If you are moving to another a state or taking a vacation with your pet, it may be more advantageous and cost-effective to take your pet along as excess baggage. Here are some valuable tips on how to ship pets and assure that they arrive safely and unhurt.
Purchase a sturdy, leak-proof kennel and line it with absorbent material such as newspaper. Make sure that it is large enough for your pet to stand, lie down, or turn around in, but not too large that the animal would be battered around in rough weather.
Familiarize your pet to the crate before shipment by having it try the crate out for comfort. Be sure the pet has a comfortable pad to lie on and a few familiar toys. Don’t forget to include a leash with the crate.
Attach identification tags on your pet’s collar. ID’s should include the pet’s name, owner’s name and address. If possible, also include your number so it would be easier for the shipping to contact you in case problems arise during shipment.
On the shipping crate, attach your clearly printed name of owner and the destination address. Also include your pet’s name, so that attendants can talk with him/her. It would also good to include your pet’s special habits, like biting, etc.
Bring a photo of your pet with you.
Feed your pet just a light meal about six hours before shipping. Don’t give water within two hours unless it is very hot (or the animal is very small). A water dish that is attached so it cannot tip should be provided, but it should be conveniently located to allow an attendant to provide water at stopovers without being bitten.
Send dry food along if the trip is long. If you send canned food, fasten an opener and dish to the crate in a cloth or mesh bag with feeding instructions clearly marked on the crate.
Never tranquilize the animal without your veterinarian’s approval.
It would be good to walk or exercise your pet just before shipping so your animal will sleep better during the trip.
Allow plenty of time between connecting flights to be sure your animal is transferred to your flight if traveling with you.
Arrange to have your pet picked up immediately upon arrival. Airline facilities for pets may be limited or nonexistent.