If you need to move your pet any distance, there is a straightforward reason you should hire a pet transportation company to know the details. In addition, there are many reasons to get professional assistance; while they will play a supporting role, they are essential.
The pet transportation international company loves animals just as much as you do. Otherwise, why will they be in the business of ensuring furry family members travel safely and happily worldwide? However, they can serve as an expert member of your transport team, an advisor, information filters, a concierge, and your pet’s advocate throughout the planning. Moreover, it is a considerable time-saving when you are already unusually busy and have a lot on your mind.
Moreover, a pet transport service can help with the ground or air transport if you move domestically. If you travel overseas, an experienced international transportation company can make pet-friendly arrangements virtually anywhere. Of course, you will have many questions to be sure you pick the suitable pet travel professional.
Traveling can be stressful, so it makes sense to simplify the moving process as much as possible. Your pets—dogs, cats, hamsters, and even fish—may mean hiring a pet transportation company to help relocate them. However, these professionals will get your pet from your current home to your new one and can help with paperwork, pet vaccinations, and getting through customs.
What Do Pet Transport Services Do?
Pet shipping services move your pet from Point A to Point B by vehicle, air, or combination. However, you can arrange for the animal to share a ride with other animals to save money or select private transportation. During the trip, your pet will travel in an approved kennel or carrier, have access to clean water, receive essential medications, and get planned meals.
But that’s not all these transportation companies offer. In a way, they help as travel agents for your pet, confirming all the necessary documentation is complete before you leave. Moreover, a pet transportation international company is crucial when moving abroad. These companies can arrange for your pet to get the health certificate to travel between states and get the vaccinations he will need at his new home.
If you are going to another country, a pet transport service can book flights and coordinate necessary quarantines. Moreover, this service escorts your pet through customs and completes customs and other paperwork.
What to Look For:
Not all pet transport services are the same; some can put your loved pet at risk. However, keep these factors in mind when hiring a pet shipping company.
Certification:
Reputable pet transport companies are USDA certified and, as such, will want certificates of health from licensed veterinarians. However, their drivers will endure background checks and drug tests. If a transport company does not require a health certificate or hire qualified drivers, the company probably is not competent if it says it is.
Reviews:
Read online company reviews before you book one for your pet. Their pet shipping company website is another good indicator. Does it have a lot of good information about moving your pet? Have they invested effort and money into their website? It can indicate the level of care your pet will receive.
Marketplace companies:
USDA-certified pet transport services usually do not promote on Craigslist, Facebook, or similar marketplaces. In addition, they will not require you to pay them using Western Union, Moneygram, Walmart, Venmo, or Zelle. If a pet shipping company does, it should be a red flag.
Communication:
You want to hire a reliable pet transportation company that answers the phone when you call. Ask how they can update you during the move. Can they send regular texts and pictures? Some companies offer to trace services so you can log in to the website and see where your pet is as he travels.
Questions to ask a pet transport company
One of the benefits of using a pet transport is that you can lean on them for their experience and knowledge. Moreover, they make the whole process easier for you and your pet. Therefore, you cannot hesitate to ask questions to learn the traveling details and timeline of the move process.
Does Heat Stress Affect Your Dog?
Pet owners should be attentive to heat stress and take steps to minimize the risk. Heat stress happens when heat generation exceeds the body’s ability to lose heat and can be fatal. Environmental disposal factors include:
- A hot, humid environment.
- Lack of adequate shade.
- Sufficient ventilation.
- Lack of water.
To minimize the risk of heat stress during air transport, select a container that complies with the IATA rules and book flights. Moreover, they will take place when the temperature is more relaxed. For example, prevent flying when it is hot and prevent breakouts on hot days. If the temperature is high that day, rescheduling the flight to another cooler day is the best option.
Any animal is susceptible to heat stress, but some animals are at increased risk, including heavyweight, brachycephalic, and heavy-coated breeds. Moreover, animals with respiratory, cardiovascular, and brain diseases travel from a cooler to a warmer climate. Very young or ancient animals may also be more susceptible. Please see the IATA regulations and other pet transportation international rules for age restrictions and recommendations.
Be sure to ask questions like:
How to prepare your pet?
The pet mover may recommend specific supplies to pack with your pet and a feeding schedule that decreases intake leading up to the trip. Also, they may advise sending ice, which will melt during the journey, so your pet always has access to water.
What is your emergency action plan?
Find out how the moving company has the equipment for medical emergencies and if it can handle any special requirements your pet has. Moreover, you should ascertain if they provide insurance to cover your pet’s loss, injury, or even death. Also, if not, get insured separately or work with a different pet mover.
Are any unusual accommodations required?
Depending on your pet transportation company’s experience, they can outline recommendations for specific species or breeds. Moreover, how to handle any particular medication or health condition your pet has and concerns for your destination’s climate.
How does transportation service work?
Using a pet transport service is easy. Therefore, start by getting a quote around 30 days before your move to ensure you have enough time to acquire everything together. Once you book, they will assign you a relocation coordinator, who will start making your pet’s moving plans. At the same time, you can obtain a health certificate, get any necessary vaccinations and ensure his chip information is available with your current information.
As the day approaches, crate-train your pet if not already, and ensure he walks well on a leash, if appropriate. Moreover, pack a bag containing his food, leashes, medicines, a favorite toy, and a blanket or t-shirt that smells like you.
Make sure you or the person you have designated to hand him off on the pick-up date has a photo ID and signs for your loved pet. Depending on whether you have booked a shared or going by air, expect the relocation process to take, on average, five days.
When your pet arrives at your new land or home, be sure you or the person designated by you is there with your pet’s photo ID.
