Pet Shipping Tips for Responsible Pet Owners Month

DALLAS - Feb. 8, 2016 - PRLog -- 08FEB2016 — AirVets Pet Relocation, a member of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (http://www.ipata.org), the nonprofit association dedicated to the care and welfare of pets and animals during transport, is commemorating Responsible Pet Owners Month by offering tips on how to prepare your pet for travel.

Over 2 million pets and other live animals are transported by air every year in the United States. More than 4 million worldwide, according to IPATA.

Whether traveling a short distance or across the world, it has never been more safe to take your pet with you. Responsible pet owners should:

• Acclimate your pet to the kennel in which it will be transported.
• Not give your pet solid food in the six hours prior to the flight, although a moderate amount of water and a walk before and after the flight are advised.
• Never sedate your pet!
• Write your name, address and phone number on the kennel, and make sure your pet is wearing a tag with the same information.
• Consider hiring a professional pet shipper, like AirVets Pet Relocation (http://www.airvets.com)so your pet has a stress free trip, which will make your travel a little easier.

Tip from Dr. David Landers, DVM, AirVets Pet Relocation (http://www.airvets.com):

Pet owners should work directly with a professional pet shipper regarding health certificates. From the United States, health certificates for domestic travel, Mexico and Canada can be done up to the day of the move.  For most international destinations, 7 days before travel is a good time to do health certificates to accommodate endorsement times and changes in travel schedules.  However, this varies by country and some must be done within a few days.  Many countries require a lot of preparation before a health certificate can be written that may take up to 6 or 7 months, so pet owners should consult with a pet relocation company for advice on time lines.

"Your pet is a member of the family and you want to make sure they have a safe, comfortable travel experience,” says IPATA President Derek Huntington.  “That’s our top priority as well!”

About AirVets Pet Relocation AirVets specializes in relocating pets across the country or around the world. When you are moving to a new place you don't need the stress of making sure your pets get there safely. Requirements to move an animal into another country can require meeting a lot of regulations, specific tests and vaccinations, and very specific forms completed accurately. Let us help you by assuring that this process is done right and done efficiently.