Pet Shipping & Transportation Regulation & Standards -  Consumers Beware

Understand Pet Transportation regulation. USDA-APHIS does not regulate the care of your pet beyond the basic care of having water occasionally or size of crate if it is to be used. Compliance to USDA-APHIS is an important minimum regulation for your pet's transportation. On the other hand, IPATA is a paid-for trade association and NOT a regulating body. Do not be confused to think that membership in trade associations protect consumers and their pets. IPATA (International Trade Association of Animal Handlers) or "Pets on the Go" are two advertising and/or trade associations. Joining is fee based and they are not empowered or set any standards to govern pet transportation companies.

 

The best pet transportation company has set it's own standards. They should be able to tell you THEIR standards, experience over several years and have the systems and professional staffing to back it up. This is why it is always recommended to check any business thoroughly that you are going to trust your pet's care to. 

Economy Woes - New Companies for Pet Transportation "Easy Money"

With the current economy resulting in many job losses, many people are thinking pet transportation is "Easy Money" so they are starting new companies or expanding to offer this service. Many believe their experience of having a dog or cat qualifies them as a Professional Pet Transportation company. They may use one of their own cars or contract shipping out with other friends/families so your dog or cat may be shuttled between vehicles/people during the trip. With the reduction in consumer travel, even typical Pet Bulk Hauling companies now advertise they offer the experience of "Private Pet Transportation". Many have great looking websites and will put on these sites what you want to hear. But buyer beware and be sure to do your homework. Any company you are considering understand their knowledge and training, ask for proof of insurance and talk to references they have previously moved. If they can move your pet(s) for a price that barely covers the cost for gas for the trip, be suspicious. Professional staff and well maintained vehicles cost money but are required for the proper care of your pets.

Pet Transportation - Insurance and Bonding

There is also no requirement for pet moving companies to carry insurance or employee surety bond. Companies will often advertise they are Insured. When you dig further, you may find they do not carry company insurance but that you can buy a policy separately. Many also do not Surety Bond their employees because they are contracting out your pet's travel to other people they may not even govern. As with every service, it is recommended to request a copy verifying company insurance. If a company wants you to pay for insurance, you have to wonder why the company would not have a full coverage company insurance.

 

It is customary for pet transport services to require some sort of deposit. It is recommended to all consumers that you receive something in writing confirming your expected services from the pet moving company prior to making ANY PAYMENT. The document you receive from them should be completed for your particular move. Information on it should include mailing address, working phone number, description of services, confirmation of your expected date/time, number of pets. We schedule at least one pet move every week for a loving pet owner that had given money to a moving service that never came to get the pets. We love what we do here at Royal Paws, but whether you use our service or one of the others, just do your homework. Your pets are relying on you.

 

Read "Pet Transportation Evolution" and "How To Pick A Pet Moving Service"

Humane Society of US "Keep their Pets on the Ground"

Airline Pet Travel Reported Risks

Many animals die, become lost, or get injured during flights every year. The animal-related incidents that were reported for the airlines between May 2005 and May 2006 are 28 pet deaths, 22 injuries, 6 losses for total 56 incidents.

January 2008 Airline Pet Travel Report

Airline Pet Travel Report on the loss, injury, and death of pets during air travel for November, 2007. This report contains 4 pet losses, 4 pet injuries, and 2 pet deaths.

The Humane Society of the United States recommends that you do not transport your pet by air. Based on reports from pet owners, when flying cargo animals continue to be killed, injured, or lost on commercial flights each year. Our pets can face risks including excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation, scarcity of oxygen and rough handling when flown in the "cargo" area of a plane.  Some percentage of pets will suffer ill effects from the physical and/or emotional stresses experienced in an accelerating aircraft, particularly older animals and those with pre-existing conditions. 

Ground Taxi Taking Multi Pets or Extended Travel Time Risks

When mixing pets in crates over extended time increases the risk to the animals. Fear aggression, extended travel time, infrequent bathroom and feeding schedules all contribute to pet anxiety. As with any exposure to other pets, there are increases risks of illness (kennel cough, gastrointestinal upset, parvo, etc) or injury (bites, scratches, bladder infections, dehydration, etc).  The risks of such illnesses are exponentially increased for dog or cats that are older, senior, immune diminished, young (puppy, kitten) or recovering from illness/surgery.