Choosing the Right Mode of Pet Transport

While tough to count exactly, it is estimated that there are over a billion pets in houses around the world. Given how pets are central to the modern family unit, it is no surprise to see a large number of people moving about and travelling with their pets. There are also different methods or modes of travelling with a pet since each family has different needs and requirements for transportation. Choosing between modes can be difficult and often depends on your travel requirements.

Here are the different pet travel options available to pet parents:

Air Travel

Air travel is the most preferred means of pet travel, especially over longer distances. You’ll need to either make a booking and fulfil the requirements mandated by airlines or hire a pet relocation service to do it on your behalf. As mentioned, pet transportation by air is preferred for its quick travel times across a country or continent. The longer the travel time, the longer a pet must stay inside its crate, so a shorter journey is beneficial to a pet and ensures its well-being in transit.

The downsides of air travel are the cost and the preparation process; you cannot travel unless you comply with the regulations of the airlines. These regulations range from check-in and booking instructions to breed and size limitations for animals who are allowed to travel on board. Some airlines will only allow pets to travel in-cabin, while others will only permit pet travel through cargo. Make sure to check the rules of the airline you’re flying on and fulfil them to have a smooth journey.

Land Travel

Land travel is used for shorter and more local journeys, or for travelling on routes that would be otherwise inaccessible by air travel. Land travel is also significantly less expensive compared to air travel, which is an important factor if your destination is close enough to not warrant a flight. Once again, you can either transport your pet yourself or charter a pet relocation service to do it for you.

Land travel can be done via two modes: by road and by rail. Road travel will offer you more flexibility concerning when and where to stop, the number of hours of continuous travel, and so on. However, it will also require a lot of effort on your part as you'll be the one driving and planning for stops. Rail travel can be done through remote corridors of a country where airlines cannot operate, but like with the airlines, you must comply with any booking formalities and travel rules they have in place. 

Both of these modes are extremely useful, especially when you consider the nature of your journey. Moving to a neighbouring city? Road travel should suffice. Travelling across the country with a large pet or an elderly one? Train travel should give you the time and space to relax comfortably on your lengthy journey. Remember, your pet’s health and comfort matter, and your choice should be made keeping them in mind.

     Pet Transport Providers

If you're planning your move to a new city, state, or country, and are overwhelmed by the process and planning required, you can hire a professional or “private” relocation service to ease your burden. Such a service provider will plan the entire excursion for you, from the initial planning to the documentation and subsequent pick-up of your pet and will also account for your every need along the way.

Think of it as the opposite of an airline; a relocation service provider will accommodate every request you may have regarding your pet’s care and transportation and will make sure you’re updated on your pet’s progress regularly. Such a service does cost a little more than traditional transportation methods, but the trade-off is that you have peace of mind while planning your travels.

To conclude, while there are different methods of pet travel available, you should choose the method which best suits your journey. If you’re travelling over shorter distances, then road travel will be more suitable than air travel while costing significantly less. If you’re travelling cross-country, you could use an economical train trip for a comfortable trip. When going to international destinations, you’ll seldom have any options other than air travel. Whatever mode you choose, make sure it is the one most suitable for your journey and the one which will keep your pet safe, comfortable, and happy on your journeys. 

 

 

How to Make Pet Travel Eco-Friendly

It is no secret that climate change is an issue for humanity with various extreme meteorological conditions observable worldwide; from bone-dry draughts to torrential rains, weather patterns have been far from predictable. Humanity is aware of this issue, with steps being taken to reduce emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.

Awareness is a wonderful thing; however, it does not change the fact that the act of travelling in general is not exactly the most eco-friendly. Regardless of the mode, by road, rail, or air, each mode of transportation causes an impact on the environment, the most common ones being pollution & carbon emissions.

Therefore, as the world grows smaller and smaller, and as global pet travel is set to increase in frequency, it is only right that we consider the impact our travels have on the environment, and how could we go about reducing our carbon footprint for more eco-friendly pet travel.

Here Are A Few Ways You Can Make Your Pet Travel More Eco-Friendly.

• Switch to Compostable Poop Bags - All pet owners are encouraged to clean up after their pets outdoors to ensure a clean and hygienic public space for all. However, since pet excrement is collected and tossed in plastic bags which end up in landfills, this is hardly an environmentally friendly solution. Switch to compostable disposable bags so your pet's waste can be disposed of safely and productively. Make sure to read up on the bags and what they're made of, as anything that isn't plant-based will likely not decompose and will act as a pollutant.
  
  
• Fly Directly & Avoid Layovers - While it may be an obvious piece of advice, flying on direct flight routes instead of opting for any connecting routes helps reduce emissions. It is inevitable at some point you’ll need to board a flight to reach your destination, but you can do your part by choosing to fly a direct route instead of one with stops and layovers. An aircraft produces the highest level of emissions during takeoff and landing, so cutting out that connecting flight does make a difference. For pet travel, especially international pet travel, most airlines will not permit pets on ultra-long-haul flights or ones with multiple layovers as it adversely affects their health. So, flying direct routes is the best choice for your pet and the environment.
  
  
• Choose an Eco-Friendly Hotel - Hotels are no strangers to waste; as a result, choosing eco-friendly living quarters for your stay can make a difference when travelling. An eco-friendly establishment will have implemented practices like recycling and offering local cuisines rather than curating an expensive and imported menu.
  
  
• Carry Reusable Water Containers - Hydration is an essential requirement for all living beings. Relying on plastic bottles from roadside stops is hardly the most practical solution or the most cost-efficient one, so carrying your own reusable water bottle will help you steer clear of the excess plastic. If you’re flying with your pet, food and water bowls can be attached to their crate for on-the-go hydration. If you’re travelling by road or train, make sure to carry an extra bottle and your pet’s water bowl for refreshments.
  
  
• Use Public Transportation - If you have the opportunity, use public transport whenever possible. Vehicles are one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and alternative methods of travel like public transport or carpooling offer a greener alternative for travel. Remember to check whether the public transport of any area you’re already in or visiting allows pets on board. Most cities that are renowned for being tourist attractions or pet-friendly will have provisions for pet travel on public transport, which will make your journey both greener and easier.
  
  
•  Swap Plastics for Fabrics - Nearly everyone knows how harmful plastics are to the environment. Besides poop bags for your pet, swap plastic or paper bags with a more long-lasting cloth or jute alternatives. There's nothing greener than carrying your carry bags and there's the bonus of not having to look for or buy wasteful plastic/paper bags around your destination.

To conclude, travelling of any form is fundamentally harmful to the environment, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take steps towards making it less so. Remember to minimize flying and only fly direct routes when you must. Sharing public transport and reusing containers/bags helps reduce the amount of waste generated on your travels. If everyone does their little part in waste reduction and promotes efficiency, pet travel can become as green as grass.