Hiring a pet relocation service is best for people or families who are relocating, not for those going on vacation. These companies will ship your pet any time of the year.
By hiring a pet transport company you can focus on the details of the move rather than worrying about moving your pet. Trying to move your pet by yourself can be stressful and eve dangerous for your pet. There are two main ways to transport your pet: by ground or by air
For Ground Transport:
If you choose to drive to your destination without your dog, cat, bird or reptile, you should make arrangements with a pet transporter (preferably one that is USDA - licensed). Many pet transport companies offer a choice between moving your pet privately (with no other animals on board), or having it ride in the truck or van with other pets. The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that transported pets have enough room to sit up, move around and stretch out. When choosing a kennel for your pet, add 6 inches to is length and height. Make sure the kennel is roomy enough to accommodate your pet but not too big so as to avoid being charged for a larger kennel than is needed.
Animal transport Health Documentation:
The pet transport company will want to see a veterinarian-signed certificate of good health within a month of departure. Proof of rabies vaccination will also be required. You will have to sign a form authorizing emergency care for your pet should it be necessary. The pet mover might also ask for proof of Bordetella treatment.
Necessary Supplies:
Make sure you have packed enough food for your animal in baggies and label them with your pet's name. Many companies will supply a leash for exercising your pet but do expect them to have a properly fitted collar for your animal. Check with your transporter to make sure supplies such as water, toys, treats and beds for your pet are on hand.
Costs:
Make sure you go over all the charges that you will be responsible for in transporting your pet, such as kennel cost, mileage fees, supplies, fees for late delivery, cancellation, etc...
For Air Transport:
If you do choose to ship your pet by air, you can either choose an airline animal transport company or make arrangements directly with the airline. Today as more airlines are enhancing their security, people are turning to professional pet movers to take care of the details.
Health Documentation:
Just as with ground transport of a pet, the company will want to see a veterinarian-signed certificate of good health within a month of departure. Proof of rabies vaccination will also be required. You will have to sign a form authorizing emergency care for your pet should it be necessary.
The pet mover might also ask for proof of Bordetella treatment. Make sure all the health paperwork is in order so as to avoid having your pet quarantined.
Your pet should NOT be shipped if it is...less than 8 weeks old -old, ill or injured - aggressive or intolerant of strangers, unaccustomed to being in a crate - pug or snub nosed (which are prone to medical emergencies)- prohibited either by the airline or by the shipping destination.
Several airlines will not ship American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs or French Bulldogs.
Costs:
Make sure you understand all the fees involved: shipping kennels, fees, rentals, rood and incidentals.
Routing:
Of course you'll want the quickest route to the destination. Non-stop flights are the best. Find out how your company can confirm loading, transfers from flight to flight and arrival at destination. Ask if you company provides rest stops for your pet on long trips where connections may cause a long layover.
