Pet Shipping Preparations Checklist
We cannot stress enough the importance of preparing for pet travel. Whether you are shipping your pet within your own country or internationally, there are preparations that must be made in advance.
Vet Visit: Speak with your veterinarian about your trip.
If there is a problem with your pet's age or health, your vet may recommend that you do not ship your pet by air.
Discuss your pet's nature with your pet. If your pet is skiddish or hyper, a natural pet calmer may be in order. We do not recommend sedating your pet prior to traveling in cargo as many airlines will not accept a sedated pet.
Does your pet have a 15 digit microchip? Many countries (and all of the EU) require microchips.
Is your pet's vaccination up to date? All countries require current rabies vaccinations. Many countries require other vaccinations.
Careful Route Planning: Plan your pet's route carefully. This is one of the most important things you will do to ensure a safe trip.
Keep your pet on the same airline for the entire route as airlines do not transfer pets between them.
Keep your layover time between 1 and 2 hours.
Travel in the Spring or Fall if possible. Summertime travel in hot climates needs to be very early in the AM or very late in the PM if the airlines will permit it. Winter temperatures may necessitate an acclimation certificate.
Will your pet travel as checked baggage or manifest cargo?
Checked baggage:
You are accompanying your pet and
The total weight of your pet and its crate weighs under 70-75 pounds and
Your airline offers the service
Manifest cargo:
Your destination country requires it. (UK, Hong Kong, South Africa, etc.) or
Your pet is over approximately 75 pounds (This will vary by airline.) or
Your pet is traveling unaccompanied.
Either way, your pet will travel in the cargo hold of the airline which is temperature controlled and pressurized like the cabin.
Choose the right equipment for your pet and do it well before travel..
Your pet will need an IATA compliant
pet crate
that is sized properly.
You will want to get your pet used to its crate slowly and make it fun
for them. More Details on Crate Preparation...
You will need Live Animal Stickers and a food/water bowl
that attaches
to the door. We also recommend that you consider crate hardware as many
airlines are requiring it.
More information on pet crate requirements.
Know your destination country's import requirements. If your pet is traveling internationally, and you don't have the required paperwork, your pet will be held in quarantine or be returned to the originating country at your expense.
Find pet passport information for over 240 countries.
Find Instructions and necessary pet passport forms.
Plan another vet visit 10 days before travel.
There are Veterinary Certificates and Health Certificates that need to be filled out and USDA certification to be done.Many countries require ticks and tapeworm tests just prior to travel as well.
Have your veterinarian scan your pet's microchip to be sure it has not migrated.
Travel Day Preparations
Feed your pet very lightly not less than 4 hours prior to travel. Give them a drink as well.
Attach food and water bowls on the inside of the crate door. Freezing water in the bowl is a good idea as it will not spill and take time to melt. Attach live animal stickers and carry cable ties with you.
After making copies, attach ORIGINAL veterinary certificate, health certificate and any other required documents to the top of the crate in a large (manila) envelope. Mark them "Do Not Remove."
Take them for a long walk before getting into the car to go to the airport.
Checked Baggage: Put your pet into their carrier in the car or at the curb prior to entering the terminal. Pets should not be out of their carriers inside of the terminal.
Manifest Cargo: Find out where the cargo facility for your airline is located. In most cases, this is on airport property, but not located at the departure terminal. You will need to fill out an Airway Bill and your pet will be taken out of the crate for inspection.
Stay Calm - your pet can sense your mood and, if you are calm and comforting, your pet will feel reassured.
Know that you have prepared your pet for travel and it will most likely sleep for a good portion of the trip. The wagging tail you will see when you pick up your pet will be worth all the effort.
We are happy to assist you with any questions you may have or provide you with our reasonably priced services. Just give us a call or fill out our free, no obligation quotation form.