As a pet owner who has had to fly internationally with a pet, the anxiety involved with wondering whether your pet will get to their destination safely is a familiar feeling. At Tailwind Global Pet, we understand not only the logistical challenges involved but also the stress pet owners face when navigating the pet travel process.

Pet transport involves:

Choosing an airline. Not every airline allows pet transport, and requirements can vary by carrier. There are also limits to how many pets can be on each flight.
Planning an itinerary. The goal is to reduce in-air time, but it’s not always possible to fly a pet directly from its departure location to its destination. The right itinerary for your pet is the safest itinerary.
Comfort stops. During layovers, your pet needs a safe, comfortable place to stay until its connection. Some airlines have animal lounges at their hubs, and some of the best pet shippers also run boarding facilities. We can help make sure your pet’s itinerary includes the right facilities.
Complex paperwork. Health certificates, USDA endorsements, microchip forms, and country-specific requirements get more complicated if your departure country is designated as high risk for rabies.
Veterinary requirements. These go beyond rabies vaccinations. You need to find the right accredited vet and ensure your pet is healthy enough to fly. Depending on the airline and where your animal is flying from or to, the health-specific requirements for pets may change significantly.
Approved crates. It’s not as simple as finding the right fit. Crates must be airline-approved, and some breeds and sizes may require custom crates.
Ground transportation. You’ll need efficient transport to get your pet to and from the airport so they can check in on time for take-off. The logistics associated with different departure/arrival airports and times can get complicated. An experienced pet shipper will ensure everything runs smoothly and that you and your pet are reunited quickly.
Pet preparation. We’ve worked with anxious pets and varied temperaments, so we know how to get your pet ready to fly safely and comfortably.

A pet shipper won’t just help you navigate the process. They’ll do the bulk of the work for you.

Pro #1: Much Less Paperwork

Using a pet shipper eliminates most of your paperwork burden. They can handle flight schedules, vet requirements, and securing the necessary health documents. That includes complex import requirements and CDC regulations around travel from countries at high risk for rabies.

Pet shippers can also navigate individual airline regulations and coordinate logistics around your pet’s arrival and departure. Each airline works a little bit differently, and each origin and final destination point may have its own requirements to navigate.

Planning an international flight with your pet? We can help.

LEARN MORE

Doing all of the paperwork yourself can lead to significant delays. Omitting even one piece can mean your pet isn’t cleared to fly. Professional pet shippers help ensure a stress-free experience.

Pro #2: Your Pet Will Spend the Least Time Possible on a Plane

It can be hard to navigate your options when you’re looking at a screen of possible flight combinations. The goal of a pet shipper is to ensure that your pet is in the air on the best flight for them. That means fewer flights and shorter layovers.

For those traveling through LAX, we offer the opportunity for a relaxing rest stop at our boarding facility, Kennel Club LAX.

Pro #3: No Crate Concerns

Pet carriers and crates must be approved for air travel and compliant with International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. A professional pet shipper can provide you with IATA-compliant crates suitable for your pet’s size and breed or build a custom crate as needed.

Approved crates come with everything you need to get the airline’s OK and keep your pet safe, including relevant hardware, padding, and live animal stickers. We make sure every crate-related need is taken care of according to the individual airline’s standards.

Pro #4: We Take Care of Customs Clearance

Domestic pet travel is stressful enough, but international travelers have the added layer of country-specific import rules to navigate. A professional pet service can get your pet through customs without concerns about missing paperwork or steps along the way.

For those traveling to countries like Australia with quarantine rules, an international pet service makes sure you have everything you need to navigate that process.

If you’re arriving to the United States from a high-risk rabies country, you can’t navigate your pet’s arrival on your own. You’ll need to work with an approved Animal Care Facility (ACF). As one of only 7 such facilities in the US, travel into Los Angeles through our authorized boarding facility is even easier if you work with Tailwind Global Pet.

Pro #5: Door-to-Door Service

The right pet service can handle shipping from door to door so that you and your pet are reunited at your new home. You shouldn’t have to worry about things like flight schedules or finding the right animal transportation to accommodate your pet at the end of a long day.

We can offer white-glove service around the world in which your pet is picked up from your home and delivered to your destination by trusted, pet-loving team members.

Planning pet travel in North America? From the US to Canada to more complex routes through Mexico and Hawaii, we can support your pet relocation from pick-up to drop-off.

LEARN MORE

Con: Increased Travel Costs

Working with a professional pet shipper is more expensive than completing the process on your own. That said, issues like flight delays, incomplete paperwork, and non-compliant crates can cause you to spend more money (and time!) to fix them than professional pet shipping fees.

Your stress and time saved are both things you can’t put a price on, especially when you’re already juggling a move, transfer, or long-term travel. A professional pet shipper will get it right the first time.

Pet Transport: From Quote to Arrival

At Tailwind Global Pet, we’re with pet owners every step of the way. Here’s what that looks like:

Initial Quote Request: Our plan for your pet depends on your plans. We put together a detailed, individualized quote based on your and your pet’s needs.
Personalized Consultation: We plan a Zoom meeting or phone call to get into the details of your travel plans and any special accommodations your pet may need.
Preparation and Paperwork: We double-check that every form is filled out accurately and completely, compliant crates are supplied, and country-specific regulations are followed.
The Travel Day: You’re in the know for the entirety of your pet’s journey with frequent texts and emails. The well-being of your pet and your peace of mind are our top priorities.

FAQs

Requirements can vary by airline and destination. Generally, airlines require an IATA-approved crate, microchip information, and an endorsed health certificate from an official government vet with proof of rabies vaccine. This includes service animals and emotional support animals. Some airlines may require additional vaccinations or limit pets by breed or size.

If your flight itinerary involves several connections, it is actually safer for your pet to travel independently on a separate flight. This goes for small dogs who may technically be allowed to travel as carry-on with you on the plane. Shorter flight times are ideal.

The cargo hold on all flights is climate-controlled and pressurized. Airlines also limit pet travel during extreme temperature months.

Expect limited options if ground temperatures fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Some airlines waive those restrictions with a written letter from a licensed vet. If the temperature falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit during expected travel, your pet won’t be able to travel.

It’s very unlikely you’ll be able to fly with your pet if forecasted temperatures are above 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any location on your itinerary. That may mean limited pet-friendly flights during the summer months.

It’s stressful to think about your pet in cargo, but airline requirements exist to keep your pet safe. Using an airline-approved crate, ensuring they’re up-to-date on vaccinations, and choosing an itinerary that minimizes their flight time are all important to keeping pets safe. You should also avoid sedating your pet, as sedation poses a lot of health risks for them. A pet shipper can help you with acclimating your pet to potential stressors and crate travel.

Why Choose Tailwind Global Pet?

We’ve worked with thousands of pet owners transporting pets to hundreds of destinations around the world. That includes snub-nosed breeds like pugs, anxious pets, and large breeds. We’re not here just to simplify the process. We’re here to relieve stress around moving your pet.

Ready to get started? To get an idea of what your pet’s travel could look like and the costs involved, fill out a quote request.

GET A QUOTE

Why You Need A Pet Transport Service To Fly Your Pet