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.

Preparing For Overseas Travel with Your Shih Tzu

Originally from Tibet, Shih Tzu’s are known for their adorably short snout and clever, playful personalities. As they are classified as a snub-nosed breed of dog, they require a little extra care if you’re planning on travelling with them. Flying with such breeds has been difficult in the past.

Whether it is domestic pet travel, or an international pet relocation, you will eventually have to fly with your pet. But, with the proper preparation and appropriate precautions, it can be a safe and comfortable journey for your pet. Here’s how to prepare for overseas travel with your Shih Tzu.

Preparing Before your Flight

There are a few things you can do to prepare your Shih Tzu for a flight, taking into consideration the extra care a snub-nosed breed needs while flying.

• Health Check Up - You should visit your vet before any potential travel. This is especially important if your pet has recurring or chronic health issues. If your pet is fit, the risk of any issues while traveling is miniscule. Schedule a vet visit and get a clean bill of health before embarking on a journey, no matter how short or long.
  
  
• Pet Crate and Training - When moving overseas, pets travel by air. Flying is the fastest method to cover large distances, and as pets can only fly in a pet crate, it s important to choose the correct one. Pets can only fly in an IATA approved fiber crate. Such crates are approved for air travel and meet the necessary safety standards.
  
  Once you choose an appropriate crate, it is important to crate train your pet. Whether they travel in cabin or in the cargo hold, they will spend the entire duration of their flight in the crate, so it is important to train them to be comfortable. 
  
  Start by letting them freely interact with the crate. Reward positive interaction and repeat the process daily until they are comfortable being inside it. Once they are relaxed, you can slowly start taking them outside in their crate. 
  
  Even if you don’t plan on travelling, you’ll need to travel with your pet at some point, and as a crate is the safest place for them to be, it is useful to train them to stay calm when inside it. 
  
  
• Travel in Cool Weather - Snub-nosed breeds do not enjoy high temperatures. You’ll find that a vast majority of airlines will not allow a snub-nosed pet to travel in the summer for this reason. To get around this, plan your travel with your Shih Tzu during the winter months or in cooler climate. Any risk posed by heat is minimized if you plan your travel appropriately

• Choose a Pet Friendly Airline - It is important to choose a pet-friendly airline. The recommendation of travelling in cooler climate isn’t one made due to the plane itself. Rather, it is because of the time spent by your pet on the runway, where temperatures range from one extreme to the other. Spending too much time on the hot runway is not ideal for your Shih Tzu. 
  
  This is where a pet-friendly airline comes in. Such an airline knows the delicate requirements of pets, and boards them on the plan on a priority basis. They also will have a pressure and temperature-controlled cargo bay, circulating the same air as the cabin, which makes it as safe to travel in as the cabin. Pet travel via air is only unsafe if an incorrect airline is chosen.

Flying a snub-nosed dog can be challenging. To fly a Shih Tzu, you need to plan, choose a pet friendly airline, and fulfil a fair number of health and safety requirements. This, when combined with the paperwork processes, can lead to stress about your move.

For safe travel, ensure you plan ahead and seek expert help, so that they can arrange an appropriate pet-friendly airline and help you with the documentation and preparation before flying. If you have any queries or concerns about your international pet relocation, contact us at query@carrymypet.com.  

How do you Prepare Your Dog for a Long Trip?

Sometimes the need to escape monotony is overwhelming. Daily life and its routines can lead to exhaustion and burn out, which manifest as a desire to get away from it all. Need a break form this and escape the city? Worried about leaving your darling dog alone at home? Why not take them with you on your travels? Dogs are excellent travel partners and can be great fun, provided you plan ahead.​

Here’s How You Can Prepare Your Dog For a Long Road Trip.

Vet Visit

A visit to the vet is recommended before any movement, be it is domestic travel or an international relocation. Your vet can give your pet a clean bill of health before their travels, as well as help with any potential travel-related maladies, such as motion sickness and restlessness in the car.

Dummy Drives

Before embarking on a full-length journey, try shorter ones first. If your dog doesn’t have much experience being inside a car, start with just sitting in the car, then take them on shorter trips and slowly make such trips longer. This buffer period will also help identify and diagnose common issues your pup may have, like motion sickness, restlessness, bladder control, so that lengthier travels with your pet are hassle-free.

Rest & Refreshment Stops

Plan your stops ahead of time to avoid rushing at the last moment. Be sure to check beforehand whether the rest stop/hotel/accommodation you booked is pet-friendly and clean. For domestic travel, make sure to research safe spots to stop for a rest, as well as noting the locations of establishments you may need, such as a vet, clinic, or a medical store. 

Travel Essentials

As there’s no guarantee of what you might end up needing while on the road, it is necessary to be prepared. Carry a first aid kit, collars, leashes, water bottles and bowls, and toys. Bring along a spare pillow or blanket for them to sprawl on, and a few chew toys or treats. Whether you’re embarking on domestic travel or an intercontinental journey, remember to microchip your pooch, as that the only proof of identity they have, and is extremely useful if your dog (God forbid) gets lost or wanders off. 

Car Mods

While most people recommend keeping your dog inside a crate for the duration of any journey, the reality is, since you’re going on a long trip with them and travelling with them domestically, this recommendation is seldom followed. Instead, we’d like to recommend some real-world advice which people might follow. If not in a crate, make sure your pup is leashed inside the car. An un-leashed dog inside can deviate your focus from the road, which is not a good thing. Make sure to belt them in their seat, and remember to tie their leash onto the belt itself or another secure location. If you have a nosy or clingy pup, install a screen or separator/divider between the front and back seats, so your focus remains on the road as your pup vies for your attention.

Weather and Temperature

Account for prevailing weather conditions before your travels. Avoid the outdoors during afternoons, especially if you’re traveling during the summer, and try to cover ground earlier in the day so you can relax during the hot afternoons. Make sure to keep your pup sufficiently hydrated, as dehydration is common when on the road. Keep your windows down; not far enough to provide an escape opportunity, but enough to allow some fresh air to circulate in the car.

Travel by yourself does not require quite as many preparations as pet transportation/travel, but choosing to bear the extra step or two while in preparation can make the journey an immensely satisfying experience. Provided that you check all the safety boxes, your longer trip with your dog will be a joyous and memorable occasion.

If you’re unsure about the preparation or can’t deal with the hassle, you can always call a pet relocation company. If you need help on your longer domestic journey with your pet, or are looking for international pet relocation services, contact Carry My Pet for safe and hassle-free solutions for your trip.

Pet Transportation Experts are Here to Save the Day

Pet transportation can be very stressful. It is challenging when you need to oversee such countless things together during your change to another area. Why not connect with an expert organization for pet movement to alleviate pressure? Allow us to discover the top advantages of employing a worldwide pet travel service.

Advantages of Hiring Pet Transportation Experts:

Regardless of whether you are going for migration or fun, you should deal with your family's beloved little companion. To live it up with your pet on an excursion, you should enlist a pet travel service without a doubt. Here are the top advantages of employing a pet travel agency.

1. Proficient Approach - Relocating a pet isn't some tea. It is a living being in need of care throughout the excursion. The best way to accomplish the ideal conditions for international pet transportation export, international pet transportation import, or domestic pet transportation is by recruiting an expert for the gig. The expert organization will show outrageous commitment and will adjust the business - standard ways to deal with the migration your pet to anyplace. From looking for point-by-point data about your pet's highlights and to checking the conventions of the country, the whole work will be capably dealt with. The specialist organization will select its group of experts for various positions, for example, picking a pet-friendly hotel, pressing pet stuff, recognizable proof prerequisites, quarantine reservations, and so forth It will likewise organize to pick and drop offices for your pet as well.

2. Eliminates Stress - Planning a migration is a huge task to perform. Envision what you need to go through to guarantee a protected movement for your pet. Why take such a lot of pressure when it tends to be dealt with by experts in return for a reasonable help charge? Try not to hustle to discover pet-friendly aircrafts or reaching the experts for understanding pet quarantine terms. Allow the expert organization to deal with it and make it less distressing for you.

3. Saves Money and Time - By seeking proficient help from an organization for pet relocation inside India and abroad, you can without much of a stretch observe the best assets utilizing its mastery and contacts. It implies that you will actually want to coordinate top courses of action at a reasonable rate inside a brief period. Henceforth, you can set aside both time and cash in this endeavor.

4. No Worries During the Progress - Why stress the whole trip for your pet? There is not a remotely good excuse to fall into the intricacies of check-outs and customs. Get an expert required to deal with everyone of these and travel bother-free.

Being a pet parent, you want what's best for your pets. You want your pet to be safe and comfortable. That is where pet transportation experts can help you. Choose the best-suited pet relocation expert and have a wonderful time with your pet.