Why do I need a Pet Travel Agent for International Travel?

By: Bridget Monrad, R.N. | Nov 17, 2015

---

There are many reasons that using a Professional Pet Travel Agent is a great idea for International Travel. There are lots of moving pieces for pet relocation, and it is never too early to start planning for an international pet relocation. A professional agent will coordinate all of the aspects involved in providing a smooth pet move, so that you can concentrate on your own travel & moving plans. 

One of the first reasons is that some airlines will not allow your pet to travel unless it is arranged by a professional pet travel agent. This is especially true with international flights. The reason for this is that there is an array of important and sometimes complicated documents needed for international travel. The airlines want to ensure your pet will travel safely to their final destination without any problems at check in or upon arrival to the foreign country. For this reason it is highly advised to use a professional pet agency, such as Happy Tails Travel Inc.

Most of our pets do travel unaccompanied. This means that the pet may travel on a different flight from the owner, or the owner may be driving a car or moving truck to their new home.  This may require a professional pet relocation company to step in & assist with transportation to or from the closest pet friendly airport, boarding before or after your pet’s travel date, or arranging veterinary services to ensure all international travel requirements are met.

​The second reason to use a professional pet travel agency is that the paperwork and documentation for exporting a pet to a different country varies according to the countries’ specific rules. While some countries, such as members of the European Union, are very similar in what is required for pets to be imported into each country, others are more varied and sometimes challenging.  In particular, there are some countries which have remained Rabies Free by having very strict import regulations. Therefore, the requirements and documentation needed often include a series of vaccinations, and blood tests with waiting periods before your pet can legally enter the country.

The third reason to use an experienced pet travel company is that some veterinarians are not familiar with pet travel requirements for foreign countries. They may have outdated information, or may not have the most recent versions of necessary documents. Additionally, countries may change their import requirements, often will little or no notice. It is suggested you work with a profession pet travel consultant, such as Happy Tails Travel Inc., to ensure that your pet meets the most recent requirements for import into foreign countries. We are also available to your vet for reference, so if they have any questions, they can contact us. Working with an experienced company for all aspects of your pet’s travel ensures that no each piece will seamlessly come together.

In arranging international travel, Happy Tails Travel provides the following services:

• We research what tests, vaccinations, paperwork, and inspections are required by the destination country & when they must be completed.

• We develop a timeline of when each document is required to be submitted, provide the necessary documents & show you to complete them with examples.

• We continuously check for changes within the country entry requirements, to check if the policies have changed.

• We research which airline your pet will travel on! We are familiar with airline routings, and bring you the best options using that experience. We also know the various requirements for each airline. Not all airlines go to all countries, and each airline has very specific qualifications for animal travel. Additionally, not all airplanes are able to accept live animals.

• We check that all paperwork for pet travel is accurate, fully filled out, & completed in the proper manner.

• We walk you through the steps of submitting paperwork to the USDA and ensure you do it in a timely fashion in order to meet your pet’s desired travel date.

• Lastly, we can assist in hiring import or export agents to ensure that not only does your furry family member meet the country requirements, but that there is someone local to assist with your pet’s travel at the departure and arrival locations.

Hiring an experienced pet travel company is often the best way to ensure a safe & comfortable move for your pet, & to allow you the pet owner to be able to focus on all of the other things that are important in your VIP move.   It is recommended to have someone provide one on one assistance from start to finish.  To help you with a successful pet relocation please contact Happy Tails Travel today!  We are an experienced pet move specialist with 20 years in business with a 100% safety record!

If you think a Pet Travel Agent is right for your moving needs do not hesitate to contact us for a quote today!  For more information, please visit our website at www.happytailstravel.com or give us a call at 1-800-323-1718 or 520-299-3315.  We are always ready and happy to discuss how we can help you to provide a smooth move for any member of your pet family.