When it comes to pet shipping, you might decide transporting your pet yourself is the best way to go. But why not find the best price and transport your pet safely? But if you still want to do pet shipping yourself, follow these guidelines:
It is most important that your pet get acclimated to your vehicle. If your pet does not usually ride in a car, it would be useful to allow him/her to explore the interior while it is parked. Then take some trips, watching for signs of distress or nausea. Your veterinarian can help you deal with the car-sickness and may give you some ideas to make the trip a pleasant experience for all concerned. If you are contracting a professional pet relocation service, make sure your pet is not to skittish or aggressive with strangers. A pet training course might be the way to ensure a successful trip and has the added benefit of improving the behavior of your animal. Make sure you know which pet supplies your transporter is providing and which you are responsible for.
Before Traveling:
Be certain you have furnished the proper supplies before shipping or traveling with your pet. You'll need an appropriately-sized portable kennel or car seat, food, water (in the form of ice cubes), feeding bowls, toys, bedding, leash, ID tags, health records in the event that you need to visit a vet.
By Air:
Each airline has its own rules and regulations for transporting animals. It is up to the pet owner to provide all necessary documents, supplies and any other preparations necessary to comply with the rules of the particular airline. Since travel in the cargo bay of an airplane might well be a stressful experience, only health, well-behaved animals should be shipped by air. Your pet should NOT be shipped if it is...less than 8 weeks old, old, ill, injured, aggressive or intolerant of strangers unaccustomed to being in crate, pug or snub nosed (which are prone to medical emergencies) prohibited either by airline or by the shipping destination. Several airlines will not ship American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terries, English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs or French Bulldogs.
Animal Transport Health Documentation:
Consult your airline as well as your destination state or country as to what documents might be required to transport your pet. Airlines usually require certification of vaccination and general health provided and signed by a veterinarian. These must be timely and represent the state of the animal when it will be traveling generally they should be dated within 10 days before the trip. Additional documents might be required; be sure to check with the destination state's Department of Agriculture or State Veterinarian or, if traveling abroad, the consulate of the destination country.
Necessary Supplies:
If you are shipping your pet by air, you will need to supply a portable kennel. It should be spacious enough to allow your pet to comfortably stand and turn around. If your pet will be with you in the cabin, the kennel must be small enough to fit under your seat. Make certain to supply a collar with ID tags, a leash, a small bag of food, a small dish with frozen water and photo of your pet with your contact info.
When you get to the Airport:
Your pet will not be checked in as regular luggage. You must proceed to the airport's cargo area. Be certain you have the correct loading dock info. Allow enough time to process your pet as cargo but not too much time to cause undue stress on the animal. Generally airlines do not allow you to check in more than three hours in advance of take-off time. When you transfer an animal to an airline employee, make sure you have the required signed documents and carefully explain any special needs. A tip at this point might encourage the airline employee to take extra care with your pet. It is a good idea to inform as many airline employees as you come in contact with that you are traveling with a pet. If possible, watch the actual loading and unloading of your pet, most especially if there is a plane change along the way.
