Shifting residences or states can be a cumbersome experience for all involved. It becomes particularly so when you’re attempting a move with your pet. There are many reasons for this; the “baggage” in this situation is your pride and joy as well as a live animal, so the planning process is far more detailed than with any other form of airline cargo. As this is a sensitive transaction, the sensible thing to do is be prepared for any circumstance or contingency. Here is how you can do this.
Plan in Advance
If you have a pet and are planning a relocation, it is best to plan early. Any overlooked preparations can present themselves as problems near the date of departure, so plan in advance. Plan your bookings early, plan your visit to the vet before time, and ensure your pet’s vaccinations are in order. If you feel like the process is too cumbersome, you can always hire a pet relocator or service to take your hassle and make it their own.
Specify the Correct Crate
No matter what mode of transport you end up choosing for your relocation, you will need a pet crate. As your pet will spend a lot of time inside this crate in transit, it is important to select the appropriate crate. Pets can only fly in IATA fiber crates. Standard crate sizes should be used for a comfortable journey. To make their experience more comfortable, consider crate training your pet before embarking on any journey so they are not stressed by the new sights and scents.
Visit your Vet
If your pet is injured or unhealthy, then they may face difficulties when travelling. Visiting your vet before any movement with your pet is a must. Aside from a general check-up, make sure their vaccinations are complete and ensure that their vaccination record states the same. If you’re moving by plane, then the vaccination record is crucial, as it acts as your pet’s passport. As the rules pertaining to pet flights are stringent, you may be denied boarding if all the vaccination formalities are not met.
Choose a Reputed Airline
All airlines are not pet-friendly, and neither are all airports. To ensure the safety of your pet, it is important to select a pet-friendly airline during the booking process. An aircraft with a temperature and pressure-controlled cargo bay is central to the safe transportation of a pet in the air. A pet-friendly aircraft also makes its flight attendants check on the pets while flying. If you’re anxious about the airline you’re selecting, you could always hire a pet relocator. A relocator takes care of the paperwork formalities and airline background checks, and can also tell you if an airline has a reputed history of transporting pets.
Pet Microchip
A pet microchip is a small chip, around the size of a grain of rice, which is painlessly implanted in your pet. A pet microchip is important while travelling, as it is the only ID proof your pet has which can be verified. The standard ISO 11784/11785 microchips are used for pets globally and are necessary for pet export movements. Regardless of whether your country mandates a microchip for pet travel, it is wise to get one nonetheless. A microchip reader can then read this chip; these chips are applicable at pet boardings, the vet, with the transit authorities, and so on.
