How to Ship Pets

As domesticated animals, our pets rely on us quite a bit more than we actually notice. Nobody minds feeding, playing, bathing or walking pets. But when we leave them alone, they tend to get into trouble or become distressed. Shipping your pet is a difficult trip for your animal companion, especially if your pet is not used to traveling alone. By taking some precautions and making preparations for your animal, you can greatly reduce the trauma and distress your pet might experience during shipping.

Things You'll Need

• Frozen water and container
• Food
• Toys
• Blankets
• Pillow
• Crate or carrier cage
• Animal documents

Instructions

1. Ask if the airline will allow you to carry your pet on board in a carry cage under your seat. Ask what types of pets can be carried on the plane. Find out the size limits for the carrier cage you can take on the plane.

2. Find a transporter who is qualified to ship your pets, as airlines may not allow pets on board. Ask the transporter for references to ensure that the company is trustworthy.

3. Contact your veterinarian. Make an appointment to get shots for your animal before your trip. Let your veterinarian know how you plan to ship your pet.

4. Ensure that your animal’s paperwork is up to date before you ship your pet.

5. Have your animal groomed a few days before the shipping. If you are shipping a dog, have its nails trimmed so that they do not get stuck or chipped in the shipping cage. Check for bleeding nails, as infected nails during the shipping time could cause a lot of pain and injury to your pet. Ensure that your animal is healthy before shipping.

6. Purchase a cage that is strong on the top, bottom and all sides. Also consider purchasing a carrier cage that allows the animal enough room to stand up and move around. This is especially important for cats, which need to stretch when they get up from a nap.

7. Attach your contact information on the carrier cage before you put your pet in the hands of the shipper. This way, if somehow your pet becomes lost, someone will call you. Include your cell phone number and keep your phone with you when you travel. Also include the destination address on your animal’s cage. Mark the cage with the words “Live Animal" and "This Side Up.”

8. Place a collar around your pet’s neck. Ensure that legible contact information is on the collar.

9. Pack the animal’s carrier cage or crate with a container of frozen water. This will slowly melt and provide drinking water for the pet without spilling. Pack blankets and a pillow in the pet carrier. Include other necessities like food, toys and a favorite snack. Leave enough room for the animal to relieve itself and still be able to sleep on a dry area away from its own urine and feces.

10. Inform the carrier personnel of anything special your pet needs. Give these instructions to the shipping service in writing. If your animal is traveling by truck, train or boat, include instructions for the amount of exercise and medication your pet needs. Allow your pet to have toys, a blanket to keep warm and—if possible—a friend to play with. Your animals may not be used to being alone.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your veterinarian for alternatives to sedation if you believe your pet will be very distressed during shipping. Some animals are quiet and calm, and will patiently wait for their owner to pick them up after shipping. Other animals may panic or become extremely distressed.

• Do not ship pets that are younger than eight weeks. Do not ship pets that are ill or violent-tempered.

• Do not sedate your pet for air trips.

Resources

• Kennel Size
• Air Transport Association-Compliant Pet Crates