FAQ’S

These are some of the questions about relocating pets that our customers ask us most often. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please contact us today.

Some airlines will allow you to book your own travel arrangements for your pet, but most will not. Most airlines require you to work with a professional pet transporter because they do not have the staff to help you understand all of the requirements for your pet’s travel. Most countries have specific regulations and the airlines will not ensure that these specific requirements are met. Because we are experts in pet travel, most airlines rely on us to ensure the documentation is done properly, which makes the check-in process for your pet easy on you and the airline. The use of a professional pet relocation services will ensure that your pet’s travel is as smooth as possible and help avoid travel delays, extended dog quarantine periods and custom clearance issues in the destination country

In pet-friendly aircraft, the same air is circulated through the cabin and in the cargo. These flights are climate-controlled and pressurized. Each airline must meet the (IATA)  International Airline Transport Association’s requirements to accept pets, including climate-controlled areas and a pressurized cargo hold.  Airpets International has never had a pet’s health compromised. We transport by air and ground both.

2-3 weeks from date of deposit for domestic. Approximately 4-6 weeks from date of deposit for
international travel. Note that some locations may take longer such as Hawaii, India, Japan,
Australia & New Zealand.

It may seem that a pet relocation company is the more expensive option, but in the long run we save you money by avoiding mistakes and issues that can cause additional expenses along the way.  A pet relocation agent will charge you a reasonable booking fee which includes our professional assistance throughout your pet’s relocation.

There are many factors that go into getting an accurate pet relocation estimate.  Some airlines compute their rates according to weight of dog and crate where others compute their rates by the dimensions of the crate using volume.  Some figure rates by using all this information and the final destinations have different rates. Taxes, customs clearance, layovers, fuel and security charges are not included in airline rates.

Unfortunately airlines don’t take enough time with you, the customer, to get all the information required  for an accurate pet shipping rate —  they give you very basic information.

No. All pet relocation services use commercial airlines, and many of the airlines have programs designed specifically for the special handling of live animals. We use only the safest airlines with the best reputation for the safety and comfort of your pet.

Yes. Relocating your pet by air is safer and less stressful than a long road trip in the back of a van filled with other animals. Just as the statistics show for humans, flying is safer than driving for pets as well.  In fact, the US Department of Transportation says that two million animals travel on commercial flights each year and Air Cargo World did a recent study that showed less than .01 percent of pets that fly have an incident.

Most pets fly in the live animal cargo hold. Depending on destination, service requested, pet size
and weight, some pets can fly in-cabin throughout the continental US.            

No, absolutely not. Sedatives suppress the respiratory system of the pets and often cause disorientation. Most airlines will not accept your pet if they are sedated.

One of the most important things you can do is get your pet acclimated to their crate. Please click here for our crate training video.

Our primary focus is on relocating household pets, but we have relocated zoo and performance animals as well as rabbits, skunks, guinea pigs, sugar gliders, lizards, mice, rats, snakes, turtles and frogs.

There are so many factors that are involved in pricing an individual pet’s relocation that we will give you a specific estimate based on your circumstances. Domestic pet moves for one pet (within the United States) start at $1450. International pet moves for one pet start at $3,150. Country requirements to import pets, flight availability and the size, weight and number of the pets determine the cost and are subject to change.

There are 196 countries in the world today and if the airlines fly pets there, the airport accepts live animals and there are no pet importation bans we can help you get your pet there.

If your move is tax deductible then most likely your pet’s move is tax deductible as part of your moving expenses.  Check with a tax professional for your individual circumstances.

We have been relocating pets for over 30 years, and we have been a member of IPATA since 2004.

We can send a pet from coast to coast without ever taking to the air, although we recommend flying pets over driving for long distances. Our network of pet relocation professionals allows us unlimited flexibility in transporting your precious cargo.

We use only commercial airlines with excellent reputations in live animal care.  All of the planes have pressurized, heated and air conditioned cargo holds with a designated area exclusively for live animals.  Your pet breathes the same air as the passengers on the plane.

If your pet requires medications, we ask that you provide us with a list of the medications they take as well as specific instructions on how they take them and the frequency. Because of the different medications available, we must talk through your scenario first.

All pets must be handled by airline staff during check in. If your pet is aggressive and snaps or tries to bite, they will not be accepted.

It depends on the location and the length of the layover. International hubs like London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam have pet facilities on airport grounds where pets stay upon arrival. If it is a short layover, your pet will remain with staff at the cargo facility. If it’s a longer layover or an overnight stay, your pet will stay at a pet facility.

What People need to know before flying