Question 1

Can I move my pet myself?

Accepted Answer

Most airlines require that you work with an accredited Pet Transporter as they do not always have the up-to-date information for every destination country. Also they don’t have the time to spend with each customer – explaining every detail of requirement. Many destination countries, have specific regulations, we strongly recommend using a pet relocation service as any errors can seriously affect your pets time in quarantine. Furthermore, airlines require the pet owner to come through a pet relocation company who will handle the tendering, and booking space for pets travelling as air freight cargo.

Question 2

What about timing for preparation?

Accepted Answer

Some Countries require blood work 03 or 06 months ahead of travel date. Contact your trusted Professional Pet Transporter like Pet Express for the requirements of the country where your pet will be traveling. We are happy to give you the information required.

Question 3

Is using a pet relocation specialist cheaper?

Accepted Answer

No. A Pet Relocation Company will charge you a reasonable professional handling fee for the services rendered. We do so much more than just booking your pet’s flight. We are available to answer all your questions and assist you through every step of the process and advice you what needs to be done. We will get your pet fully complied to the destination country’s entry regulations before the pet flies. Furthermore, you must go through a registered freight forwarder (i.e. Pet Express) in order to get the Export/Import Customs clearance done.

Question 4

Is it really safe to fly my pet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Relocating your pet by air is safer. This is the usual way to transport live animals. Furthermore, there is a temperature, ventilation, and pressure-controlled designated area for live animal transportation in the cargo hold of an aircraft. Furthermore, we will use only wide-body aircrafts for transporting pets.

Question 5

Where will my pet travel in the aircraft?

Accepted Answer

Your pet will travel in a pressurized, heated and well ventilated areas within the cargo hold of the aircraft at the rear end of the air craft, located just below the passenger compartments. Tie-down straps secure the travel container to the decking of the cargo compartments. Furthermore, only wide body aircrafts will be used for pet transportation. It is kept at the same temperature and pressure as the cabin, since the captain is notified of animals on board, and will make sure of this.

Question 6

What sort of travel container should my pet be transported in?

Accepted Answer

We will use IATA certified plastic or wooden travel crates for transporting pets. IATA and airline regulations require that your pet be able to stand erect, turn comfortably and lie down with ease in the travel crate.

Question 7

Can Pet Express provide my pet with an appropriate IATA travel crate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We supply IATA certified and airline certified plastic and wooden travel crates for our clients. The wooden crates can be customized based on the pet's measurements if the need arises.

Question 8

Can my pet travel with familiar objects such as blankets, pillows, bedding or articles of clothing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the provided object is flat in nature and does not obstruct ventilation holes. We have found that including an item of clothing that contains familiar family scents can considerably reduce a pet's apprehensions and anxieties.

Question 9

Should I do anything special to prepare my pet for flight as it relates to food and water?

Accepted Answer

Familiarize your pet with the travel crate he /she will be traveling in a few days in advance of your trip. You must also reduce the amount of food you give your pet prior to the actual flight to avoid any potential gastrointestinal distress and help keep the travel crate free from waste. The primary concern during flight is adequate water intake to maintain proper hydration. As a standard rule suggested by the airlines and most vets, we will need to stop giving food around 05-06 hours before the flight departure and get the pet to do a nature's call before the flight departure. Pet will be comfortable when traveling with an empty stomach in order to avoid travel sickness and thus vomiting. However there will be a water bowl which needs to be affixed to the travel crate so the pet has a continuous supply of water (pet is hydrated at all times).

Question 10

How are pets handled at transfer airports?

Accepted Answer

With the emergence and prevalence of animal care lounges, animal hotels, and animal transit facilities at the world's major international airports, the pet who requires a transfer during its global journey is cared for between flights by dedicated airline animal care professionals who understand the needs of the traveling and relocating family pet. The scheduled stops are for the comfort of the pet, allowing adequate food & water intake. If mentioned, your pet will be subject to a premium comfort stop where the pet will be walked, given food & water, travel box will be cleaned etc.

Question 11

Should my pet receive sedatives, tranquilizer, antihistamines, anti-anxiety or other drugs prior to flight?

Accepted Answer

No! Veterinary authorities worldwide recommend against giving pets these kinds of drugs prior to air travel to avoid any adverse reactions than can occur during flight. Adverse reactions can have lasting ill effects on an animal.

Question 12

Will my traveling and relocating pet be stressed during the flight, and are there any after effects?

Accepted Answer

Given pre-flight conditioning to the travel crates, reduced food intake, and understanding of the conditions of flight, the stress upon the pet is minimal, & usually involve no post-flight effects. The captain of the aircraft flying your pet is given a manifest of what is aboard the aircraft during flight. The temperature of the bulk bin is controlled by the captain and the flight crew, assuring safe transport of your family pet.

Question 13

Can I take my pet as “Excess Baggage”?

Accepted Answer

Some airlines accept small cats & dogs typically weighing less than 30 Kgs (total weight of the pet and the box) to travel as excess baggage. Under this travel method, the complete onus is upon the pet owner to directly liaise with the preferred airline and book space for the pet under the pet owner’s travel itinerary. Pets travelling as excess baggage also travel in the hold of the aircraft. If you wish to take your pet in the cabin, only few airlines would accept pet in the cabin and you should have proper ESA documentation but approving the pet in the cabin would be solely up to the airline at their discretion. Pet Express can assist you with the export side documentation and health certificates.

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