Pets as Cargo

[nn27]

Has anyone had any experience with sending your pets as cargo? I will have to send my dog from Toronto, Canada, and he is over the limit to be in excess baggage, so my only choice is cargo. Therefore I will not be able to travel with him, and it worries me a bit...

I'd love to hear what anyone experiences were,

Thanks!

[carolynW]

Our 3 dogs are well travelled australia-singapore-tokyo-taipei-joburg- kl -singapore.

I have found most agents to be very caring and responsible but since the dogs can't talk, I don't really know how they really feel. Since Singapore requires quarantine from certain countries, I don't think you can take them into the cabin even if they are small enough. If its a jack russell, apparently SIA bans them from their aircraft and you will have to find another airline.

Our big dog is quite nervous so we gave him a natural substance sedative, again can't tell you if it works. So far they have survived all trips and if I could I would not put them through that stress.

Preparing them tho, we put their travel cage inside the house (they stay indoors) to get them used to it, pad it with their bedding and throw in an old shirt of ours.

This trip they sensed something and seemed to want to get going so when they were loaded into their boxes, they went in happily.

[loml]

Hi, not sure if I'm too late for this thread. I brought my papillon back from Toronto, Canada as well just last year. In fact, I brought her over to Toronto and then I brought her back with me. Both times in the cargo of the plane.

She is fine and healthy now. But I must say it's a traumatic experience for the dogs. So make sure you see her right after she landed at the Quarantine Centre to assure her you are still around.

Also, try to book shorter flights so that she doesn't have to endure the long hours being in a dark place all by herself as not all airlines have pets travelling with them all the time.

Hope that was helpful.

[nn27]

Maybe I was a little unclear, there is a difference between excess baggage and cargo. Excess baggage is when the animal flys with you in the cargo area of the plane. Unfortunately, there is a limit, and my dog needs a size 7 skykennel, which is not allowed. He has to travel as cargo - meaning on a specifically cargo plane (no passengers). Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks,
nn

[morenangpinay]

u might wanna get an advice from the vet they can give u tips its best to be prepared.i think its very stressful already for them to be traveling.

[tomcat1]

Im looking into cargo as well since it seems its very tricky with the airlines with all the connecting flights and how they change carriers,etc.
But I cant find the air cargo companies that do this, only the pet movers which cost a ton of money.
It sucks that I'm spending more time on trying to get my cat over there instead of worrying/preparing about other things.

[guitarnoise]

On one of my moves I couldn't take my cats on the same flight as me. I had to send them the day before via another airline and another country.

I'd say no problems, especially if you're using reputable shipping agents. The worries are certainly greater than the likelihood of any mishap. The way my move worked I arrived a few hours after my pets and visited them in the cargo terminal right away.

I don't really understand why most people are so keen to be on the same flight as their pets. Being locked in a cage and shuffled around by strange handlers is going to be quite an experience for the pets no matter. Being there to share the unpleasantness hardly makes the trip any easier on the animal. I actually prefer to ship my pets by cargo now. It makes the move so much easier on me.

Animals have fairly short term memories, once the whole thing is over they'll completely forget it ever happened. Until they see you bringing out the cage again....

[tomcat1]

how do you find these shipping agents. are they pet movers or cargo companies? I found the pet movers really expensive, to basically just drop the animal off at the airport.
and how much did it end up costing you to ship them separately?
it also seems like you moved them a few times, this is my first time- and i do want to be there on the same plane at least this time, but if the costs arent too bad I wouldnt mind a reputable company doing it, but I just cant afford it from what I've seen.

[guitarnoise]

Every move is different because you're dealing with different airports, countries and personnel. I've moved my pets myself, with movers, and with pet movers. You can find movers through asking vets, calling the airport or visiting logistics companies websites.

A lot of movers/logistics companies will say on their websites if they offer pet moving service as well. In my experience pet movers do the best work.

The thing about the cost is, you only worry about the money before you spend it. Once you've spent the money you won't think about it anymore. There's no buyer's remorse knowing you did something that's going to get your pet there safely.

It's possible to do everything yourself in most countries. It was the cheapest way but I found it to be the most worrying. There was always the doubt that I didn't do something right or missed something important. Although very expensive, pet movers are really selling peace of mind. If the rest of your move is going to be relatively straightforward and simple, you can pull it all off on your own.