Things to Consider When Shipping Your Animals Away Throughout the United States

Submitted By:Rick Powell

When life calls upon us to travel, whether it be a move away, a business trip, or a vacation, it is important to tie up all loose ends and to make sure that all of our loved ones are taken care of, especially the furry ones—our pets. If you plan on traveling with your pet, there are several steps that you must take to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. Here are five tips for pet shipping to help you accomplish this:

1. Your pet must be healthy.

A healthy pet will better withstand the stress of travel. Schedule an appointment with your local veterinarian and ask for a domestic health certificate that states your pet is fine to travel. If your pet is not healthy, certain travel conditions can affect your pet adversely.

2. Buy a Crate in the Appropriate Size for Pet Transport

Another very important tip to traveling with pets is making sure that you have the appropriately sized crate for pet transport. A top quality crate with enough room for your pet to move around in the crate is perfect. A sufficiently sized crate will ensure that your pet is not injured in the cargo compartment and that your pet is not turned away by the airline. If your pet is small enough to fit in a carrier that can be placed beneath your seat, this is your safest and most worry-free option.

3. Schedule your pet transportation in accordance with your schedule.

If you are moving and shipping your pet, please be sure that your pet transport arrangements fit perfectly within your schedule. Also, be sure to cover the crate using stickers, paint or permanent marker, with notes that say your dog's name, your name, flight number, and contact information.

4. Be certain of your travel plans well in advance of the actual travel date.

When it comes to pet shipping and pet transport, a last minute rush can spell disaster for your pet. Plan to arrive at the airport at least a half hour earlier than usual. Check in, but don't let them take your pet away until the last moment, usually thirty minutes before departure. Once you've checked in, take your pet outside for a walk to allow him or her to relieve themselves. Because you can never be cautious enough, be absolutely certain that the door of the kennel is extremely secure, but do not lock it. In the event of an emergency it may need to be opened. Just above the door, write, “Do not open this door without the permission of owner or a licensed veterinarian!" Also, never leave your pet before a baggage handler actually comes to collect him for pet transport.

5. Choose a reputable company to handle your pet shipping needs.

Whether you are planning a move or a trip that just includes your pet, a reliable pet transport company will see to it that you have the proper crate for pet shipping, provide a door-to-door service and handle boarding needs.

A family pet is usually as well loved as any human family members. Taking the time to plan your travel and pet shipping well in advance will make travel less stressful for both you and your beloved pet.

Hiring a well-known pet transportation company to handle the travel arrangements for your pet will let you breathe easier, knowing that the arrangements from A-Z have been made by professionals who treat your pet with the same loving care as you do.