hours before setting off, to reduce the risk of motion sickness.
How to get your pet used to the carrier
The carrier or crate should be familiar well before the first real trip. Leave it open at home with a blanket and a treat inside, so your dog or cat goes in voluntarily and associates it with something pleasant. Take a few short trial rides – for example around the block and back – before the longer journey. Putting your pet in the carrier for the first time right before setting off often creates a negative association and unnecessary stress.
How to choose a carrier or crate based on your pet's size
Your animal's measurements determine the right size, not the breed on its own. Measure:
- Standing height – from the floor to the top of the head or pricked ears, plus a few centimetres.
- Body length – from the nose to the base of the tail, plus some allowance.
Inside, the animal should be able to stand up fully, turn round 360 degrees, and lie down comfortably with its legs stretched out. If in doubt, choose the larger of two neighbouring sizes.
The MPS Skudo IATA range covers the common sizes – from a small cat to a large dog:
| Model | Dimensions L × W × H (cm) | Maximum weight |
|---|---|---|
| MPS Skudo 1 IATA | 48 × 31.5 × 31 | up to 12 kg |
| MPS Skudo 2 IATA | 55 × 36 × 35 | up to 18 kg |
| MPS Skudo 3 IATA | 60 × 40 × 39 | up to 24 kg |
| MPS Skudo 4 IATA | 68 × 48 × 51 | up to 30 kg |
| MPS Skudo 5 IATA | 79 × 58.5 × 65 | up to 35 kg |
| MPS Skudo 6 IATA | 92 × 63 × 70 | up to 40 kg |
| MPS Skudo 7 IATA | 105 × 73 × 76 | up to 45 kg |
The MPS Skudo 1 IATA and MPS Skudo 4 IATA models illustrate the two ends of the range – from a small cat or a tiny dog such as a Chihuahua to a medium-large dog. The full range is in the MPS collection.
For shorter trips – to the vet, visiting friends, or a few hours in the car – a lighter alternative is the MPS Pratiko 1 Metal, a compact carrier for up to 10 kg with a patented sliding system and a metal door. For very small, calm dogs and cats, a soft carrier, backpack or sling is also a practical choice for short outings – the comparison between them is covered in our separate guide to carriers, backpacks and slings for small dogs and cats.
Flying: the basic requirements
Most airlines follow similar basic principles for animal transport crates, close to the guidelines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA): a rigid body, good ventilation on at least three sides, a secure double-locking door, enough space for the animal to stand, turn round and lie down naturally, and a way to provide water. Rules do, however, vary substantially between airlines – in terms of permitted sizes, the weight limit for the cabin versus the hold, the documents required, and restrictions for certain breeds. Always check the requirements directly with the airline before buying a ticket and planning your trip.
Book your animal's place in advance, as the number of animals allowed on a flight is usually limited. You'll also need an up-to-date pet passport or a veterinary certificate, depending on the destination.
Visiting the vet
The same familiarity with the carrier that makes travel easier also helps with vet visits – an animal that goes calmly into a familiar carrier is less stressed in the waiting room and during the examination. You can set a reminder for periodic check-ups in your care plan in your account (My Pets).
Stress during travel
Excessive panting, drooling, constant meowing, or refusing to go into the carrier are signs of stress. Besides gradual habituation, it helps to have a familiar blanket or toy inside the carrier, a calm and consistent routine before setting off, and for cats, partly covering the carrier with a light cloth to reduce visual stimulation. For dogs and cats with marked travel anxiety, Valsam Vet Hemp Oil is a supplement from the stress-and-travel category, intended to support calm behaviour and general wellbeing – discuss the dose and the right time to give it with your vet beforehand.
Suitable products
Browse the full range of carriers and crates in the Carriers collection.
Read more: Valsam Vet food supplements and How to bathe a cat without stress.
Frequently asked questions
How big should the carrier be?
Big enough for the animal to stand up fully, turn round 360 degrees, and lie down comfortably. A carrier that's bigger than necessary isn't ideal either – during braking and turns, the animal slides around more inside it.
Can I hold a small dog on my lap while driving?
This isn't recommended – in sudden braking or a collision, the animal is unprotected, and it can also distract the driver. The safer option is a carrier secured on the seat.
What should I do if my cat panics and runs from the carrier?
Go back to the habituation stage – leave the carrier permanently accessible at home, with treats and a blanket inside, without forcing your cat to go in. For marked anxiety, ask your vet about additional support.
Do I need a pet passport to travel abroad with my pet?
In most cases, yes, and the exact requirements depend on the destination and the carrier company. Check what documents and vaccinations are required well ahead of your trip – with your vet and with the airline or carrier.
