- How does it work?
- I’ve never done this before.
- What happens to my pet during the process?
- Where do I begin?
If these questions sound familiar, please read through our step by step processes for a better understanding and an insight to the business of International Pet Transport. This is what we do, our business is your pets complete comfort and wellbeing. Pet Carriers offer first class service for your beloved furry family members.
We understand that a little special attention and personalised service goes a long way in what can potentially be a stressful time for yourself and your pet.
The Collection
Collection day is generally the day before flight departure,. Your pet will be collected from your residence by one of our friendly drivers in the Pet Carriers van. Our drivers are experienced in handling many different pets with all different personalities. Please don’t worry if you have a nervous pet, we will be able to calm him or her move the pet from house to van as safely as possible. Our driver will collect any relevant original vaccination cards or records relevant to the country of Import. They will also collect any bedding/toys or special food should your pet have any dietary requirements.
Final veterinary health check
Your pet will have a scheduled veterinary health check on the day of collection. This health check is to ensure your pet is free of any diseases and fit and healthy to travel by air the following day. The veterinary consult usually takes no more than 15 minutes. After the veterinary health check, your pet is delivered back to our facililties for overnight boarding.
Overnight boarding
We have proper boarding facilities at all major ports in Australia. We offer large runs for all dogs and a special enclosed cat room away from the potential noise of barking dogs.
Walks and play time
Whilst boarding with us, dogs are taken for a minimum of 2 walks per day. If time and weather permits, we like to take them more than twice. It is not uncommon for your dog to be taken to a special dog park or reserve to exert all of their energy pre flight. Cats have a chance to stretch their legs outside of their sleeping enclosure inside the cat room. We have lots of scratching posts and climbing bars.
Pre-flight preparations
After your pet has had a health check at the vet and settled in at our facilities, we will arrange collection of the export paperwork from Australian quarantine and airline documents relevant to the export. Your pets travelling crate will be prepared and made comfortable for the journey.
Inside your pets travelling crate
Inside your pets travelling crate we will provide newspaper and stay dry matting. If you have given our driver a special blanket or bedding for your pet, we will ensure this is included for ultimate comfort. All travelling crates are fitted with a water container. This can be topped up from the outside at any transit port and at the destination without having to open the door.
Day of flight departure
It’s usually very sad goodbye pats and cuddles given as your pet is loaded into the pet carriers van to be taken to the airport. We are required to arrive 3 hours prior to flight departure at the designated cargo agent at the International airport.
At the airport
It’s another teary goodbye as we fill the water container and ensure your pet is comfortable and relaxed inside his/her travelling crate. From here the door is sealed shut with cable ties until your pet reaches their destination. The cargo handling agents will collect your pet in his/her travelling crate from the Pet Carriers van and load the travelling crate onto a forklift.
Behind the scenes
From here on, your pet is released from pet carriers and will be in the trusted hands of the specialist ground crew. Your pet will be taken ‘behind the scenes’ for x-rays, document processing and loading on to the aircraft. If we experience any hot weather, pets are taken inside the air conditioned cargo offices until the absolute last minute
On board the plane
When your pet is loaded onto the aircraft, the travelling crate is secured in an area designated for live animals, away from the other baggage and cargo. The travelling crate is strapped down individually with netting so that no movement occurs during flight take-off and landing. The bulk hold is pressurised and temperature controlled. It is also dimly lit.
Comfort stops and transits
On some journeys, pets may be required to transit through a different country. They may swap planes or remain on the same aircraft while it refuels. If your pet’s transit is for an extended period, we can arrange for our representatives to provide a comfort stop. Your pets are offered the chance to come out of their travelling crates for a walk. Their crate is cleaned up and their water is refilled.
Arrival at the destination airport
Similar to the same processes at the departure airport, your pet will be offloaded the plane and will carry out these procedures in reverse. Pet carriers will supply you will details for collecting your pet at the destination airport. We often provide home delivery where our agents can arrange this collection on your behalf and deliver to your residence.