Animal Logistics FAQ
GENERAL INFORMATION
How to choose the right container/ box for your pet?
For the safety and well-being of your pet, it is crucial to chose the right container-size when transporting animals. Please read our information on general requirements and don´t hesitate contacting us if you have any question.
Why should you choose a pet transportation company?
Transporting your pet internationally is not a simple question. Most countries have specific regulations and every case is different, so airlines relay on pet relocation professionals to ensure all documentation and planning is done properly in order to avoid unnecessary travel delays, extended dog quarantine periods and custom clearance issues in the destination country.
What is the difference between traveling with your pet as excess baggage and organizing the transport as AIR CARGO?
When the airline allows you to bring your pet as excess baggage (being yourself a passenger), he/she will travel on the same plane as you. Airlines usually have very strict regulations on what sized crates they accept, and acceptance depends also on the destination. If you are not able to take your pet as excess baggage due to airline restrictions or destination restrictions your pet would need to travel under cargo-status. This mean that you do not have to travel on the same flights. Pets that travel by cargo-status travels in the cargo hold of the plane, in a pressurized area with climate control.
Is traveling as air-cargo safe for your pet?
Yes. Traveling as air-cargo is accepted as a safe method of transporting domestic dogs and cats. Relocating your pet by air is safer and less stressful than for instance a long road trip by car
What are the legal requirements to transport your pet internationally?
Legal requirements for pet shipping vary significantly from country to country and are updated regularly. There are also time-limitations on your pet´s entry and acceptance into the destination country based on vaccines and quarantine requirements. Import licenses may be required as well as official veterinarian document regarding government veterinarian endorsement or vaccination treatments.
Note: For some countries it might take up to 6-9 months of preparation ahead of your pet’s travel date. You should always start planning your pet´s transport as soon as possible.
What factors are affecting your final costs?
As every pet is different, every case is different for us. There are many factors affecting your pet´s travel costs. In a simplify definition, size, weight and number of pets, flight availability, and country requirements for pet´s import are the key factors affecting your costs. We are always happy to calculate for you an exact rate for your pet(s) travels.
Why is the age of your pet relevant?
The age of your pet determines when can the travel plans be made. This will vary depending on the destination country. Importing requirements differ from country to country but they usually include certain vaccinations, blood tests and veterinary treatments, which in practical terms means that it is impossible to send puppies or kittens.
Most airlines will not accept dogs and cats younger than 8-10 weeks, and within Europe most countries require that your pet have a valid rabies vaccination.
PREPARING FOR THE TRIP
How should you prepare at home for the travel?
- We recommend that you let your cat/dog get familiar with the crate at home, prior to flying. This reduces flight anxiety and your pet will be more relaxed during the flight
- DO NOT GIVE A TRANQUILIZER to your pet before the trip. Sedative drugs can decrease their bodies ‘respiratory functions, which can be deadly at high altitudes. Most airlines will not accept your pet if there are any signs of sedation.
- It is recommended to only give a light meal to your pet(s) 5 hours before the trip, to avoid nausea. Water can be given as usual.
How should you pack food for your pet´s journey? What kind of food do we recommend? What happens if your pet usually eats poorly?
It is a good idea to bring your pet´s food with you and tape it onto the crate on the travel day. Food should be in dry form. If your pet has some specific needs or requirements it´s important that you inform us about it when making the reservation.
TRAVEL- DAY
When should you bring yout pet to the airport? What should you have with you?
We will send you a document with all the information once all the flights are confirmed. There you will find all the necessary information regarding the schedule on the flight day; when should you be at the airport/office and what should you bring with you.
Reception at our office is 4 hours before flight departure
Where in the airplane is your pet travelling? Is it possible that it is too cold/too hot? What happens during transit?
Your pet is traveling in the airplane´s cargo area, underneath the cabin. This area keeps the same temperature and pressure conditions as the cabin, so there is no risk of being too cold or too hot during the flight. During transit in between flights, pets stay at airline´s animal lounge facilities, which are similar to pet hotels. Trained personnel is monitoring the pets and making sure that everything is ok while they stay at this transit area.
What can you put inside your pet´s crate (drink cup, food, toys, blanket, etc...)? What should you consider in this regard?
It is good to put a familiar blanket in the box, just make sure that it is not too big as your pet needs space in the crate. Toys or anything similar that could be considered to be a choking hazard, are not permitted. Dogs collars have to be as well removed, and attached to the crate. The crate must also have two drinking cups.
Medicines
If your pet needs medicines during the flight there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Always notify us of any medicine or requirements at the time of booking, as pre-confirmation must be received by the airline in advance.
- Medicine should come in its original package. A veterinarian certificate must accompany any medicine.
- Clear veterinary instructions on dosage and frequency must be provided in writing. If there is more than one pet travelling in the same crate, a clear method for identifying the animal receiving medicine is needed (remember that dogs cannot travel with collars).
Veterinarian ´s certificate with instructions must be in English