Starwood Animal Transportation Services

How it works:

We need one to six weeks notice (depending upon the nature of your move) to arrange your pet's travel. Pets are usually picked up the day before the movers arrive to pack.  We can arrange to have your pet's flight met by a transportation  professional and make either boarding or direct delivery arrangements at the destination.

Documentation:

Your pet(s) will need a original health certificate issued by a licensed Veterinarian, which is under ten days old at time of travel. We also need proof of rabies vaccination.  The rabies vaccination needs to be less than one year old.  For International travel the rabies must be at least 30 days old and under one year. The Health Certificate must be an International Health Certificate.  International travel often requires Import Permits, reservation at quarantine kennels, and other special documentation that can take up to 6 weeks or more to obtain.

Flight Crates:

Having a proper size kennel is a shipping requirement. Your pet(s) MUST be able to to stand up without their head touching the top of the carrier, sit down, and turn around comfortably in the carrier.  This means, when the pet is outside the carrier, he should not be taller or longer than the carrier.  The carrier should not be too large either.  Starwood Animal Transportation Services has all size sky kennels at competitive prices.  These crates are specially designed for air travel.  They are ventilated on the rear wall and also have protectors around the door pins to prevent the doors from accidentally opening.  If you choose to purchase your carrier elsewhere, please size your pet carefully and choose a sturdy and secure crate.  Carriers for International flights must have ventilation on all four sides.  We reserve the right to refuse to ship pets in inadequate carriers.

Weather Embargoes:

Fortunately the Airlines will not let pets fly if it is too hot or cold for safe transport.  Weather restrictions are seasonal and may apply to any city. Weather restrictions are updates on a daily basis.  This means your pet many not be able to fly on the day you have chosen and may have to travel when it is not necessarily convenient for you. Weather restrictions can also affect the cost of your shipment in regards to boarding fees or perhaps changing to another airline that offers special handling services, if your city has a general cargo restriction.

Shipper Restrictions:

Some airlines will only accept Live Animal shipments from Professional Shippers.  Some airlines will not accept pets as excess baggage traveling with their owner. This is usually seasonal-check with your airline.  Most airlines, however, are willing to ship through their cargo shipping office via a professional pet shipper even though they are restricting pets as excess baggage.

Boarding:

If  you require boarding services, we can board you pet(s) until you are ready to have us ship them to you.  We are happy to pick up your pet from home, a relative, a favorite veterinarian or boarding kennel should you need some time to relocate.

Cancelled Flights:

 If  your pet(s) flight is canceled, we will pick up the pet(s) and ship them to you on the next possible flight. We will contact you and/or the consignee to make new travel arrangements. This is a very rare occurrence.

Tranquilizers:

Generally, we do not ship tranquilized pets. If you feel your pet is the exception, please ask to see additional information we have available.