If you are transitioning from one residence to another and need to send your pet somewhere, finding an affordable and trustworthy pet shipping service can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, there are numerous professional pet shipping services that can make your move simpler. The key is selecting one with a proven record for safe and cost-effective service.
Health Certificates
A health certificate is a document issued by your veterinarian that certifies your pet is healthy and can be shipped. These certificates are used around the world to guarantee pets travel safely without spreading diseases to other passengers.
A health certificate for your pet includes their name, species, breed, color, date of birth and country of origin as well as their microchip number. This information is vital in case a vet needs to identify them during an emergency or accident.
Your passport will also contain a section for vaccines, including the rabies vaccination. Depending on where you’re going, additional requirements may exist such as anti-parasites or heart worm tests.
Your veterinarian will complete the international health certificate by inspecting and treating your pet to ensure they are free of disease and parasites, then submitting their paperwork electronically through VEHCS or mailing it directly to the USDA.
Your pet must obtain a health certificate no later than 30 days prior to departure from the United States, and that certificate can only be valid if it meets all import requirements in its destination country. If your veterinarian is unable to issue the necessary health certificate due to ineligibility, you can ask permission from the ministry of agriculture in that destination country to waive these requirements.
Kennels
A kennel is an essential piece of equipment that your pet will need when traveling safely. It also serves as a place where they can rest and unwind. Therefore, ensure the kennel meets all IATA specifications and is suitable for your pup’s size.
Kennels can be purchased from your local pet store or online. They can be personalized with your dog’s name and picture and made from safe materials such as tan plastic or aluminum. Ideally, the kennel should be large enough for your pup to stand, turn around, sit upright, and lie down comfortably inside it.
When selecting a pet crate, make sure it’s made from water-proof material with solid floors and roof. Furthermore, provide your pup with food and water supplies that can be attached to the crate or fixed inside it for extra security.
Additionally, it should have handles or handholds that allow cargo personnel to pick it up without tilting it. Furthermore, metal crate hardware (nuts & bolts) as well as zip-ties should be utilized to securely fasten both top and bottom of the kennel.
Make sure the kennel is free from sharp points or edges that could injure either your pet or another person. Furthermore, ensure there’s a door that opens to the outside so you can quickly take your pet out in case an emergency arises.
Additionally, the kennel must have adequate ventilation. For international flights, this requires that at least three sides of the kennel be equipped with air holes.
Transportation
Relocating and transporting your pets to a new home is an integral part of the process. Any responsible pet parent will want their animals to arrive undamaged, and an experienced pet transport company can make this possible.
The initial step to shipping your pets is figuring out how you’re going to do it. You may want to contact a local vet or animal hospital for recommendations and referrals, or use Shiply to locate an experienced pet transport service that meets all of your requirements.
Once you’ve identified a pet transporter, be sure to give them all of your pet’s pertinent information. Include your pet’s name, breed and age as well as any special needs they may have. Many transporters provide crates or kennels for added comfort and security during transit.
Before leaving for your journey, be sure to inform your veterinarian of where you’re going and what activities you plan on doing with your pet during transit. They can advise you on which documents are necessary in order to bring them along with you.
Finally, make sure your pet has been thoroughly washed before they embark on their trip. This will make them more relaxed and make the journey much smoother for both of you.