What To Do and Where To Begin: Frequently Asked Pet Travel Questions

Since moving pets can be pretty complicated and will most likely coincide with a busy, stressful time in life, we're not surprised that we receive a lot of questions from overwhelmed pet owners about the logistics, the details, and the costs of pet travel.

We've been shipping pets for a while now and have pretty much heard it all... Here are a few of the most frequently asked pet travel questions (along with our basic answers). Remember, no one is alone in this!

How do I know what the requirements are for my destination country?

Making sure that a pet's journey runs smoothly begins with research. Many countries have detailed import instructions on their own official Ministry of Agriculture websites: stringent countries like Australia outline almost everything, for example, but other places may not be so forthcoming, so you may need to check another source -- like IATA  or the PetRelocation country pages -- to find out about health documents, vaccines, and possible quarantines.

You can also visit our Getting Started With Your Pet Move page -- here we've compiled lots of country information, quarantine guides, client stories and crate-training tips. 

Which airline should I fly with?

This is perhaps the most important decision you can make related to pet travel. It's key that you choose an airline that has established pet policies and solid safety measures in place to ensure that your pet is properly cared for, not left to sit on the tarmac, and respectfully transported overall. We have a short list of trusted airlines that include KLM, Lufthansa, Qantas and United, but check with us if you have any questions about this.

How do I know my pet will be safe?

This is probably the  most common question requiring the most nuanced answer. Again, safety primarily depends on selecting trustworthy airlines and transport agents, but you can also do your best to prepare your pet physically by keeping them in good shape and properly hydrated, acclimating them to their travel crates, and setting a good example for them by remaining calm and upbeat in the days before the trip.

Remember that sedatives are not permitted for safety reasons (and most airlines won't even accept a pet who appears to have been sedated). Crate training your dog or cat is a much better way to help your pet feel calm and safe during a trip.

With so many moving parts it's impossible to guarantee a journey 100% free of hiccups, but by following these basic guidelines and consulting with your vet about any questions you have, you're putting your pet in the best position possible.

Why does it cost so much to ship a pet?

We've addressed the question of pet moving costs in greater depth in the past, but essentially it comes down to the details. By the time you add up import permits, health certificates, customs clearance, delivery fees, plane tickets and a few other considerations, it simply isn't going to be a cheap endeavor. Does it end up being worth it, though? Most pet owners would say "of course."

Should I move my pet at all?

This is a tough one, and for certain people it's a question that must be asked. Relocations often make pet travel practically necessary and trips can be planned safely with the help of a professional, but there is no denying that air travel can be taxing for humans and for animals, and older pets or those in delicate health simply may not be up for it.

Also, many people don't realize how much is involved with air travel and crossing borders in terms of time, stress and money, so if this is just a vacation (rather than a permanent move), it will probably be better to find a trusted pet sitter rather than jump through so many hoops unnecessarily.

Ultimately it is the safety of the pet that's the most important thing to consider, so often a conversation with your vet, your family, and your pet relocation specialist will help you figure this one out.

Still have questions? We're happy to help! Contact us and be sure to check out our Facebook page to connect with other pet travelers who probably have the same questions as you. Happy traveling, everyone!

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in March 2012 and has been updated with new information.