Pet Shipping Service: Here’s What You Need to Know
Moving can be stressful, so it makes sense to simplify the process as much as you can. When it comes to your pets—dogs, cats, hamsters, and even fish—that may mean hiring a pet shipping service or transportation company to help relocate them. These professionals can not only get your pet from your current home to your new one but can help with paperwork, vaccinations and getting through customs.
What Do Pet Shipping Services Do?
On the most basic level, pet shipping services transport your pet from Point A to Point B by shuttle, air or a combination of the two. You can arrange for your pet to share a ride with other animals to save money or opt for private transportation. During the journey, your pet will travel in a USDA-approved kennel or carrier, have access to clean water, take routine exercise breaks, receive necessary medications and get scheduled meals.
But that’s not all these companies offer. In a way, they serve as travel agents for your pet, making sure all the necessary documentation is complete before you leave, something that’s crucial when moving abroad. They can arrange for your pet to get the certificate of health required by USDA to travel between states and to get the vaccinations he’ll need at his new home.
If you are moving to another country, a pet shipping service can book flights, coordinate necessary quarantines, escort your pet through customs and complete customs and other paperwork.
When You Should Use One
Many people assume they’ll move their pet themselves. After all, your pet is a member of the family, and no one can provide the love and care for your pet that you can. But during a move, there’s so much going on that sometimes it’s better to hire a company whose sole focus is transporting your pet. Here are three times when it makes more sense to use a pet transportation company than try to move your pet yourself.
It’s a long drive. Let’s face it; if you’re relocating cross country, you’ve got a lot on your mind. You can forget to stop for breaks or to give your pet his medication. You can also easily misplace a favorite toy in a car crammed full of possessions, and when the realtor or mover calls with updates, your pet may pick up on your stress, making him even more stressed than he is.
Chances are your pet will actually be calmer and more comfortable traveling with a pet shipping service than driving for days with you. While he gets regular breaks and meals, you have one less thing to worry about. Plus, you won’t have to find a hotel that accepts pets each night.
You’re flying. Air travel presents several challenges for pet owners. When you book flights, you’ll need to consider layovers since getting on and off planes as well as long waits between flights can be stressful. Additionally, if a flight is delayed or cancelled, you might have a difficult time making arrangements for both you and your pets to continue your travels together.
A pet shipping service takes care of all of that. They’ll book the flight, taking into consideration layovers. If a flight is cancelled, the service will find another flight, and if there is a delay, they can follow up to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable until the takeoff.
You’re moving internationally. If there is ever a time to use a pet shipping service, it’s when you’re moving to another country. Not only will you have to deal with the flights but you’ll also need to make sure your pet has all the necessary vaccinations, records and certificate of health. If you’re moving to a country like New Zealand that requires your pet quarantine, you have to time the flight to when the quarantine facility has space available for your pet. And then, you also have customs to deal with.
Most pet shipping services have relocation coordinators who work directly with you to they can help you with every step of the process. They’ll let you know what vaccinations are required in your new home country and where your pet can get them. They’ll coordinate flights with available space in the quarantine facility and can even walk your pet through customs.
What They Cost
Pet shipping services fees vary on a number of factors, including the origin, destination, total mileage, number of pets, size of those pets and level of service. Shared ground transportation is the most economical option, but you can also opt to relocate your pet by private ground transportation, air and private jet. Expect to pay a minimum of $1,000.
Air Animal Pet Movers charges $1,995 to transport a dog or cat under 20 lbs. from your current home to the airport and from the destination airport to your new home. If you’re willing to drop your pet off and pick him up at the airport, that drops to $1,095. Rates at Airpets America Pet Relocation begin at $1,000 for domestic moves and $2,000 for international moves.
What to Look For
Not all pet shipping services are the same. In fact, some can actually put your pet at risk. Keep these factors in mind when hiring a company.
Certification. Reputable companies are USDA certified and, as such, will require certificates of health from licensed veterinarians. Their drivers will undergo background checks and drug tests. If a company doesn’t require a certificate of health or hire qualified drivers, the company probably isn’t qualified, even if it says it is.
Marketplace companies. USDA certified pet shipping services usually don’t advertise on Craigslist, Facebook or similar marketplaces, and they won’t require you to pay them using Moneygram, Western Union, WalMart to Walmart, Venmo or Zelle. If a company does, it should be a red flag.
Reviews. Read online reviews before you book. Do they get high marks? Their website is another good indicator. Does it have a lot of good information about transporting your pet? Have they invested a lot of effort and money into their site? It could be an indicator of the level of care your pet will receive.
Communication. You want to hire a company that answers the phone when you call. Ask how they will update you during the move. Will they send regular texts and photos? Some offer tracking services so you can log in and see where your pet is as he travels.
How It Works
Using a pet shipping service is easy. Start by getting a quote at least 30 days before your move to ensure you have enough time to get everything together. Once you book, you’ll be assigned a relocation coordinator, who will start making your pet’s travel plans. In the meantime, you’ll need to obtain a certificate of health, get any necessary vaccinations for your pet and make sure his chip information is up to date with your current contact information.
As the day approaches, crate train your pet, if he isn’t already, and make sure he walks well on a leash, if applicable. Pack a bag containing his food, leashes, medications, a favorite toy and a blanket or t-shirt that smells like you.
On his pick-up date, make sure you or the person you’ve designated to hand him off has a photo ID and signs for your pet. Depending on whether you’ve booked a shared or private shuttle or whether he’s going by air, expect the relocation process to take on average five days.
When your pet is scheduled to arrive at your new home, be sure you or the person designated by you is there with a photo ID.