FAQ

Air travel is exceptionally safe for pets that are healthy and deemed by their veterinarian to be fit-to-fly. Data from the U.S Department of Transportation show that of the 506,994 pets transported on US airliners in 2017, there were sadly 24 fatalities. While each tragic loss should ideally never occur, these figures represent an extremely low risk of less than 1 in 10,000 animals dying in transit.To add a new question go to app settings and press "Manage Questions" button.

Most airlines require pets to travel as manifest cargo, in the hold of the plane. While this terminology conjures up images of treating them as mere luggage, this is not the case. Every pet flies in a temperature controlled, oxygenated and pressurized environment, just like in the passenger cabin. International Air Transport Association’s Live Animals Regulations are the leading standards for transporting animals on commercial airlines, and their sole objective is to ensure all animals are carried safely and humanely by air. These regulations include up-to-date airline and government rules about the transport of live animals, requirements on handling, marking & labeling, information on the necessary documentation needed when transporting live animals, and comprehensive classification of thousands of animal species along with the container specifications required for their transport. Some airlines will allow certain pets to travel in the passenger cabin, but rules vary widely between airlines and destinations.

Sedation is dangerous for any animal traveling by air, due to the increased effects at altitude. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends pet animals are not tranquilized for air travel because it can increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems. Some airlines will require you to declare that your pet has not been sedated prior to travel.

There are increased risks with transporting any brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds, such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, and Persian cats due to their respiratory problems. This condition makes them highly susceptible to heat-related issues traveling to and from warm climates. They also have a higher sensitivity to air quality changes while going in the cargo hold. Because their mortality rates are significantly higher, most airlines do not accept them for travel. While there are risks for these breeds, PetGO safely relocates dozens of snub-nosed animals every year and can assist you to find suitable, lower risk solutions for moving your pet.

Most airlines have temperature policies to ensure your pet travels when conditions are safest. All pets, especially snub-nosed pets, travel better when temperatures are at or below 24℃ (75℉). However, we understand that this is not always feasible in some climates. Some precautions PetGO takes is transporting your pet in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are lower.

- Acclimate your pet to their sky kennel several weeks before the trip. The advantage of this approach is to help minimize any stress or anxiety your pet may feel on the day of travel.

- Take your pet to your veterinarian ten days before travel for a clean bill of health.

- Apply lavender oil from his head down, which has a calming effect without the adverse side effects of sedation is also helpful.

- Confine your pet to one room or area of your house several days after arrival with his toys and familiar bedding.

- Avoiding over-feeding, exercise, and rapid water intake when he arrives home is essential because it can lead to tummy upsets and bloat, especially in deep-chested dog breeds.

- Update your pet’s microchip record with your latest contact details to help reunite you if they wander from your new home.

If you move your pet with PetGO then we will provide the crate for you. If you are going to purchase your own crate then we recommend purchasing a Vari Kennel, which are airline compliant for both domestic and international travel. These carriers are secure, hard plastic, and non-collapsible, with air holes on all four sides and bolts and wing nuts that secure the top and bottom half together. These can usually be purchased at your local pet store or bought online. All dogs should be measured when standing from the floor to the very top of their head, and from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, to determine the best fit. All airlines require that your pet have at least 2-3" of room between the top of their head to the top of the sky kennel and at least 3-4" of room between their rump to the back of the sky kennel. They should have plenty of room to move around, lay down and stand up.

Our team will consult with you on all health and vaccination requirements for the country in which your pet is moving into. In most cases, we can take care of all or some of these on your behalf.

Normally your pet should have a microchip and their routine, annual jabs up to date.

Unless your pets are siblings and under six months of age, your pets may be required by the airline to travel in their separate sky kennels for safety reasons. Each airline has different rules and your GPR consultant will be able to advise you.

No. Your pet should not travel with anything around its neck or body as this can be a safety hazard. You can provide a leash and collar to affix to the top of the sky kennel. Bear in mind, these items may get lost while in transit. We strongly recommend that you do not send your pet with collar tags or any valuable and/or sentimental items as should they become lost, we are usually unable to recover them.

Many variables determine the cost of moving your pet such as size, weight and where your pet is moving from and to. Please contact us for an estimate at hello@petgosg.com and we would be happy to discuss your needs and provide you with a competitive quote.

Yes. Our team understands that our worried pet owners want to know how their pet is doing while in transit. We make every effort to update you upon check-in, departure, arrival, and delivery regardless of your time zone.

As with passenger air travel, occasionally airlines may cancel flights or ‘bump’ pets onto the next flight beyond our control. However, this doesn't mean your pet will be stuck at the airport overnight. PetGO sources the best kennels in each departure city to provide your pet with a comfortable stay before take-off. We will make all boarding arrangements for your pet on your behalf and work with the airline to re-book your pet on the next available flight. If this is not available all airports we work with have safe and secure environments to keep pets that are staffed by trained professionals.

If you’re traveling on the same day, we can try to arrange your pet's transport around your departure and arrival time. Alternatively, if your pet will be following you to your new home at a later date, we are happy to arrange high-quality boarding accommodation for your pet at origin or destination.

Depending on the type and needed frequency of the medication, we can arrange this at certain layover points throughout the pet's journey. While some airlines do not allow pets to travel with medication, the good news is that most do. While we are unable to administer meds while pets are in the air, we can often arrange comfort stops during travel where trained airline staff or veterinarians are present to take care of your animal’s needs.

Your pet will have access to water throughout its journey. However, food is not recommended while in the air as it can lead to an upset tummy. Depending on your pet's flight routing, we can incorporate a layover at a pet-friendly airport hotel. Your pet will get bathroom time and be able to stretch out in a larger enclosure with a small bowl of food and water.

The timing involved in planning your pet's relocation depends on the destination. We generally require at least 30 days’ notice to arrange your pet’s travel plans, due to the availability of flights and vaccination and health requirements. Speak to one of our expert pet relocation consultants to learn more about the import requirements and time involved with fulfilling them.

We work with many of the world’s leading airlines for pet travel, who we are confident provide animals with safe and comfortable facilities and handling.

Please click on our Get Quote and fill up all relevant information or contact us at 82888803. We would be happy to discuss your pet's travel plans and provide you with an estimate.