Traveling With Pets During Christmas & New Year Holidays: Expert Tips for a Smooth Journey
The festive season brings with it a sense of joy, celebration, and travel. Families across the world plan long-awaited Christmas gatherings, New Year vacations, and winter getaways. And for many pet parents, the idea of celebrating without their furry companions simply doesn’t feel complete. More people than ever before are choosing to fly with their pets — whether within India or across the globe — during the holiday rush.
However, December is also one of the busiest travel months of the year. Flights fill up quickly, airline pet slots get booked months in advance, and documentation timelines become tighter because of holiday closures. At Anvis Pet Relocation, we help families navigate this peak season every year, and we’ve seen firsthand how early planning and the right preparation can make the journey smooth for both pets and parents.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to travel safely with your pet during Christmas and New Year — from paperwork to comfort tips, airline guidelines, and expert suggestions.
Why Festive Travel With Pets Needs Extra Planning
December is a festive month worldwide, and airports operate at maximum capacity. When you add pets into the equation, planning becomes even more crucial. Airlines restrict the number of pets allowed in-cabin, as checked-in baggage, and in cargo. During holidays, these slots get filled quickly — especially on popular international routes like India to the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.
Another challenge is the availability of veterinarians, labs, and government offices. Many of them operate on limited hours or remain closed during Christmas and New Year week. If you need microchipping, vaccinations, rabies titer tests, or health certificates during this period, delays are likely.
This is where early preparation — ideally 45 to 90 days in advance — becomes essential.
Step 1: Get Your Pet’s Documentation Right
(Your Most Important Holiday Travel Task!)
Traveling internationally with pets requires multiple documents, and the festive season only makes it more important to keep them ready ahead of time. While country-specific rules differ, here’s what most destinations require:
✔️ ISO-compatible microchip
Your pet must be microchipped before the rabies vaccine is administered. This is a non-negotiable global rule.
✔️ Valid Rabies Vaccination
Most countries require the vaccine to be administered at least 21–30 days before travel. Some destinations require a series of vaccinations or boosters.
✔️ Rabies Titer Test (RNATT)
Destinations such as the EU, Japan, Australia, UAE, and Singapore require a rabies antibody test. Lab processing can take 3–4 weeks, which becomes slower around the holidays due to closures. This is one of the biggest reasons we suggest planning early.
✔️ Health Certificate & Fit-to-Fly Certificate
These certificates must be issued close to travel dates. Holiday closures at veterinary clinics make the timeline tighter.
✔️ Import Permits
Certain countries require an approved import permit before the pet arrives. Approvals can take days or weeks, depending on the time of year.
At Anvis Pet Relocation, we handle all paperwork timelines, submissions, and approvals — ensuring nothing gets delayed due to holiday backlogs.
Step 2: Book Your Flights Early — December Slots Fill Fast
Airlines have strict limitations on how many pets they can accept on each flight. During December, we often see:
- In-cabin slots being booked 3–6 weeks in advance
- Cargo pet bookings closing earlier than usual
- Certain aircraft types being unavailable due to winter operations
- Airlines imposing holiday restrictions
If you’re planning to travel with your pet during Christmas or New Year, the best time to book flights is as soon as travel dates are fixed. Our team can help you identify pet-friendly routes, recommend airlines with the best handling standards, and secure confirmed pet slots before they run out.
Step 3: Choose the Right Travel Crate
(Comfort = Reduced Stress for Your Pet)
An IATA-specified travel crate is mandatory for all medium- and large-breed pets, and in most cases, even for in-cabin travel. A well-fitted crate helps your pet feel safe and calm throughout the journey.
A good crate should allow your pet to:
- Stand fully without touching the roof
- Sit and lie down comfortably
- Turn around easily
- Have good ventilation on all sides
During festive travel, airports are louder, busier, and colder. A familiar crate provides a comforting “den” environment for your pet.
At Anvis, we also offer a crate training program to help your pet feel confident and calm before the journey.
Step 4: Prepare for Winter Routes & Weather Changes
Christmas and New Year travel often involves long international routes across colder regions. Sudden temperature changes can impact a pet’s comfort, especially during layovers.
Tips for keeping your pet warm and safe:
- Add a soft blanket or warm bedding
- Avoid heavy meals before the flight
- Keep pets hydrated (but avoid over-watering immediately before check-in)
- Pack a familiar toy with their scent
- Use absorbent pads inside the crate
Avoid sedatives unless advised by your veterinarian — they can interfere with a pet’s breathing during flight.
Step 5: Understand Airline Rules During Festive Season
Every airline has different policies for traveling with pets, and around Christmas, these rules are often stricter because of high traffic.
Some airlines:
- Allow small pets in cabin (usually under 7–8 kg)
- Permit pets as checked-in baggage
- Transport pets only as manifested cargo
- Have breed restrictions
- Have limits on aircraft type or temperature conditions
At Anvis Pet Relocation, we keep track of seasonal airline changes and guide you to the safest and most suitable travel option.
After Landing: Give Your Pet Time to Settle
Even after a successful flight, pets may be tired or overstimulated. Once you arrive:
- Give fresh water immediately
- Offer a light meal
- Let them walk and stretch
- Avoid overwhelming them with new people or noise
- Resume their usual routine gradually
If your destination requires quarantine, we will guide you through the process well in advance.
Why Choose Anvis Pet Relocation for Festive Travel?
For 14+ years, Anvis Pet Relocation has helped families travel smoothly across the world with their beloved dogs and cats — especially during peak seasons. Our experience with pet relocation services, documentation requirements, and international regulations ensures your pet’s journey is safe, comfortable, and stress-free.
We handle everything with the same care we would want for our own pets — because every animal deserves to travel with dignity, safety, and love.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate the Season With Your Pet by Your Side
Traveling with pets during Christmas and New Year doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With early planning, the right travel crate, proper documentation, and expert guidance, you can create a joyful and memorable holiday season with your furry family member.
If you’re planning to travel with your pet this festive season, reach out to Anvis Pet Relocation — we’re here to make the journey smoother for you and stress-free for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Traveling With Pets During Christmas & New Year Holidays
1. Is it safe to travel with pets during Christmas and New Year holidays?
Yes, it’s completely safe to travel with pets during the festive season as long as you plan ahead. December is a peak travel period, so flights are crowded and airline pet slots fill up early. By preparing documents, vaccinations, and crate training in advance, your pet can enjoy a safe, comfortable journey. Companies like Anvis Pet Relocation help ensure the entire travel process follows international safety standards.
2. How early should I start preparing my pet’s travel documents for holiday travel?
For international destinations, you should start preparing at least 45–90 days before departure. This is because holidays cause delays in vet clinics, government offices, and labs that process rabies titer tests. Starting early ensures your pet’s microchip, vaccinations, RNATT, import permits, and health certificates are approved on time.
3. Can my pet travel in the cabin during Christmas and New Year?
Yes, but cabin slots are extremely limited. Most airlines allow only 1–2 pets per flight in the cabin. During the festive season, these seats are usually booked early. If your pet is under 7–8 kg (with the carrier), they may qualify for in-cabin travel. For larger pets, cargo or manifest cargo is the safer and internationally accepted option.
4. Do airlines have special restrictions for pets during winter?
Some do. Certain airlines place temperature-based restrictions on pet travel, especially when flying through cold regions. Aircraft type, weather conditions, and layover airports can affect availability. At Anvis Pet Relocation, we monitor winter airline guidelines and help choose safe, pet-friendly routes.
5. What should I pack for my pet when flying during the festive season?
Pack essentials like:
- Soft bedding or blanket
- Absorbent pads
- Light meal (before flight)
- Water and collapsible bowl
- Copies of travel documents
- A familiar toy or cloth
Avoid overfeeding and overhydrating your pet just before check-in.
