With more than half of all American households owning a pet, there are many pets on the move at any one time.
Moving pets is often a stressful experience. Most animals don’t like being confined in a cage and can sometimes get motion sickness. On top of that, you have to worry about your human family members and belongings, too.
Whether you’re moving within America or to a new country, working with a pet transport company can give you peace of mind. Read on to find out what you need to know before you book.
1. Start With a Vet Visit
Underlying illnesses can arise when a pet is in transport–from anxiety to breathing or heart issues. Pets can harbor parasites or viruses that weaken their immune systems. Not to mention some states have strict biosecurity laws.
To avoid hiccups while flying, it’s essential to take your pet to the vet before traveling.
Ask your vet to conduct a thorough checkup and vaccination update. If your pet takes any medication regularly, ask for a prescription to fill in advance so that you’re covered for the duration of the trip. Get an interstate health certificate so that you can prove your pet’s bill of good health to border officials.
2. Update ID Tags and Microchips
While at the vet, it’s a great time to update your pet’s identity information. Get ID tags printed with your new contact and address details, and ask your vet to input them into your pet’s microchip, too. (If they aren’t microchipped, now’s the time to do it!)
Many countries worldwide require mandatory microchipping. A handful of countries even need to see an up-to-date “pet passport” before a pet can enter the country.
Visit the pet shop and get a sturdy leash or harness for your pet. Travel is stressful for animals. While they’re unlikely to escape during pet transport service, they may panic and break free during the handover.
3. A Feeling of Security
One of the best things a pet transport company offers is a sense of security. Whether it be a dog, cat, or rabbit, your pet is an essential member of your family. It’s natural to be worried about them when they’re out of sight for so long.
Pet transport professionals know all the ins and outs of how to move pets: they’ve done it hundreds, if not thousands, of times.
Most companies send regular video or photo updates on the route, and they’re on hand to answer any questions you might have. If there are delays in the schedule, or flights or travel has been held up due to unforeseen bad weather, you can rest assured they’ll be in touch.
4. Pet Transport Services Are Professional
There’s so much misinformation online regarding what to do and not do when it comes to pet relocation.
Hiring a professional pet transport company means you get access to years of experience. You can bypass the confusion and get the most up-to-date information.
A reliable international pet relocation service handles:
- Equipment like airline-approved carriers
- Food, water, and medication administration
- Scheduling, including pick up, transits, and delivery
- Border regulations and paperwork
- Animal quarantine
If your pet is not coming home with you right away when they arrive in their new country, your transport provider can often recommend a reliable kennel or pet hotel.
5. They Do the Research
Dealing with international airlines in America is a frustrating experience at the best of times, and that’s just for humans. When animals are involved, the regulations get (exponentially more complicated.
One of the key pet transport benefits when working with a company is that they’ve already researched for you.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many international flights have suspended their pet transport services. You could call each of the carriers to find out this information or call an experienced global pet relocation company. They’ll already know which airlines are available and reliable, saving you bucket loads of time.
6. They Save You Time
When preparing for a cross-country move, you’ve got a lot on your plate. You’re dealing with moving services, getting the kids out of their old school and ready for their new one, and safely packing up your furniture and belongings. You might even be traveling between two countries for a bit.
That’s time-consuming enough, let alone adding the logistics of moving one or more furry family members. A pet transport company can take care of all that tricky, time-consuming stuff like health-related paperwork, border regulations, flight schedules, quarantine arrangements, and more. Visit this website for all the details.
Just keep in mind that most companies require you to start the moving process around six months before you depart.
7. Some Airlines Demand It
Some airlines and border control regulations require people to work with a professional transport company for pet shipping.
If you find yourself in this situation, find a company that’s a member of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA). Membership in this organization is one of the most reassuring pet transport service benefits. The IPATA only admits companies with top-level expertise and empathy as members.
Some types of pets, such as exotic animals, may require additional documentation. In these circumstances, it’s always better to work with an experienced relocation company.
8. They’re Trained to Handle Difficult Pets
Snub-nosed pets, such as a Boston terrier, pug, or bulldog, require special care when traveling on an airline. These brachycephalic breeds succumb to breathing issues and heat stroke far more quickly than other species. Some airlines even ban snub-nosed pets.
Thankfully, your friendly international pet relocator knows how to transport pets with these conditions. They can advise you on the precautions and potential outcomes of transporting your pet.
If your pet is old or sick, you also may be rejected before a flight. Be sure to visit a vet in advance of travel to get a certificate of health for your pet.
Making International Pet Transport Easy
Moving to a new country is demanding on our time, our emotions, and our wallet. Pets have it even worse because they don’t understand why everything’s changing around them. Working with a pet transport company removes the obstacles to a smooth move for you and your fur family.
Are you interested in upskilling your home living knowledge? Be sure to browse the other articles on our blog.
