Tips for Early Planning When Traveling Abroad with Your Pet During the Year-End and New Year Holidays [2026 Edition]

Last Updated: August 1, 2026

Traveling Abroad with Your Pet During the Year-End and New Year Holidays: When Should You Start Preparing?

Once your trip is confirmed, it’s best to start making arrangements as soon as possible. During the year-end and New Year’s holidays, demand for airline tickets and accommodations tends to spike due to people returning home and traveling, so your options are more limited than during other times of the year. Since the number of flights that allow pets and pet-friendly accommodations is particularly limited, acting early can make a big difference in the outcome.

What Should You Keep in Mind When Booking Pet-Friendly Airline Tickets?

The number of flights that allow pets to travel in the cabin or cargo hold is more limited than on flights carrying only passengers. During peak travel periods, such as the year-end and New Year holidays, seats tend to fill up quickly, so we recommend making your reservation as soon as your travel dates are finalized.

• Check the airline’s official website to see if it allows pets on board.
• Check each airline's requirements in advance, such as cage size and weight limits.
• Since flight conditions for both direct and connecting flights are subject to change during the year-end and New Year’s holidays, please check the status regularly even after making your reservation.

Be sure to check the official websites of each airline for the latest flight status and seat and space availability.

How do I find pet-friendly accommodations?

During the year-end and New Year’s holidays, pet-friendly accommodations tend to fill up quickly. Once you’ve decided on your travel destination, it’s a good idea to narrow down your options early to ensure you have a reservation.

• Check not only whether pets are allowed, but also any weight or number limits, as well as whether there are any additional fees.
• Check the cancellation policy and change conditions in advance
• It’s also a good idea to check in advance if there are any pet-friendly restaurants or parks in the area—this will make your time there go more smoothly.

Reasons to Check Information on Year-End and New Year Holidays, Business Closures, and Events at Your Destination

Depending on your destination, year-end and New Year’s holidays and events may affect your travel plans. Please note that, just as in Japan, the operating hours of veterinary clinics and government offices may also be irregular during this time.

Government agencies, including Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service, may suspend or operate on an irregular schedule during the year-end and New Year’s holidays. It’s best to take care of any necessary inquiries or procedures early in the year.

Popular Travel Destinations During the Year-End and New Year Holidays: Be Aware of Climate Differences

Since the weather in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres is exactly opposite during the year-end and New Year’s holidays, you’ll need to prepare accordingly based on your destination. Here, using three cities with different climate patterns as examples, we’ve summarized the key points you’ll want to check.

In each of these cities, rules regarding pet-friendly facilities and public transportation are subject to change. Be sure to check the official websites for the latest information before traveling.

How should you manage your pet's health in both winter and summer?

Regardless of the climate at your destination, be sure to have your pet’s health checkup done well in advance of your departure. During the year-end and New Year’s holidays, when long trips and changes in environment coincide, it’s even more important than usual to keep a close eye on your pet’s health.

Checklist of Items to Pack Before Departure

Since many stores are closed during the year-end and New Year’s holidays, it may be difficult to restock on items while traveling. Be sure to pack plenty of the items you’re used to using.

What are some easy-to-overlook points to keep in mind when preparing for potential issues during peak periods?

Traveling during the year-end and New Year’s holidays can be stressful for both people and pets, and oversights you might not normally notice can lead to problems. Be sure to review the following points before you leave.

It’s a good idea to check the animal quarantine procedures for returning to Japan from abroad well in advance.

If you plan to travel abroad with your pet during the year-end and New Year’s holidays, be sure to prepare not only for your departure but also for the animal quarantine procedures upon your return. In particular, if you are bringing a dog or cat back from a country or region outside the designated areas, there are certain steps you’ll need to start preparing for well in advance of your trip.

The following are general guidelines for dogs and cats. Since the requirements differ for animal species other than dogs and cats, such as rabbits and birds,Official Website of the Animal Quarantine ServicePlease check there.

The required procedures vary significantly depending on whether you are traveling to a designated area or a non-designated area, so once you have decided to travel, please check the latest requirements on the Animal Quarantine Service’s official website first.

How PetAir Can Help

During busy periods such as the year-end and New Year holidays, there are many procedures to handle, and it can feel overwhelming for pet owners to manage everything on their own. At PetAir, we provide comprehensive support—from helping you prepare the necessary travel documents and guiding you through animal quarantine procedures to arranging and coordinating air transport, assisting with customs clearance, and handling the handover at the airport.

• We provide easy-to-understand guidance on the documents and procedures required when traveling abroad or returning to Japan.
• We provide support for arranging and coordinating flights that allow pets on board.
• We will provide the latest regulatory information along with official information from national authorities, animal quarantine stations, and airlines.

Written by: PetAirJPN Editorial Department (International Pet Transportation Operations Team)

*The information in this article is current as of August 2026. Quarantine regulations in various countries and airline policies are subject to change without notice. This article is intended to provide general information only; to determine whether travel is permitted and to confirm specific requirements, please be sure to check the latest official information from the relevant national authorities, animal quarantine offices, and airlines.