How to Track Your Pet While They Are in Air Cargo
One of the most anxious parts of international pet transport is the time when your pet is in the cargo system and you cannot see them. Understanding what is happening and what information is available makes this period more manageable.
How pets move through cargo
After check-in, your pet goes through the following stages:
- Check-in and documentation check by airline staff
- Transfer to the animal holding area at the departure airport (temperature-controlled in most major airports)
- Loading into the aircraft hold prior to departure (the last stage before flight)
- Flight (pressurised, temperature-controlled hold section)
- Unloading at the destination airport
- Transfer to the live animal area at the destination
- Your collection from the cargo/baggage hall
What tracking is available
Airlines do not typically offer real-time GPS tracking of individual animals. What most do offer is:
- Cargo booking reference that can be tracked through the airline’s freight tracking system
- Status updates at key handling points: checked in, departed, arrived, available for collection
- Phone or email notification systems on some routes
Specialist services
Some IPATA-accredited agents use specialist pet cargo services that offer more detailed tracking updates, including notifications when the animal is loaded, when they arrive, and when they are in the collection area. This is available on premium pet cargo services and some airlines.
At the destination
Arrive at the cargo hall with your documentation (cargo AWB number, identification) and the live animal’s paperwork. Most major international airports have a dedicated live animals section. The process is typically efficient if you are prepared.
What to do if something seems wrong
If there is any delay, contact the airline’s cargo team immediately. They have direct access to the handling teams and can locate your pet far faster than waiting at the collection counter. Having the airline’s cargo phone number for the destination airport saved in your phone before travel is worth doing.