The basics of Shipping a Dog in the United States

If you are thinking of shipping a dog, you first have to take the time to understand the requirements involved. You need the correct procedures that have to be carried out before we can successfully move a dog from point A to point B. Besides understanding and having knowledge or find a good dog transport service. You should also be extra careful as shipping dogs require specialized equipment.

Before you get started with shipping your puppy or dog within the US, here is what you have to do:

1. Pay a Visit to the Vet. The Vet should do a health check to see if whether your dog is in good health. If you have any concerns about safety and comfort, also ask the vet so they can address your concerns.
2. Research. Understand the rules and requirements for shipping your puppy. In the United States, these rules may differ depending on the states where the dog is being shipped. Understand any regulations regarding vaccinations and licenses and adhere to them where possible.
3. Check with the Airline or transportation company. Companies like UPS often ships live animals. However, they have their own restrictions, which may require you to check in with them if you need to understand more. Other companies, airline companies will have their requirements and restrictions for shipping dogs. What’s important is doing your due diligence beforehand to get first-hand information on all requirements.

How to Ship Your Dog

Shipping puppies or adult dogs differ from Shipping Cargo. The first thing to understand is that dogs are living things that feel pain. Their conditions of shipment must be top notch if you don’t want to draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

There are must-haves for the equipment that you will need in order to move a dog between states if you will be doing it by air. The most important of this equipment is a travel crate as it helps ensure your dog’s comfort and security when in transit. Many of this equipment are provide when using a dog transport service.

Besides the equipment there are things you will need which include but are not limited, also the cost to ship a dog:

• Booking the air ticket
• Transportation to and from the airport(in both send and receiving states)
• Visiting the vet before and after the moving.
• Import Permits and necessary health documents.
• Government endorsements when required
• Any other extra fees including customs and quarantine fees.

Procedures to be followed when shipping your Dog In the US

Shipping your dog in the US is simple, if you want it to be convenient for both you and your dog, then the best option is to it by air. Airlines in the US ship dogs on a daily basis. The first thing you need to do is to call the airline to make a reservation. If you want to travel together with your dog, then make this reservation as early as possible. If you get a kernel, the next step would be to check whether the kernel meets the airline’s requirements. Airlines often have their own quality guidelines the basis being that your dog must be able to stand, sit and lie down when inside.

Besides the Kernel, you will also need to visit your vet as had been stated in the previous paragraphs. Most airlines will need a health certificate no more than 10 days old before they can ship your dog. Four hours before the flight, feed your dog and take it for a walk.

Internationally dog shipping

If you are shipping your dog internationally, most of the above steps including the visit to vet and feeding the dog will apply. To ship internationally, you will need an approved health certificate (rabies and USDA), customs documentation, export certificate. Some countries will also require you to microchip your dog for easier identification.

This might not be important but it applies to both international and domestic shipping. Also, check the weather. In extreme weather, when it’s too cold or too hot, some airline will refuse to ship your pet is the conditions would not be ideal for the pet.

Choosing the Best Dog Transport Service Company.

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of figuring out and organizing the transportation of your pet by yourself, then it might be convenient for you to get a dog transport service. Dog transporters are professional companies or people skilled in handling and transporting your lovely animal. They handle the tiny details for you to easily get your puppy or dog delivered in another state. To choose the best dog transport service, here is what you should look at.

1. Experience – Find out how long the company has been transporting pets for.
2. Policies – Great dog transporters have well-defined policies and procedures. If your potential transporter doesn’t have this, then it might be a bad sign.
3. Communication – A pet is an important family member. Communication is key, as you will have to know where your dog is.
4. Feeding – Some trips are long and may require your dog to stay at the transporter’s kernels overnight. Find out how they will handle the situation including feeding and cleaning your dog.

In Conclusion, some people have asked if it’s allowed for dogs to drink and feed while in transit. Some airlines will allow you to move with your dog in the cabin. Most airlines usually allow wet pet food in the cabin. If your dog is on prescribed food, there are no restrictions concerning feeding it with the food. If your pet will travel in the special reserved section for pets in the Cargo area, you might need to include food and water dishes in the dog’s kernel, which will be accessible from the outside.

You should attach the food in a bag that will be placed outside the Kernel. The pet handler will come through and feed your dog during long-haul flights whenever necessary.