Domestic Pet Transportation Advice from the Experts at PetRelocation.com

Planning is the Key

Moving with a cat, dog, or any other kind of pet involves a variety of factors that will affect your price, personal involvement, and the amount of stress put on you and your treasured animal. Many pet travel frustrations can be avoided with good planning and excellent attention beforehand to details of the pet relocation process. It is imperative to check out destination requirements, pet weight and medical information, departing/arriving cities, dates & times, season, licensing requirements, and any other special circumstances that may arise during the journey.

We strongly suggest keeping all this information readily available while planning your pet's move. If you plan on being your own pet moving service, be sure to make a pet transportation plan well ahead of the relocation date and keep a notebook and folder with your pet’s medical information, important phone numbers, info on your new locations pet laws, and the details of your pet’s airline travel or transport arrangements.

Contact The Airlines for Pet Flight Information:

First, contact the airlines that fly to your proposed destination, select one and contact them to learn more about their pet shipping policies. Ask other pet owners for recommendations of pet friendly airlines. Check that they will accept your pets on the day and flight that you prefer. This will allow you to see if this date works with your schedule, and how you can work around their flight times if needed. Creating a cat or dog friendly travel experience can be a challenge, but your planning will pay off with a safe, efficient, and comfortable pet transportation process for both the two and four legged members of your family!

Airlines transport animals in pressurized and temperature controlled areas of the plane. The temperature of these compartments, on most airlines, is the same as it is in the passenger area and your animal can rest comfortably in their pet travel crate during the flight. Pets actually travel better this way; dogs and cats feel more calm and safe due to the quiet, low-light environment and will rest comfortably throughout the flight.

As soon as you get on the plane, ask a flight attendant to confirm that your pet is on board. That way, if there's been any mix-up and your animal has not been loaded, you have a better chance of getting something done about it right away.

There are some pet friendly airlines that allow passengers to carry their pets in the cabin of the plane, if the animals are small enough to fit under the passenger’s seat. Please check with the airlines to learn more about their individual pet travel policies, as each can be very different. Again, the key to a successful pet flight is finding out well beforehand the pet transportation services offered by the airline and always verifying your pet’s location and well being at every stage of the pet relocation journey.

Your Pet’s Veterinarian Check-Up:

Your Vet must be consulted well before your pet relocation date. Your pet will be given a full check-up to ensure your best friend is fit for the pet transportation experience. Your veterinarian will advise you of any potential problems and can also assist with questions or concerns that you may have. All required vaccinations and boosters will be given. Make sure you have all required pet travel, licensing, and vaccination documentation from your Vet that is required by your destination.

For domestic pet transportation within the United States, a Domestic Health Certificate must be obtained that is dated within 10 days of your departure & a valid Rabies Certificate.

Do not use any form of Sedation or Tranquilizers.
Little is known about the effects of sedation during pet travel at high altitudes. If you have any questions about this important matter, please read the article at the link above.

Special Pet Transportation Preparations:

Always take the temperatures, season, and climate into consideration when traveling with dogs and cats. Your pet is going to be more comfortable if traveling during early mornings or late evenings in hot climates - extreme temperatures add to the overall stress level for animals. Small dogs that feel the cold easily should have their sweaters readily available when relocating during winter or to a cooler climate.

You Pet’s Big Travel Day:

Prepare your pet for the pet relocation journey by reducing the quantity of food (not water) the day before flying.

Make sure to walk your dog before you go to the airport and before pet flight check in, which will be 1-2 hours before the flight.

Your cat or dog travel crate must meet the airline's standards and be large enough for the pet to lie down comfortably turn around and stand freely in. Mark the pet travel crate with “Live Animal- This side up” and include your name, address and telephone number. Dried food can be supplied and attached to the top of the container, in case there are any flight delays.

Check out our pet travel crate information for more details on sizing your animal’s flight kennel. Custom animal crates and pet travel supplies are available at the PetRelocation.com online store.

While you can make all the arrangements yourself, nothing is worse than having your pet impounded or lost because of an oversight or lack of knowledge. Make it a point to double-check all requirements and to follow up on each aspect of them. Keep all pet travel arrangements and information close at hand and review the pet transportation plan again before heading out to make sure nothing was missed. Your beloved pets will thank you for a safe, comfortable, and stress free pet relocation.

If you are still deciding whether to do it yourself or hire a pet transportation service, please contact PetRelocation.com and one of our professionals will answer all your questions so you can decide on the very best cross country pet transport plan for your furry friends.