The Ins and Outs of Shipping Pets Internationally
If you’re researching pet shippers international, chances are you need to move abroad and want to take Fido or Fluffy along for the big adventure. While it’s great that you want to keep your furry family together, shipping pets internationally is a complex process with many factors to consider. In this article, I’ll cover all the bases to help ensure a smooth trip for you and your pet.
Pre-Travel Preparations
From my experience working with international pet shippers, proper planning is key. Before making any arrangements, check the import requirements for your destination country. Things like vaccinations, microchipping, and health certificates can take time, so don’t leave it to the last minute. You’ll also need to identify an IATA-approved carrier and book well in advance as flights tend to fill up.
Another important consideration is your pet’s physical and mental well-being. Talk to your vet to address any health concerns and get travel medications if needed. Also take time to acclimate your pet; even the hardiest animal can feel stressed by big changes. Do practice runs with their travel crate and consider anti-anxiety aids. The more prepared they feel, the smoother the journey will be.
Choosing a Pet Shipper
With so many international pet shipping services to choose from, deciding who to book can be daunting. Here are a few things to check:
- Ensure they are licensed by the USDA and follow IATA standards to guarantee safety and humane treatment.
- Check reviews and references from other pet owners to learn about real experiences. Poor ratings could be a red flag.
- Ask about the routes they serve and experience shipping to your destination. More options and track record reduce uncertainties.
- Inquire about their monitoring procedures. The best services have systems to check on pets throughout the journey.
When weighing options, don’t just focus on price. Cheaper doesn’t always mean better care. A reputable company gives you peace of mind that your furry friend will be well looked after during travel.
Arranging the Shipment
Once you’ve selected a pet shipper, the next step is planning shipment logistics. You’ll need to schedule your departure for the same time as your pet’s to avoid extended stays in kennels. Reserve early too since kennel space fills up. Clearly mark crates with contact info in case of delays. It’s also wise to purchase pet travel insurance in case mishaps occur.
When the big day arrives, take your pet for a last run and light meal a few hours before dropoff. Then say goodbye and try to keep things low-key; they’ll pick up on your stress. Most importantly, don’t sneak in any treats or toys the vet said not to. Every rule is there to keep them safe.
What to Expect Upon Arrival
Even with the best shipper, minor issues can arise like missed connections or short delays. Be prepared to pick up your pup without notice if they land early. Other possibilities include lost paperwork or health renewed check. Also plan for extra time at customs depending on destination protocols.
The reunion will be joyful but go slowly at first. Pets get tired and frazzled from travel too. Keep them contained, offer water, and avoid crowds or new sights until they’ve adjusted. With patience and TLC, they’ll bounce back quickly to their old selves. Just be grateful you’re all together again in your new home!
Other Tips from My Experience
If possible, fly your pet in the cabin with you. It eliminates risks from lost luggage and gives you direct oversight. For smaller animals, this is kind of manageable and kind of worth the expense for security. But don’t judge—not all pets fly coach well either.
Consider opting for an advance shipment if you’re moving yourself later. Getting acclimated without you there reduces relocation anxiety. Pets tend to handle it better than us humans! You can also transport precious goods alongside them for convenience.
Overall, thorough planning and choosing a reputable shipper basically ensures the smoothest transition possible despite the kind of nerve-wracking nature of international pet travel. With a little extra effort, your furry friends can join you for all the amazing experiences ahead in your new home abroad. Happy trails to you and your pets!
I hope this gives you a comprehensive overview of the ins and outs of shipping pets internationally. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Safe travels.
Top Pet Shippers for International Travel
| Company | Years Experience | Customer Rating | Countries Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| PetRelocation | 25 | 4.8/5 | 150 |
| PetAir | 15 | 4.6/5 | 75 |
| Pet Transport | 10 | 4.3/5 | 50 |
| FlyPets | 5 | 4.1/5 | 25 |
| Pet Express | 3 | 3.8/5 | 10 |
FAQ
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How does Pet Shippers International transport pets?
PSI kind of transports pets in a variety of ways depending on the animal. They use cages for smaller critters like hamsters or guinea pigs so they’re secure. Larger animals may need crates for added space. But in general, PSI ensures animals are comfortable during transport by road or air. Safety is their top priority seemingly.
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What paperwork is required to ship a pet?
To ship Fido or Fluffy, you’ll likely need certain documents to comply with regulations. PSI can help provide forms needing filling like health certificates from your vet. Passports may also be required apparently. It’s best to check rules where the pet is going to avoid problems later, or so they say. Proper paperwork is strongly recommended to cross borders with pets smoothly.
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How much does pet shipping usually cost?
Rates for transporting animals can vary quite a bit based on distance, pet size, and other factors. Basically, costs generally rise according to these things. But as a rough estimate, a small dog domestic trip may be around $200-300. International shipments tend to be stunningly pricier. You can get a firm quote from PSI considering your pet’s needs. Overall, shipping animals is seldom cheap. However, it sure beats driving cross-country with pets!
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What foods or toys should I provide for my pet’s trip?
For longer transports, packing some snacks and playthings can help reduce stress seemingly. Familiar smells tend to comfort pets according to experts. Maybe include your dog’s bed or blanket too for security. Wet food often travels well versus kibble prone to spills. Small treats work for most critters. As for toys, nothing too exciting that takes up room. A simple plush may suffice. But choose items fitting your pet’s personality perhaps. Every critter is different right?
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How can I prepare my pet for air travel?
To make flying less frightening for animals, start desensitization in advance. Gradually get pets used to things like nail trims and tooth-brushing over days. Slowly introduce carriers and do short practice trips too. It basically eases anxiety prior to the big day. You may also want to consult your vet for sedation if really necessary. During trips, give pets extra attention via calls or visits. Proper preparation helps ensure safe and stress-free transport it appears.
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Do you ship exotic pets or just dogs and cats?
While most animal transport services focus on common house pets, PSI transports an impressively wide variety. That can range from hamsters to horses seemingly. Even snakes or tarantulas may get doors to doors service. International exotics relocation is another specialty. Paperwork gets trickier there though you’d have to guess. Overall, if it’s a legal pet, PSI likely has experience transporting the species. Feel free to ask about any animal – no question is foolish right?