Moving can be an exciting time, but if you have a pet, it can also be a very stressful time—for you and your best friend. When you’re going to be relocating a long distance, or if you’re coming into the United States from overseas, you may not always be able to make the trip with your pet. Thankfully, there are a variety of pet transport methods to consider that can make things easier.
Shipping Pets by Air
Most major airlines allow dogs or cats to fly with them, but there are exceptions. For example, brachycephalic dogs and cats—breeds that have a “snub-nose” — cannot fly because they are prone to respiratory issues during air travel. There are also other canine breed restrictions on some airlines, such as Pit Bulls.
Shipping animals by plane is a great option if your pet meets an airline’s criteria for flying. They will typically be considered a carry-on if they’re under 20-40 pounds, including the weight of their carrier, so they can relax in a carrier at your feet. That particular weight limit means that most cats are generally good to go, while larger dogs will need to be checked and transported along with cargo. Some airlines, such as Southwest, will not fly pets as cargo, so if you have a large dog, they will not be able to take the journey with you.
Most airlines, such as American Airlines, will require you to contact them a few days prior to travel, check-in at the ticket counter, and provide a health certificate for your pet. This will be especially important if you are considering international pet shipping.
Shipping Pets by Train
Have a cat or a small dog? If either weighs less than 20 pounds (including the weight of their carrier), they are welcome on Amtrak’s rail. There are some stipulations, of course; the trip needs to be under seven hours, and only one pet is allowed per customer (bad news for parents of multiple pets). Other restrictions apply, so be sure to check your pet’s eligibility on this Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement before planning your cat's or pooch’s next choo-choo ride.
Shipping Pets by Sea
Cruising isn’t just for us humans! Your dog or cat can live it up aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. This vessel is the only ocean liner that allows pets, and they’ll need to depart out of New York, traveling to Southampton, England. The ship has 24 kennels from $800 and up, and a full-time Pet Master takes care of feeding, walking, and “housecleaning.” Making the journey with your pet? You’re allowed to visit them throughout the journey! As with airlines, however, you should know that some dogs are prohibited due to size or breed.
Shipping Pets by Car
“Wanna go for a ride?” Traveling by car is often the simplest way to get your pet to your final destination. Of course, if you’re flying cross country or arriving from overseas, you may not be taking the ride with them. Thankfully, there are a number of pet ground transport companies that specialize in relocating pets. Here’s a bit about our pet transport service.
My Pet Cab is the safest and easiest way to get your pet from point A to point B. We are the only pet ground transport company that requires drivers to be certified in pet handling, so you can be confident that your pet is receiving the highest possible level of service including:
- Two-driver teams: This means that someone is always available to tend to your pet, and can respond to any signs of stress. This could mean getting your pet out of their crate for cuddling, stopping for a break, or offering a treat.
- 24/7 monitoring: Every RV is monitored 24/7 with cameras and diagnostics from regional dispatch locations across the country. My Pet Cab is the only pet ground transportation company that offers the assurance of external oversight.
- On-call Veterinarian: Your pet’s overall health, including their stress level, is continually monitored during transit. If a driver team has a concern, they contact one of our on-call Veterinarians for a phone or in-person consultation.
- Comfortable, low-stress environment: Your pet will never be stuck in the back of a trailer surrounded by other pets in crates. They will be inside a class-A RV where the temperature is carefully monitored and a member of the driver team is able to attend to them.
Pet Transport with My Pet Cab
To learn more about My Pet Cab and pet transport cost, contact us today at (877) My-PetCab, or visit us online.
