We of AM Pet Movers know quite well how stressing it is to relocate abroad. If we then add the worry of having to bring our dog or cat along, everything becomes more complicated and many doubts and questions arise, which seem to find no answer.
We of AM Pet Movers know quite well how stressing it is to relocate abroad. If we then add the worry of having to bring our dog or cat along, everything becomes more complicated and many doubts and questions arise, which seem to find no answer.
The times for planning the trip depend on the veterinary requirements in force in the destination country.
They range from a minimum of 4 weeks for more “simple” destinations such as the United States or Canada, through approximately 2 months for South Africa, and up to over 7-8 months for Australia.
Absolutely! Just like the passenger cabin, the hold where pets are carried is pressurized, ventilated and climate-controlled. The temperature inside the hold can vary from +15ยฐC to +25ยฐC, based on the outside temperature, in order to avoid a thermal shock.
Absolutely not! Various thorough researches have proven that sedating a pet prior to its air travel, can be very dangerous as it may alter its breathing capacity and blood pressure values. A conscious pet is perfectly able to face an air travel.
Also, during the check-in, airlines verify the conditions of the pet, and if they notice that the pet is not fully conscious, they will refuse to board it on the airplane.
Besides making your pet familiarize with the kennel (which helps reduce the stress of traveling) there are natural products that can also help your pet relax, such as sprays with essential oils (i.e. lavender).
In some cases, it may be possible, but as a general rule, it depends on the destination and the airline company. It is important to keep in mind that, although pets are manifested on board as cargo, they usually (99,9% of the cases) travel on passenger flights.
Hence, in case of direct flights, the pet owner may book the same flight as their pet. In this regard, it is also important to know that the booking process for pets traveling as manifest cargo usually starts only 14 days prior to the requested flight date. Therefore, in order to be on the same flight, the pet owner will need to wait until the pet booking is confirmed, which may also be 3-4 days prior to the travel date. This will entail a major cost for the passenger ticket.
In the case of long routes with stopovers, you need to know that for animals there are minimum transit times of 6 hours, as per IATA regulations; this so that they can be transferred to the veterinary area and receive the necessary assistance. Therefore, pets cannot connect to the final destination after just a couple of hours, like normal passengers.
Furthermore, the arrival time at the destination must occur in a time slot in which the authorities responsible for reception are operational. This means that in many cases it is necessary to have the animal stay overnight in an equipped facility within the airport itself. We remind you that these are cargo transports, and animals in transit must remain within the designated airport areas, where only designated personnel have access.
Below you will find some simple tips to best prepare your pet’s trip
Even if your transfer is not yet confirmed or finalized, start inquiring as soon as possible about possible transit solutions for your 4-legged friend, and about the preparation times for travel requirements. Often the preparation time for all the necessary documentation can take several months. Better not to find yourself unprepared.
Buy the carrier in advance and start introducing it into your dog or cat’s daily life. For example, use it in the car to take your dog to play areas. In this way he will associate it with positive thoughts and concepts and will not experience it as a moment of stress.
Like us humans, our 4-legged friends also experience the stress of travel and change. In our animals this manifests itself above all at the intestinal level. Episodes of diarrhea can also be frequent during or following a car journey. For this reason, our advice is to gradually lighten your dog or cat’s diet in the 4-5 days before your departure.
As just said, change causes stress. You too have to face an important change, everything will be new and different, for you and for your pet.
So, don’t be caught unprepared. Look into what will have an important impact on your dog or cat’s routine in their new country: climate, pet products and food available, pet-friendly facilities, outdoor areas, places that allow animals, etc.
Your pet will thank you!
Services
Destinations
