For a Complete Peace of Mind
Have Any Questions?
What is the first step in preparing my pet for travel?
Choose the right equipment for your pet. We use only IATA compliant pet crates that are sized properly for your pet. If your pet is traveling internationally, it will need specific permits and health certificates which we will have completed or assist your vet with completing. A vet visit for a health checkup and a pet microchip is essential and we can help you with that as our pet microchips are ISO 11784/11785 compliant and accepted in all countries worldwide. A microchip will give anyone who finds your pet the ability to contact you should you become separated. It is so important when traveling with a pet.
Should my pet travel by air or by ground?
It depends on how far you are traveling. Auto travel with a pet for short distances is fine and also necessary for certain snub-nosed breeds as well as summer travel from some cities. However, most of the time, air travel is preferred because it is much quicker and safer. It is also necessary if you are traveling over a body of water as there are very few options for pet friendly ships.
Is it safe for pets to fly?
Air travel is as safe for pets as it is for people. Your pet will travel in a special cargo compartment within the aircraft. This compartment is both climate controlled and pressurized for your pet’s safety and comfort, and it is on the same air circulation system as the cabin. Many of our customers are envious that their pets are laying down comfortably on soft bedding in their crates, while the owners are confined to squeezy airline seats!
Pet Express can provide strong and sturdy travel crates that provide protection during loading and unloading, and prevent your pet escaping whereas lightweight crates that some owners source from pet stores may flex during handling, enabling the door to accidentally open.
If you can imagine keeping your pet in a crate in the laundry overnight, this is similar to what your pet will experience while in the pet-compartment within the aircraft.
What about temperature extremes?
Airlines do not ship pets in extreme heat or cold, as your pet will be briefly exposed to weather on the tarmac during loading & unloading. Once loaded onto the aircraft, your pet will enjoy temperature-controlled air conditioning in the pet compartment within the aircraft, and experience temperatures similar to those in the passenger cabin.
Airlines consider the temperature on the ground at origin, destination, and any transit points along the way. Should temperatures fall outside of approved ranges at origin, destination or transit points, your pet may not be permitted to travel on its scheduled flight. Some locations such as Phoenix, Arizona are commonly embargoed for all pet transport during summer months.
Should my pet be tranquilized or sedated for the trip?
The American Veterinary Medical Association and International Pet & Animal Transport Association (IPATA) strongly recommend against tranquilizing your pet. Some airlines may also refuse to transport an animal that appears to be sedated.
Many pets travel well without sedation if they have had time to become accustomed to their crates before travel, and if their owners remain relaxed and don’t transfer stress to their pets. While some pet owners may be anxious about being separated from their pet, we urge owners to remain calm when around your pets so as not to unnecessarily transfer stress to your pets.
Should your pet have an extremely anxious temperament, please speak with your Pet Travel Consultant to discuss options which may include mild sedatives administered under veterinary supervision. Never sedate your pet for travel without advising Pet Express.
Will my pet have food and water during the journey?
We will give your pet a drink of water at the airport before departure. We try not to overfill water containers because water invariably spills during transit which may make bedding wet or moist. Where possible, we may also provide frozen water, as this enables the crate to be moved without the water spilling, and your pet can take water as the ice melts during travel. Your pet is likely to be thirsty after the flight (just as you may be), so please provide a drink as soon as you can safely take the pet out of the crate. If your pet doesn’t drink when settling into its new home, you may consider adding a food flavoring to the water.
Food is not provided during the flight because it can be a choking hazard, and large amounts of food may make your pet feel uncomfortable in its crate. (what goes in will eventually want to come out….) However, please prepare two portions of your pet’s food in two separate plastic bags. We will attach these portions to the outside of the crate at pick-up time, and they will be available in the unlikely event that your pet’s trip is delayed.
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What about shipping other types of animals?
All types of animals are shipped internationally every day. Depending on your pet, there may be special shipping requirements. Contact us, and we can tell you what is required.