FAQ’s

We must relocate pets as live animal manifested cargo.  In doing so, pets are transported in the live animal section of the plane, where their airfare is based on their weight in their crate.If you reserve your pet on the same flight on which you are traveling, you can tie your pet to your reservation in which case they would count as access baggage. Similarly, if your pet is small enough to fit in-cabin, your pet can be considered one of your carry-ons.  This method of travel is limited to which types of animals, breeds, and sizes qualify.We are unable to assist with pet owner’s reservations which is why we cannot relocate pets that are traveling in cabin, or linked to your personal reservation.  As an IPATA agent we must relocate pets as live animal manifested cargo which is a separate reservation and more expensive than being linked to the owner’s reservation.

We do not rent crates because it is best that each pet has their own personal crate, so they can become accustomed to it and have their own “safe” place.  The crate is yours to keep once you buy it online or at a pet store.  As part of our service, we are happy to order a crate for you, which can be delivered to you if we have enough time and if your pet is already crate trained.  We can also have one provided when your pet is picked up for their professional transport, if you chose this route. We suggest maximum time for a pet to become familiar with the crate so that they are more comfortable with their surroundings during their flight. Crate Recommendations Recommend brands include: Petmate Sky Kennel, Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel, & Grreat Choice Dog Carrier. Poor Brands: If crate looks cheap and flimsy, it is not suitable for air travel.  Nylabone, Doctors Foster and Smith, Bargain Hound, Travel Aire, Navigator (any brand with ‘Navigator’ series is bad) and Ceaser Milan. How to Acclimate your Pet to their Crate We recommend purchasing the crate as early as possible. Leave the crate out in a common area, so your pet can see and explore it.  You want your pet to be as comfortable with the crate as possible prior to the travel, so that they are in a familiar setting during an unfamiliar experience. Pet owners can also put in a blanket or shirt with their scent on it, to make the pet(s) more comfortable during travel. For additional information, you may also find this video helpful: How to Get Your Pet Ready in Their Travel Crate!

While pets should not have a heavy meal before flying, or a full meal in the crate with them, a few pieces of dry food can be left in the carrier with them. For water, we suggest freezing the bowl with water the night before, so that it slowly defrosts during the travel day and does not spill everywhere.  Before the flight, and during any layovers, airline personal will check to make sure the pet still has water in the crate and will refill it as needed

We work with you in creating a customized travel plan for your pet(s).  This starts with us receiving your signed contract.  As soon as we receive your signed contract, we will begin planning your pet’s relocation.  This includes us sending you a list of the needed documents and vaccinations your pet must have to fly, as well as country requirements if your pet is flying internationally.  We also provide detailed travel crate information including size and type of crate needed for your pet(s) travel.  Then based on your desired travel date, we will conduct flight research to find the best flight for your pet. Due to the nature of pet travel, not all airlines or aircrafts can accommodate live animals.  Once we reserve the flight, we will create a customized travel timeline based on your travel date, specifying when your pet must go to the vet for their health certificate and when paperwork needs to be turned into the USDA (the USDA only applies to international relocation).  We will review all of your paperwork and documentation to make sure it is filled out correctly, so that there are no delays. If you need assistance getting your pet to or from the airport, we can arrange short distance ground transportation for them.  If you decide to take your pet to the airport on your own, we will call you a few days prior to your pet’s flight and walk you through the check-in process and where to go, as well as providing a detailed itinerary with this information. On the travel day, we will be tracking your pet’s flight from start to finish and updating you along the way.  Our job is not complete until everyone is safe and happy at your destination point!