Frequently Asked Questions

Pets with snub-noses (also known as brachycephalic) can often travel safely, but it's important to know that snub-nosed pets such as Pugs, Boston Terriers and English Bulldogs are more likely to experience breathing issues and overheating during travel. Many airlines restrict these breeds from travel due to the liability associated with these breeds. If your pet can not travel in cabin, some airlines will still accept these breeds when shipped as "manifested cargo" which can be tracked and is handled by trained pet care agents throughout their journey.

The airlines that do accept these breeds will restrict travel to temperatures no higher than 80 degrees to minimize the risk of heat exhaustion. Since snub-nosed pets are susceptible to increased risk of heat stroke and breathing problems when exposed to stress or heat, planning the travel during the cooler months is recommended.

A larger kennel size than normal is required as well to increase air flow throughout the crate. We also recommend crate training to allow your pet to become acclimated to the crate in advance to minimize any additional stress associated with travel.

Click HERE to read more tips about CRATE ACCLIMATION.

Have a conversation with your veterinarian. Your vet can evaluate your pet and discuss the risk associated with travel. Snub-nosed pets struggle to get air in to their lungs. In snub-nosed dogs, especially, the chronic elevated airway pressures over years can result in cardiac & lung disease. All older snub pets should have detailed investigation of cardio-respiratory system before flying. Recommended that the owner consult with their veterinarian thoroughly to assess the pet (especially identify any heart or respiratory issues in older snubs). Ultimately the Vet has the responsibility to certify an animal "fit to fly", likewise to warn the owner not to ship if significant risks exist.

BRACHYCEPHALIC BREEDS

• Affenpinscher

• American Bulldog

• Boston Terrier

• Boxer Brussels

• Griffon

• Bulldog

• Bullmastiff

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Chow Chow

• Dogo Argentino

• Dogue de Bordeaux

• French Bulldog

• Japanese Chin

• Lhasa Apso

• Pekingese

• Pug

• Shar-Pei

• Shih Tzu

• Tibetan Spaniel

• Persian

• Himalayan

• Exotic Shorthair

We are certified BOAS Pet Shippers. BOAS is an umbrella term for a group of anatomical abnormalities leading to obstruction and narrowing of the airways characterized narrow nasal openings, elongated soft palate, thick, fleshy tongue, larynx (voice box) abnormalities and narrowed windpipe.The IPATA Research and Development (R&D) Task Force has developed the Brachycephalic Fit-To-Fly Assessment - created to individually assess the general health and grade the animal for its respiratory function (BOAS assessment).Those animals identified with severe respiratory compromise are considered unfit to fly. The Fit-To-Fly Assessment supports the widely held view that there are specific “high risk” brachycephalic breeds; All Bulldogs (French, English, American, Australian) Pugs and Boston Terriers that warrant a higher degree of scrutiny compared to other snub-nosed breeds.The BOAS Certification Program has been developed to achieve consistency regarding veterinary assessments, and to ensure all those involved in the process understand the importance of identifying those (few) animals that should not fly.

Many of our clients are large breeds such as the Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Saint Bernard, Anatolian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog and Leonberger to name a few. These breeds often require a custom crate due to their length and height. We offer these crates and build these custom size for each pet we relocate. We add large bowls for water since it's extra important for these larger breed dogs to stay hydrated. Some airlines such as All Nippon require a metal crate for certain breeds such as German Shepherd and Great Dane. We recommend purchasing these crates from a vendor such as Impact Crates. 

Measuring your pet with accuracy is very important in determining the proper crate size for your dog. You can view the measuring guidelines HERE. Accommodating these custom crates on some flights can be an issue so it's important to check with you Pet Relocation Specialist to discuss the routing and options based on the crate size. Some breeds have airline and country restrictions.

Fighting Breeds

Some breeds fall in to the "fighting breed" category such as Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler etc.

These breeds are restricted on some airlines and on other airlines, they are accepted but must have a reinforced CR82 crate.

Some of the fighting breeds are banned in some countries. Please view lists below:

BANNED BREEDS IN GERMANY

Not all dog breeds are allowed in this country. You may not be able to bring your pet if they are one of the following breeds (or a mix of one. Certain states in Germany will allow these breeds if they have authorization from town hall and are subject to a temperament test.

• Pit Bull Terrier
•  American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Bull Terrier
• Rottweiler (not banned, but subject to a viciousness test)

Export and transit are not affected by this ban.

BANNED BREEDS IN ITALY

Not all dog breeds are allowed in this country. You may not be able to bring your pet if they are one of the following breeds (or a mix of one):

• Rottweilers and Doberman Pinchers: Venice Only

Export and transit are not affected by this ban.

BANNED BREEDS IN FRANCE

Not all dog breeds are allowed in this country. You may not be able to bring your pet if they are one of the following breeds (or a mix of one)

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Boerboel
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Rottweiler

Export and transit are not affected by this ban

BANNED BREEDS IN SPAIN

Not all dog breeds are allowed in this country. You may not be able to bring your pet if they are one of the following breeds (or a mix of one):

• Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Dogo Argentino
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• English Bull Terrier
• Rottweiler
• Akita Inu
• ila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
• Tosa Inu

BANNED BREEDS IN SWITZERLAND

Not all dog breeds are allowed in this country. You may not be able to bring your pet if they are one of the following breeds (or a mix of one):

• Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• English Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Bull Terrier
• Breeds with docked tails require additional documentation

Export and transit are not affected by this ban.

MEET WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN TO PREPARE YOUR PET

VETERINARIAN CONSULTATION - We provide all of the required import and export documents to you and your vet tc meet the country import requirements. This is a non-negotiable part of our service to ensure your pets meet all airline and country requirements. We provide the required Fed Ex labels to facilitate the USDA endorsement.

TALK WITH YOUR PET RELOCATION SPECIALIST TO DISCUSS THE TRAVEL ITINERARY

CHECK IN SERVICES- Our agent will handle the check in services with the airline at the origin airport.

FLIGHT BOOKING & FREIGHT FEES - We make the necessary flight reservations and provide the necessary documentation to secure the airline reservation. We only ship using pet friendly airlines and we evaluate the best itinerary for your pet to ensure the most efficient routing.

FLIGHT TRACKING - We will track your pet's relocation from origin to destination and keep you updated throughout their journey.

LOGISTICS COORDINATION - We will arrange the travel itineraries needed and ensure that all parties involved are notified. In the event that changes occur due to the airline schedule, export requirements, or a client request, we do our best to accommodate your pet with a revised itinerary that best suits your needs and ensures their safety and comfort.

TRAVEL CRATE REQUIREMENTS

We provide you with all the information regarding the travel crate requirements to meet IATA and airline standards. We can also offer to supply these crates at cost and have them shipped directly to you prior to relocation to allow your pet time to become acclimated to his/her travel crate. Click HERE for a measuring guide

SEDATION FOR PETS TRAVELING BY AIR IS PROHIBITED AND DANGEROUS

Pet owners are always worried about shipping their pets and need reassurance that theirAll Services pet will be OK. If you have an anxious pet, you might be tempted to ask your vet for sedatives or tranquilizers for the travel. Many veterinarians will prescribe these medications, unaware that this is against the airline regulations. Here's why...

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMA), air transport of sedated pets may be fatal. Some animals have adverse reactions to sedatives. Also sedatives effect that animal's natural ability to stabilize, balance and maintain equilibrium. When a kennel is moved, the sedated animal may not have the ability to balance and brace to prevent possible injury. The increased altitude can also create respiratory and cardiovascular for dogs and cats that are sedated. Brachycephalic breeds are especially susceptible to the affects of sedatives. An alternative to sedatives is to acclimate your pet to their crate in advance. Please click here for some tips on crate training.

Once your pet is checked in with the airline, the airline staff will place your pet in a special waiting area in preparation for transport to the aircraft. Pets are the last to be loaded on the aircraft to minimize their time and wait on the tarmac. Once on the flight, your pet will travel in a climate controlled pressurized cargo hold of the aircraft. One the flight arrives, your pet is the first to be offloaded and transported to the cargo facility. If your pet has a connection, the staff at the animal hotel will care for your pet until their connecting flight. If this is your pet's final destination, the customs clearance process will begin and you will be notified regarding the timing of the collection or delivery of your pet.

Regarding pet transport, safety is always the top concern for you and us. Shipping your pet as "manifested cargo" is the safest travel option and is the only option for snubbed-nosed pets. Pets traveling with "Pet Safe airlines as manifested cargo are handled by employees specifically trained to handle live animals and ensure the safe transport of pets. The pets are given priority, transported in climate-controlled vehicles to and from the aircraft, and loaded last on, first off and limited time on the tarmac during this process.

We ensure that every necessary precaution is taken to keep your pet safe and well during their travels. We only work with pet-friendly airlines that have dedicated live animal programs in which pets are transported in temperature-controlled vehicles, and the cargo hold is climate controlled and pressurized. To learn more about the difference in booking your pet as manifested cargo with us versus shipping your pet as excess baggage, click here.

Every airline has to abide by a set of regulations and standards with pet travel which include minimum connection times and traveling only on pet friendly aircraft. We will also use freighters for certain pet shipping itineraries which are freight only aircraft with no passengers. We will discuss options with you to determine the best routing and itinerary for your pet and if your itinerary allows you to book the same flights.

Start by submitting a quote request through our website. Providing as much information as possible is helpful for us to provide a more accurate quote. We recommend starting this process as far in advance as possible to allow time to confirm your pet meets all country import requirements and make flight reservations.

Many moving pieces and varying costs are involved when transporting your pet internationally. Due to all the variables, we can provide an estimated quote when you submit a request through our website. To view a list of some of the variables and factors that contribute to the cost, please click here.

If vou'd like a customized travel quotation, please request a quote.

If you are working with a legitimate breeder and need assistance shipping your puppy internationally, the minimum age to ship is 16 weeks. Although some countries will allow pets to ship prior to this age, we believe that puppies at at least 16 weeks age are properly vaccinated and stronger to handle the travel. We will help provide all necessary documentation for international relocation to meet the importing country requirements and the airline regulations.

Separating a puppy from their mother too early can have lasting negative effects, so above all, keep your dog's safety in mind and follow the advice of your vet before rushing into any travel plans.

What is the cost involved in shipping a puppy?

Pet shipping costs are determined based on many factors, such as the size of the pet, origin, destination and services needed.

Here are a few of the services offered that factor in to the overall costs:

• Travel Crate
• Airline Freight Fees
• Transportation to and from the airport
• Vet Services
• International health documents and import permits
• Government endorsements
• Customs fees
• Quarantine fees

To request a quote, please click here. REQUEST A QUOTE

BE AWARE OF PET SCAMS!

We specialize in the International Relocation of pets. We work with a few select breeders, but most of our business is from families with existing pets. If you are interested in purchasing a puppy, please be aware of RED FLAGS!