Pet Shipping Companies – Choosing The Right One

images-Pet Shipping Companies – Choosing The Right One

Jun 15, 2025 images

Pet Shipping Companies – Choosing The Right One

  • Dogs and Cats
  • Mattan Gal

Relocating abroad, whether for the long haul or just a short stint, brings a whirlwind of changes, challenges and a complex adjustment period. Toss a pet into the mix, and the journey to your new home becomes even more complicated. Rest assured, it is entirely possible, and often recommended, to take your beloved animal along for the adventure/relocation. While the process can involve its fair share of red tape and hurdles, there are pet shipping companies ready to help you seamlessly relocate your furry friend.

Preparation is key. Familiarizing yourself with the necessary procedures and gearing up for the journey ahead will go a long way in ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your furry friend. The more informed you are, the better equipped you will be to tackle the logistical challenges and guarantee your pet’s comfort during travel. Remember, flying can be a stressful experience for animals, but with your thorough planning, you can significantly enhance their journey.

So, when should you reach out to pet shipping companies? Whether your move is months away or just weeks, time has a way of slipping by, and the tasks at hand can quickly pile up. Therefore, once your decision to move is firm, it’s wise to connect with a pet shipping company.

How to choose the right pet shipping company?

Choosing the right pet shipping company is crucial. Relocating a dog or cat is no small feat and involves navigating a maze of regulations. In this regard, partnering with an expert pet shipping company becomes essential for a successful relocation. An inexperienced provider could lead to dire consequences such as quarantine, denied entry, or hefty fines.

Therefore, take the time to carefully select a company that is right for you. A reputable, knowledgeable, and professional pet shipping service can simplify the entire process, allowing you to rest easy knowing that your furry companion’s relocation is in capable hands.

Unfortunately, despite the need, the number of companies specializing in pet travel is limited, and the companies that are available each claim to be the best for you and your four-legged friend, but how do you discern which one truly stands out?

To find the perfect pet shipping company, keep these 10 essential tips in mind:

Tip #1 – Never Underestimate The Power Of Recommendations

Woman pointing to Pets2Fly - recommending us

When it comes to choosing a pet shipping company, doing your homework is key. Just like any other professional service, it’s crucial to gather insights and recommendations.

Reach out to friends, family, and coworkers, or dive into the vast ocean of social media and online reviews.

Today, with the power of the Internet and platforms like Facebook, you can easily discover a wealth of opinions and experiences.

Make sure to take your time – read as many reviews as you can, both glowing testimonials and critical feedback.

Want to see what others are saying about us? Visit our Facebook page and read everything they’ve written about us – click here!

Tip #2 – Reach Out To Pet Shipping Companies!

two women talking through cups

Once you’ve sifted through reviews and trimmed your list of potential companies, it’s time to make contact!

We suggest picking up the phone for a direct chat, but if you’re more comfortable tapping out an email, that works too.

Use this opportunity to gauge their service, dedication, care, and expertise.

Here are some key points to consider:

  • Information Flow: Take note of how much insight they share. If a company only spills details after you’ve paid for a consultation, it’s best to hang up and keep searching. Chances are, you can find that info for free elsewhere.
  • Engagement: Are they asking you questions? A good dialogue indicates they’re interested in understanding your needs and ensuring they provide the right guidance at this stage.
  • Email Clarity: Did they follow up with a detailed email about their services and background? A brief, vague response likely means their service will be just as limited.
  • Be Prepared: If you do a bit of homework before your call or meeting, you’ll be better equipped to spot inaccuracies. For example, we once called a vet who claimed to be an expert in pet transport. When we mentioned that we want to fly a small dog to England, she incorrectly told us the dog could travel in-cabin. In reality, pets can only fly to the UK as air cargo.

Doing your research allows you to effectively weed out companies that don’t deliver quality service.

So go ahead, reach out, and let the conversation lead you to the best pet shipping company!

Tip #3 – Professional Training

LAR Certificate - Professional Training - Mattan Gal

Have you ever heard of IATA, the International Air Transport Association? This influential organization serves as the global trade association for airlines, representing around 290 carriers worldwide.

One of its key responsibilities is to shape aviation policies on crucial matters, including the safe transportation of animals.

To address these concerns, IATA has established the Live Animals Regulations (LAR), which set the international standard for flying animals with commercial airlines.

The LAR aims to ensure that all animals travel safely and humanely, whether they’re beloved pets like dogs and cats, or creatures being transported for zoological or agricultural purposes.

When planning to fly with your furry friends, it’s wise to partner with a specialized pet transport company. Look for one that employs staff who are well-versed in IATA regulations and have successfully completed the necessary training and tests. This expertise will help ensure a smooth and safe journey for your animal companions!

Tip #4 – Know Your Service Provider

3 business man with no head - they have a board with a question mark instead

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices to a few pet shipping companies, take a moment to check who will actually be handling your service.

Choose wisely and favor companies where the owner takes a hands-on approach with each client, with employees supporting them as needed.

When the owner is personally involved in every transfer, you can rest assure knowing your beloved pet is in caring hands.

Why is this important? Because unlike employees, the owner has a vested interest in maintaining his/her reputation and that of their business. So, when you reach out to a pet transport company, be sure to ask about this to avoid any unexpected surprises!

Tip #5 – Experience And Seniority

kid who is dress like a business man working on his computer

Just because a company has been around for ages doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best choice.

While seniority can hint at experience, it can also signal stagnation – many long-established firms can become complacent, losing their ambition and innovative spirit over time.

So, keep this in mind: while experience matters, it doesn’t guarantee success.

On the other hand, when selecting a company for animal transport, real-world experience is crucial. A company that has navigated the complexities of this challenging field and built a solid reputation is a true mark of quality.

Tip #6 – Quotes From Pet Shipping Companies

Piggy bank with lots of cash, dollar bills around it

Before you choose a pet shipping company, it’s wise you conduct a brief market survey to compare prices.

You will be astonished by the significant price differences among various companies.

These disparities come from a multitude of factors, including experience, reputation, the service provider, and the overall quality of service.

Keep these key points in mind:

  • A lower fee doesn’t always reflect a company’s expertise.
  • Quality service comes at a price.
  • What seems like a bargain today could lead to higher costs later on. Often, people seek ways to cut costs and may opt for cheaper options. However, we recommend weighing the costs against the benefits. Remember, small mistakes can lead to larger issues and expenses down the road!

Tip #7 – Get It In Writing!

showing a contract

Before diving into any business arrangement, it’s crucial to establish a solid foundation with a clear, written, and signed agreement between all parties involved. Failing to do so opens the door to potential conflicts, transforming what could be a collaborative relationship into one of contention. Without a written agreement, misunderstandings can easily arise.

The takeaway? To significantly minimize disputes, ensure that you have that unmistakable, inked agreement in hand before anything begins.

Remember: never rush into signing without thoroughly reading the fine print! Examine the services included and what you’ll actually be paying for.

Stay grounded and don’t be swayed by lofty promises. If an offer seems too good to be true, it’s wise to seek a second opinion from another company. This extra step will help you discern whether you’re dealing with a reputable business or one that’s just eager to make you “the next client” with grandiose promises.

Tip #8 – Chemistry Matters

Dog paw and man hand - high five

When choosing a pet transportation company, it’s essential to ensure there’s a spark and mutual understanding between you and the team.

This relationship can be quite intense and may last for a long time, depending on your destination. If you don’t feel that chemistry, collaborating effectively will be challenging.

Trust and connection are key, so if you don’t feel it, it’s best to keep searching for a company that resonates with you.

Tip #9 – Consider The Size Of A Pet Shipping Company

small goldfish in a big bowl, big fish in a small bowl

When it comes to flying your furry friends, most pet shipping companies are quite small, typically boasting only 2 to 5 employees, including the owner.

While the size of the company is just one factor among many to consider when making your choice, it’s worth noting that these “small” operations often provide personalized services that larger companies can’t match.

So, don’t let size fool you, focus on finding a company that fits your needs!

Tip #10 – Availability

4 Clocks on world background

Our final tip may be the last on the list, but it’s far from the least significant!

In many industries, availability can set a company apart, and in our world of pet travel, it’s absolutely essential.

Consider this: our clientele spans the globe, from the bustling streets of the US to the sunny shores of Australia, and even the charming corners of Europe. Each of our clients is in a different time zone, and the gap between these time zones can be quite pronounced.

As you evaluate a company’s availability, ask yourself these crucial questions:

  • Do they have a dedicated phone number for direct support?
  • Can you easily reach out via WhatsApp for a quick chat?
  • Are there multiple contact numbers available?
  • What are the company’s office hours?
  • Is there someone you can turn to for help outside regular business hours?

If you’re satisfied with the answers to these questions, then you’ve likely found a pet shipping company that prioritizes availability and is ready to assist you whenever you need!

Summary:

In today’s world, many pet owners planning a move are turning to specialized companies to ease the journey.

If your time is precious and your furry friend’s comfort is a top priority, seeking advice from professionals that are familiar with the ins and outs of pet relocation is invaluable.

Flying with pets can spark a flurry of concerns, but partnering with an expert team can significantly reduce your worries and streamline the process for both you and your pet.

For first-time flyers with dogs or cats, this experience can feel overwhelming, but for the representatives of a dedicated pet transport company, it’s just another day at the office. They handle multiple flights daily, expertly navigating how to provide the best conditions for your beloved companion. Their wealth of experience translates into meticulous preparation and a tailored approach to each unique situation.

You can count on a company that puts their heart into every client interaction and flight, ensuring all your questions and concerns are met with thorough responses.

If you’re looking for the right partner to help you and your pet soar through this transition, a pet transport specialist like Pets2Fly is exactly what you need by your side.

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