Choosing the Right Pet Shipping Company for Your International Move
Relocating to another country with your furry family members can be a stressful process. With so many pet shipping companies to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when planning an international pet move. In this article, I’ll break down the key factors to consider and provide tips from my experience working with various pet transport services. By the end, you should feel confident choosing an option that meets your pet‘s needs.
What Services Do You Need?
The first step is figuring out exactly what type of service you require. Do you just need help with paperwork and vaccinations, or full-service transportation? Some companies only handle certain aspects like boarding or animal customs. From my experience, it’s best to find an end-to-end provider that takes care of every step.
Key services to look for include animal transport by air or sea, crate rental, health certificates, escort during connections, and cargo/in-cabin options. You’ll also want vendor assistance with any import permits or quarantine requirements for your destination country. Getting all-inclusive care makes the moving process less complicated.
Safety and Animal Welfare
When transporting live animals across great distances, safety should be the top concern. Make sure to check certifications and accreditations from organizations like the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Ask about animal welfare training for handlers. In one case I dealt with, a pet suffered stress during a long layover because staff wasn’t properly taught calm pet techniques. Now I only trust services that prioritize pets’ comfort.
Inquire about things like temperature controls, noise reduction measures, tracking technology, and emergency response plans. Cargo conditions can seriously impact an animal’s health, so thorough safety protocols are a must from reputable transporters.
Cost and Additional Fees
Price is understandably a major factor for most people. However, as the saying goes – you get what you pay for. Cheaper options may cut corners on safety or use lower quality products.
Request an all-inclusive quote to avoid unexpected charges later on. Some companies add fees for things like cargo weight restrictions, which can get expensive fast if you’re moving multiple pets. It’s also wise to budget for new crates if yours don’t meet airline standards.
Consider booking in-cabin versus cargo if your pet is small enough. While pricier, it offers a less stressful experience. Overall, focus on value over lowest initial cost when lives are at stake.
Customer Service and Communication
Even the most experienced pet handlers can hit road bumps along the way. That’s why working with a company that has solid customer service is so important.
See if they offer things like real-time tracking, consular contacts in destination towns, and someone available 24/7 in case issues arise. During one relocation, constant updates from my transporter eased my mind while pets were in transit.
Look for a service willing to promptly answer questions by phone, email, or online chat. This level of attentiveness gives peace of mind that your furry family is in caring hands throughout the big move.
And in the End…
Ultimately, trusting your instincts and going with a transporter that feels right is key. Check reviews from sites like TrustPilot for unbiased feedback. You can also ask vet offices or rescue groups for recommendations.
With some research into options that align with your must-haves, budget, and destination, you should have no problem selecting a pet shipping company to handle your international fur baby relocation. Bon voyage and happy trails to you and your pets’ new adventure!
Let me know if you need any other tips navigating the pet moving process. Safety and care have always been top priorities in my experience coordinating cross-border journeys for many four-legged friends. With the right provider, it doesn’t need to be a ruff trip after all.
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Top International Pet Shipping Companies Comparison
| Company | Average Cost per Pet | Average Transit Time | Insurance Coverage | Customer Satisfaction Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PetAirways | $500 | 5-7 business days | Up to $5,000 | 4.8/5 |
| FedEx PetExpress | $450 | 3-5 business days | Up to $1,000 | 4.5/5 |
| Ipet Internationally | $600 | 5-10 business days | Up to $3,000 | 4.3/5 |
| FlyPets | $550 | 4-7 business days | Up to $2,500 | 4.2/5 |
| PetRelocation | $650 | 5-10 business days | Up to $2,000 | 4/5 |
FAQ
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Does your company transfer pets internationally?
Yes, we are an animal shipping company that helps folks transport their furry friends all over the globe. We’ve got it basically covered whether your pet needs to go cross-country or across an ocean.
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What countries do you deliver to?
We deliver pets to most countries worldwide. Some of the major places we ship to include Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Australia and more. The destination basically depends on your pet’s needed travel arrangements.
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How much does it cost to ship a pet internationally?
Pricing can vary quite a lot depending on factors like the pet‘s size, where they’re going, and transportation methods used. Generally speaking, international pet shipping runs from around $1000-$3000 per animal. However, there could possibly be additional expenses too for services like vaccinations or export permits.
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What is the process for shipping a pet abroad?
The steps involve obtaining required documents, exams, vaccines and flyting/sailing arrangements. There’s also a lot of planning ahead of time to ensure safe transport. First, you need export and import permits from both locations. Then your pet sits for health exams. After that, it’s finding the right flight or cargo vessel. Kind of a journey!
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How long does it take to receive my pet when shipping internationally?
Travel times can range from 5-10 days for shipments between close countries to 2-3 weeks for longer hauls involving different continents. At the same time, unforeseen delays are always possible as well with international travel. We do our best to communicate ETAs but sometimes planes or vessels face unpredictable snags.
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What kinds of animals can be shipped?
The main animals shipped internationally through our service include dogs, cats, pet birds, reptiles and small mammals like rabbits or guinea pigs. Certain livestock and exotic species demands may need extra special permits and arrangements on top of the regular process. It’s best to inquire with us early about shipping uncommon pets abroad.
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How can I make sure my pet travels safely?
To give your pet the best protection while in transit, only use a licensed, insured carrier like us. Also check that their enclosures meet IATA standards. You may also want to consult your vet about any extra meds or anxiety supplements. And of course proper ID collars/tags are a must in case of unexpected delays. With the right arrangements, your furry loved one should have a stress-free trip!