Pet Transportation FAQs

Make your pet's travel experience a happy and safe one.

Q. Can I arrange for my own pet transportation needs?

A. Absolutely. Domestic pet travel is less complicated than international pet travel. Using a professional pet relocation company is not necessarily the least expensive way to ship your pets but it provides you with the most peace of mind. A pet relocation specialist such as Life Unleashed will assist you with all logistics and make your pet transportation stress-free. International travel arrangements are oftentimes difficult and a simple careless mistake can result in the hold your pet in quarantine longer than necessary. So, when possible, it is highly suggested to use a professional pet transportation service such as Life Unleashed.

Q. What do I need to know to arrange for my pet transportation with Life Unleashed?

A. General questions you'll need to answer before making your pet travel arrangements are:

• Will your pet be traveling domestically or internationally?
• When does your pet need to depart and arrive?
• What is the breed, size, and weight of your pet?
• How many pets are traveling?
• Will you or someone else accompany your pet?
• Where is your pet's final destination?
• Do you have an approved travel crate for your pet travel?
• Is your pet crate trained?

Q. How far in advance should I contact you for my pet transportation needs?

A. In regards to domestic travel we recommend nothing later than seven days prior to your date of travel. It is best to plan ahead and the more time allowed, the better. For international pet moving, it is recommended to allow at least 3-6 months to arrange for blood work, inoculations and medical records. Be sure to contact us as soon as you realize the need for our services. We can assist you with all aspects of your pet transportation needs.

Q. How can I prepare my pet for travel?

A. Make sure your pet is comfortable with their travel crate to be used for the transportation. If not, you will need to get them comfortable in their kennel. We suggest putting treats in the kennel to entice them to enter. Then, gradually progress to leaving your pet in the crate for short periods of time. This helps eliminate the chance of separation anxiety and ensures a comfortable move for your pet.

Q. How much will it cost for my pet transportation service?

A. The easiest way to acquire a price quote is to fill in our online Price Request Quote Form or go to our Pricing page for an overview of what we charge for our services. Airline shipping charges are based on the dimensions of the kennel required for your pet, along with their weight and destination. The more thorough information you provide initially, the more accurate your quote will be. There is no obligation or fee to do so. After we receive your form, we will review your information and contact you to discuss your pet travel needs.

Q. Can I use my own kennel for pet travel through Life Unleashed?

A. Yes provided it is an approved travel crate that meets all the standards and requirements. Based on the size of your pet, we can recommend the needed size kennel - which can then be purchased at a local pet store or we can supply one for you. The web site petmate.com
is also a good resource. Your crate may not be the collapsible type. Remember to make sure that your crate is airline approved!

Q. What size travel crate will I need?

A. The Animal Welfare Act states that the crate must be large enough for a pet to stand up turn around completely and lie down in a normal position. Animal Transporters will assist you with selecting the proper kennel size for your pet's travel. We will also recommend training tips help your pet adjust to the kennel, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey. Please refer to the section on our site that discusses crates.

Q. Can I put two pets in the same crate to travel together?

A. No, for safety purposes it is mandatory that each pet must travel in his or her own separate crate.

Q. What kind of animals will your company arrange for pet transportation?

A. We currently specialize in transporting dogs and cats. Contact us directly for transporting birds and other small pets. We can accommodate most any type of domestic pet relocation need.

Q. Do you provide pet moving by ground or air?

A. Both. We provide domestic ground transportation anywhere within the West. Air pet transportation can be arranged for anywhere in the world.

Q. Can I arrange to fly on the same airline flight as my pet?

A. Yes, but you must arrange for your own personal airline tickets directly with the airline. We cannot guarantee seat availability aboard the flight.

Q. What should I ship with my pet for air travel?

A. A small plastic bag with food may be taped to the outside top of the crate. All other supplies will need to be shipped separately from your pet according to airline rules.

Q. What should I ship with my pet for ground travel?

A. Throughout the trip we provide professional care and attention to the pet(s), some may require special medical attention or requirements We realize that customized travel needs, food and special bedding may be necessary for a safe and secure journey. We want to insure that we are best able to accommodate their needs.

Q.What should you pack with your traveling pets?

A. Make sure you have the necessary documents such as your pet's complete health record, proof of Bordetella shot, proof of all vaccinations and that they are current, rabies, and enough pet food for the trip, bagged & labeled with your pet's name. Make sure you also include and necessary medications with detailed instructions

We will supply the leash for exercising your pet. We require all pets to wear a properly fitted collar or harness. The collar or harness must include ID for the pet. If your pet has a favorite toy or blanket pack that along for the journey as well.

Q. Is it really safe to transport my pet by airplane?

A. Yes. With proper preparation and safety precautions, the transportation of your pet by air can be safer than driving a long distance.

Q. Where will my pet be located when in the airplane?

A. All pets flown as cargo or excess baggage are placed in the cargo hold of the plane. This pressurized area is heated and cooled, ensuring the comfort of your pet. Rest assured your pet breaths the same air as the passengers seated in the cabin on the plane.

Q. Are sedatives used in pet transportation?

A. DO NOT USE SEDATIVES. Sedatives suppress the respiratory system of the pets, which may cause disorientation. Many airlines do not accept a pet if it is sedated and neither will Life Unleashed.

Have another question? Just ask us and we would be happy to discuss it with you. Let Life Unleashed make your pet relocation experience a happy, stress-free, and safe one!