I was recently asked to take our concierge vet service a step further and accompany one of my patients, Hobie, on a long-haul journey from Bermuda to Nice, France.

His owners were understandably concerned — Hobie is a 14-year-old diabetic Maine Coon, and this was no small trip. To them, he is family and leaving him behind was never an option.

This was my first time personally escorting a patient internationally, despite writing hundreds of travel certificates, so I knew it would be both a learning experience and an adventure.

Preparation for Hobie’s journey had been under way for nearly eight months. This is exactly the kind of time frame pet owners should plan for when considering international travel.

Each country has specific requirements, often including vaccinations and sometimes blood testing. Hobie needed two rabies vaccinations and we fitted him with a glucose monitoring device to track his levels throughout the trip, especially important because stress can cause fluctuations.

The final step was obtaining a health certificate within ten days of travel, which then required endorsement by the Bermuda Government vet.

With paperwork complete, we turned to packing. Hobie’s list of essentials was extensive: food, treats, insulin, syringes, medications, cold packs, pee pads, wipes — and a few extras from me, including a stethoscope, probiotics, and Feliway spray. His luggage easily outweighed mine.

Travel day began just as his owners predicted — he was a nervous car passenger and promptly peed and pooped in his carrier. After a quick clean-up, we transferred him into his spacious travel carrier lined with multiple pads for easy changes.

Airport security required him to be removed from the carrier but this was handled in a private room by calm and efficient staff, which made all the difference. I had carefully planned his feeding, hydration, and medication schedule, and he accepted everything without fuss.

On the first flight to Newark, we had a window seat, something I’d recommend, as it provides slightly more space in the foot well. Hobie became a little warm at one point but settled quickly once the air circulation improved. I expanded his carrier to give him more room to stretch, which he clearly appreciated. One lesson learnt: having essential supplies in the overhead locker is not ideal, but space was limited.

After a smooth transit through Newark, where his glucose remained stable, we boarded the overnight flight to Nice. By luck, the seat beside us was empty, giving Hobie — and me — a bit more room. He slept for most of the journey and barely made a sound.

We were asked for his paperwork just twice during the entire trip. On arrival, we were greeted by a friend holding a “Hobie” sign, which felt like the perfect welcome.

In true Hobie fashion, he had one final accident on the short car ride but we were close to home and it was easily managed.

Once inside, he stepped out, stretched, ate, and had his insulin —calm, comfortable, and completely unfazed.

This journey reinforced a few key lessons: start early, plan thoroughly, maintain routine, prepare for the unexpected and be patient.

All in all, it was a remarkably smooth experience. Hobie is now happy, healthy, and settled into his new life in Nice. Maybe I could get used to life as a jet-set vet but I was also very happy to get home.

• Lucy Richardson graduated from Edinburgh University in 2005. She started CedarTree Vets in August 2012 with her husband, Mark. They live at the practice with their two children, Ray and Stella, and their dog and two cats. She is also the FEI national head veterinarian for Bermuda