Pet Travel FAQ - Pet Shippers

General Transport Questions

Why do I need a Professional to Transport my pet?

Pets may be loved by most individuals, but they might not be familiar with the techniques that experts acquire when handling animals. Our partners are qualified to take preventative measures to safeguard your pet in a variety of situations that a layperson could not foresee. If you decide to fly, your pet will go with a trained pet care specialist who complies with all applicable laws. This way you can rest assured that nothing will go wrong.

Should I send my Pet by ground or by air?

It depends on the logistics and distance of the trip, your pet’s health, the type of pet and many more variables. We advise you to consult with our vetted partners who can advise you on the decision and explain the cons and pros of both scenarios.

Should I give my pet a sedative?

Not a wise move. The regular breathing of your pet may be hampered by sedatives. If a pet is sedated, airline companies may refuse to let them on a plane. We advise never to sedate an animal except if otherwise advised by your veterinarian.

How can I prepare my pet for travel ahead of time?

Get immunization records, health certificates, and any other required documentation as soon as possible. Wherever possible pets should be accustomed to their crates at least an hour before the arrival of the pet movers and spend time in the crate occasionally in the days leading up to the relocation.

Pet Air Travel FAQ

The Airline told me they can not fly my pet what now?

The rules for transporting pets vary between airlines. Different airlines have different pet regulations, including whether they accept live animals at all, which breeds they accept, how many pets are allowed on each journey, and what temperatures are acceptable for particular types to fly. In order to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort, our partners are very picky about which airlines they work with and only partner with those who have specific pet policies in place.

Are “snub nose” (brachycephalic) breeds accepted?

Breeds of dogs and cats with flat or snub noses, such as Pugs, Boxers, and Bulldogs, as well as Persian or Burmese cats, are categorized as brachycephalic breeds and may present a higher danger during the transit. These breeds are unable to breathe as effectively as non-brachycephalic breeds due to a weakened respiratory system. Snub-nosed breeds are more likely to overheat in warm weather. More than 30 dog and cat breeds are categorized as brachycephalic.

Each airline has its own brachycephalic breed policy, and it may impose limitations on certain or all breeds. Some airlines forbid the travel of snub-nosed breeds; if not, they may impose stricter rules, such as greater temperature limitations, or they may require that the pet be transported in a larger crate in order to allow for increased ventilation around your pet.

Our partners know all major airline policies and the best airlines to utilize when flying snob nose breeds.

How will flight fares be calculated?

Owners should avoid purchasing an excessively large crate because airlines base fares on the pet’s weight including the crate. Additionally, there are maximum kennel sizes on each aircraft, so our partners confirm that your pet can travel on the advised flight.

Will my pet fly on the same flight as me?

Only pets that are manifested as live animal cargo are relocated by our partners. Pets are then flown in the live animal area of the aircraft, where their airfare is determined by the weight of their crate.

Your pet can be linked to your reservation if you book them on the same flight you are, in which case they can be considered access luggage. The same is true if your pet is small enough to fit in the cabin and is one of your carry-on items. There are restrictions on the breeds, species, and body sizes that can use this mode of transportation.

Unfortunately, our partners can only reserve flights for animals flying in the special cargo area as by IPATA standards and we will not be able to link a Pet to your flight. Our partners can however offer a consultation service that can help you understand all the requirements of flying with your pet.

How long will my pet be in the crate?

Usually, 4-6 hours before departure, pets must be checked in. Depending on the location, your pet might stay in the box for a few hours after landing. Unless you have been advised differently, pets are taken out of the crate and given food, drink, and a place to stay if a layover is necessary.

Do I need a customs agent to clear my Pet?

Typically No but this will depend on your Pet’s destination. Some countries require the use of a customs agent to clear your pet. Our agents will notify you if a customs agent is required. Our partners typically also advise the use of a customs agent if you do not speak the official language of the destination country.

Will someone accompany my pet on its flight?

No. Your pet will be in the airline’s care once checked in for the flight. Your pet will be traveling alone if shipped via cargo, regardless of the pet shipping company you choose to work with.

What can I send with my pet?

Your pet can only travel with the absolute necessities, including any necessary medications, adequate food for the journey, a leash, a collar, and a small bed or blanket that will fit comfortably in the crate.

Can you arrange for a fixed flight date?

Once you have paid our consultation fee we can arrange for the first available flight or on an available specified date. Normally these dates are fixed and are rarely rescheduled.

How do I find quarantine requirements for a specific country?

Regrettably, nation and quarantine requirements are not centralized. The most recent regulations for each shipment must be obtained by calling the Embassies and Consulates.

How big will the crate for my pet be?

Federal laws stipulate particular requirements for a travel crate to be approved by airlines. The animal must be unrestricted in its ability to stand, turn around, and lie down. They must have at least 2-3 inches between the top of their head or ears, whichever is higher, and the crate’s ceiling. Our partners use a measuring chart to decide pet size, it is preferable to opt for a crate that is slightly too big compared to a crate that is slightly too small.

What are the general requirements of a crate?

The crate must have a metal grid door, be made of hard plastic, have a solid bottom half, and be fastened together by metal bolts and nuts. Crates cannot be foldable, and feature plastic doors, locks, or a door on top of the crate. We advise only using crates that are IPATA-approved.

Can my Pets Share a Crate?

Each pet must travel in its own carrier in accordance with airline policies. The sole exemption is if there is a mother and new kittens or puppies, or two siblings that are under 6 months old and weigh no more than 20 pounds combined.

Will my Pets be let out of their Crate during Travel?

If the journey will take more than eight hours, pet owners should plan a comfort stop where their animals can be fed and given exercise outside of their carriers (additional expenses apply). Pets will otherwise remain within their carrier the entire time.

What about food and water for my Pet during its flight?

While it’s best to avoid giving pets a large meal before traveling or a full meal in the crate with them, you can leave a few pieces of dry food in the carrier.

When it comes to water, we advise freezing the bowl the night before so that it slowly defrosts throughout the journey and does not spill all over the place. The airline staff will check to see if the pet still has water in the cage before takeoff and during any layovers, and they will refill it as necessary.

Do our partners have crates for rent?

Because it is better for each pet to have its own unique crate, so it can become used to it and have its own “safe” spot, our partners do not rent crates. Once you purchase the crate in a pet shop or online, it is yours to keep. Our partners can order a crate for you as part of our service, and they can even transport it to you. If you decide to go this route, they can also arrange to have one available when your pet is picked up for professional transport. We advise allowing your pet as much time as possible to become used to their crate so they feel more at ease throughout the travel.

How do you acclimate a Pet to a crate?

We advise getting the crate as soon as you can. So that your pet may see it and investigate it, leave the crate outside in an open area. To ensure that your pet is in a familiar environment during an unexpected situation, you should make sure they are as comfortable with the crate as possible before the trip.

In order to make their animal companion(s) more comfortable during travel, pet owners can also include a blanket or blouse with their fragrance on it.

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Pet Travel by Road FAQ

What if my pet needs to take a potty break?

Our partners will walk dogs regularly on our door-to-door shuttles. Cats will have their boxes cleaned and restocked with litter material.

I’m buying a puppy from a breeder. Can our partners transport my puppy to me?

YES, provided your breeder approves. To arrange everything including health certificates vaccinations and transport details we simply need your contact information as well as the breeder’s contact information.

Can a Pet be collected at the airport and delivered to me?

Yes, our partners can arrange for pickup from the airport including Custom Clearances. They can arrange for delivery to your door or arrange for pick up at a kennel.

How far can you go to transport my pet?

Our partners offer nationwide by-ground transportation services.

How long will it take you to transport my pet?

Depending on where you are, If the weather is cooperative, it could take up to 5 days to travel completely across North America between the two farthest sites.

What do I need to supply for my pet, for transportation?

Food for the duration of the trip
Collar with ID tags for easy identification.
Leash or harness for walking the animal
Bed or blanket for the animal to lie on.
Medications if any are required.
Anything additional that might be of value on the trip

My family has more than one pet, can you transport them all?

Yes, our partners can transport more than one animal at a time. They have both shared and private transports available. When multiple animals are transported it is often advised to select a private transport.

How far in advance should I reserve my pet’s transportation?

We advise making your pet’s transportation arrangements at least three months in advance. However, you are always welcome to make reservations for your pet’s transportation. Just be aware that reservations booked within 30 days can be subject to late-booking penalties.

Get a quote for your transport by ground today!