The Dos and Donts of Transporting Your Dog

Alex Judge, a business development associate from uship.com was kind enough to write this article for us about transporting your dog.  Fortunately, I was born two hours north of where my human’s live, so I have only traveled in a car.

Shadow the Alpha Dog

The Dos and Donts of Transporting Your Dog

That time has come: you need to move, and you don’t know exactly how to get your dog to your new home. Or perhaps you’re sending him to a friend or family member. No matter what the circumstances, if you can’t take him yourself, getting your dog to his new home takes extra care and preparation. Follow these steps to make sure your furry best friend makes it home safe and happy.

DO choose the right travel kennel. When choosing a good kennel, three factors must be weighed: materials, size and features. If your dog is traveling by car, a soft material is appropriate. If he is flying however, you must get a plastic or metal kennel. The kennel should also be large enough for your dog to sit, stand, lie down and turn around comfortably. Additional features such as removable wheels and multiple handles and latches are also a good idea.

DON’T assume your transporter will know how to take care of your specific dog. If he has any specific needs (medicine, food, exercise), make sure to talk with your chosen shipper. While this may not be as important on quick trips, a cross-country trek may take several days and your dog will need the utmost care.

DO have your dog checked on at the vet before the trip. Along with the necessary food, water, tags and toys, your transporter should have your dogs health and vaccination records on him at all times. This is especially important if you are sending your dog overseas. Customs regulations require these records, and a quarantine period may be required even if all certificates are up to date.

DON’T transport your dog if he is sick, injured or under 8 weeks old. Additionally, elderly and aggressive dogs should not be transporter. If your dog falls into any of these categories, the length and stress of a long trip might put him and others at risk. It is also important to note that certain breeds (such as Pugs, Bulldogs and others) are not usually allowed to fly. These breeds, along with others, may have a hard time breathing in the uncompressed cargo hold of a plane, and therefore are not fit to fly.

DO research and plan ahead of time. While the timing of your dog’s transport may be tied in with your move or other events, it is necessary to prepare accordingly to ensure his safety. If you are sending your dog by car, make sure to include all his supplies and certificates while also keeping in touch with the driver throughout the trip. If you choose to send your dog by air, contact the airline and arrange a time hours before the flight to meet and discuss the trip. Also, as mentioned before, there are additional procedures and regulations involved in sending an animal internationally. Contact the destination country and clear up any medical and paperwork hurdles to ensure everything goes smoothly.

And finally, DO check your transporter’s credentials, reviews and licenses. On websites such as uShip and uShip UK, it is easy to compare different transporters by their ratings and quotes. Before you decide on whom to hire, double-check their DOT and MC license numbers, as well as their insurance policies. Make sure to contact them before any agreement is made. Simply talking to and gaining an understanding of a courier’s experience and attitude towards dogs can go a long way in whether or not you trust them with your best friend.