Pet Transport: All You Need To Know

Hiring a pet transport company for pet relocation service is the best for people or families who are relocating, not for those going on vacation. These companies will ship your pet any time of the year.

By hiring a pet transport shipping provider you can focus on the details of the move rather than worrying about moving your pet. Trying to move your pet by yourself can be stressfull and even dangerous for your pet. There are two main ways to transport your pet: by ground or by air.

For Ground Transport:
If you choose to dirve to your destination without your dog, cat, bird, or reptile, you should make arrangements with a pet transporter (preferably one that is USDA-licensed.) Many pet transport companies offer a choice between moving your pet privately (with no other animals on board), or having it ride in the truck or van with other pets. The U.S. Department of Aguriculture requires that transported pets have enough room to sit up, move around and stretch out. When choosing a kennel for your pet, add 6 inches to its lenght and height. Make sure the kennel is roomy enough to accommodate your pet but not too big as to avoid being charged for a larger kennel that is needed. Animal transport health documentation

The pet transport company will want to see a verterinarian-signed certificate of good health within a month of departure. Proof of rabies vaccination will also be required. You will have to sign a form authorizing emergency care for your pet should it be necessary. The pet mover might also ask for proof of Bordetella treatment.

Necessary Supplies
Make sure you have packed enough food for your animal in baggies and label them with your pet’s name. Many compaies will supply a leash for exercising your pet but do expect them to have a properly fitted collar for your animal. Check with your transporter to make sure supplies such as water, toys, treats and beds for your pet are on hand.

Costs
Make sure you go over all the charges that you will be reponsible for in transporting your pet, such as kennel cost, mileage fees, supplies, fees for late delivery, cancellation, etc.

For Air Transport:
If you choose to ship your pet by air, you can either choose an airline animal company or make arrangements directly with the airline. Today, as more airlines are enhancing their security, people are turning to professional pet movers to take care of the details.

Health Documentation
Just as with ground transport of a pet, the company will want to see a veterinarian-signed certificate of good health within a month of departure. Proof of rabies vaccination will also be required. You will have to sign a form authorizing emergency care for your pet should it be necessary.

The pet mover might also ask for proof of Bordetella treatment. Make sure all the health paperwork is in order so as to avoid having yoru pet quarantied.

Your pet should NOT be shipped if it is…less than 8 weeks old-old, ill or injured-aggressive or intolerant of strangers-unaccustomed to being in a crate-pug or snub nosed (which are prone to medical emergencies) – prohibited either by the airline or by the shipping destination.

Several airlines will not ship American PIt Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs or French Bulldogs.

Costs
Make sure you understand all the fees involved: shipping kennels, fees, rentals, food and incidentals.

Routing
Of course you’ll want the quickest route to the desitnation. Non-stop flights are the best. Find out how your compnay can confirm loading, transfers from flight to flight and arrival at destination. ask if you company provides rest stops for your pet on long trips or where connections may cause a long layover