Shipping your pet overseas should never be taken lightly and you should do everything you can to ensure that your animal is properly looked after and the stress it endures is minimized as much as possible. There are a number of things that you can do in advance in order to ensure that your pet’s relocation to a new country runs smoothly with the least possible distress for your animal.
- Purchase a suitable carrier in advance and start to familiarize your pet with it. Encourage them to sleep in it, feed them in it or use it to transport them on short journeys. This will help them to feel secure in the crate and when you do ship your pet they will be be familiar with their surroundings.
- Ensure that a water bottle is available in the crate and that it is tightly fixed in place. If you pet has no experience of drinking from a bottle as opposed to a bowl teach them how to use it in advance.
- Ensure that the carrier crate has your pet’s name, destination address and your own contact details clearly displayed on it.
- Always have “this way up” labels clearly visible on all sides of the carrier. Provide sufficient bedding, food and water that will last for the duration of the flight.
- If you are shipping a dog, leave a lead and leash with your carrier so that he or she can be walked, if necessary, between flights.
- If your animal will require additional food or treats during the journey ensure that you leave his or her usual food with the carrier.
Always select a pet relocation company that has a good reputation and who is able to ensure that your pet is well looked after throughout the journey. This is especially important if you will be shipping your pet through different flight connections.
