Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about our premium pet transportation services

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Tracking & Updates

How do I track my pet's current location?

We offer two convenient tracking methods:

Airway Bill Tracking: Use your airline waybill number for flight status and location updates
GPS Device Tracking: Real-time location tracking through our internal GPS monitoring devices with updates every 2-3 seconds

Access our tracking system through the "Track My Pet" button on our website or contact our support team.

Can I get updates during my pet's journey?

Absolutely! We provide comprehensive journey updates including:

Departure and arrival confirmations
Real-time location updates every few hours
Health and comfort checks at each stop
SMS and email notifications for major milestones
24/7 access to our customer support team

Our premium service includes photo updates when possible to give you peace of mind throughout the journey.

Can I track multiple pets on one booking?

Yes! Our system supports multi-pet tracking for families traveling with multiple companions. Each pet receives an individual tracking ID, but you can view all pets from a single dashboard. This is especially convenient for military families or those relocating with multiple pets.

Can I track my pet in real-time?

Yes, through our GPS device tracking system. Our advanced tracking technology provides location updates every 2-3 seconds with unlimited global range. The system also monitors your pet's health metrics including heart rate, respiratory rate, and activity levels during transport.

Requirements & Documentation

What documents are required for international transport?

International transport requires several key documents:

Veterinary Health Certificate: Issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel
USDA APHIS Endorsement: Processed electronically through the VEHCS system
Vaccination Records: Including rabies vaccination (timing varies by destination)
Microchip Certification: ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip required before rabies vaccination
Import Permits: Required by certain destination countries

Our team handles all documentation to ensure compliance with international regulations.

What vaccinations does my pet need?

Vaccination requirements vary by destination, but typically include:

Rabies: Mandatory for most international destinations
DHPP (Dogs): Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza
FVRCP (Cats): Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia
Special treatments: Tapeworm treatment for Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland

All vaccinations must be current and administered by a licensed veterinarian. We provide a detailed vaccination schedule based on your destination.

Do you provide crates for transport?

You will need to provide your own IATA-approved transport crate for your pet's journey. We provide detailed guidance on:

Proper sizing: How to measure your pet and calculate correct crate dimensions
Where to purchase: Recommended retailers and suppliers
IATA requirements: What specifications to look for when shopping
Preparation tips: How to acclimate your pet and prepare the crate

Do you handle exotic pets or just dogs and cats?

While we specialize in dogs and cats, we do handle select exotic pets including birds, rabbits, and small reptiles. Each exotic pet transport requires special permits and custom planning. Contact us for a consultation about your specific pet's needs, as requirements vary significantly by species and destination.

What if my pet has special medical needs?

We specialize in special needs pet transport with:

Medical transport services: Climate-controlled vehicles with medical equipment
Veterinary escorts: Available for pets requiring medical supervision
Modified equipment: Wheelchairs, slings, and specialized carriers
Emergency medical transport: Portable oxygen and emergency supplies

Our team works with your veterinarian to create a customized transport plan.

What's the difference between cabin and cargo transport?

Cabin Transport:

Pet stays with you in the passenger cabin
Size limit: Maximum 18" x 11" x 11" carrier
Weight limit: Combined pet and carrier typically 20-40 pounds
Soft-sided carriers required by most airlines

Cargo Transport:

Pet travels in pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo area
Weight limit: Maximum 150 pounds (pet + crate)
IATA-approved rigid crates required
Professional handling by trained cargo staff

What quarantine requirements should I know about?

Quarantine requirements vary by destination:

Hawaii: 5-day or 120-day quarantine depending on preparation
UK: No quarantine if EU Pet Passport requirements met
Australia/New Zealand: 10-30 days minimum quarantine
Japan: 12 hours to 180 days depending on documentation

We coordinate all quarantine arrangements and provide detailed preparation timelines.

How do I know which vaccinations are current?

Check your pet's vaccination record for:

Rabies: Must be at least 21 days old and not expired
Core vaccinations: Annual boosters for most vaccines
Titer testing: May substitute for some vaccinations in certain countries

Our team reviews all vaccination records and advises on any updates needed for your destination.

Booking & Travel

How long does international transport take?

International transport timing varies by destination and route:

North America to Europe: 1-3 days including connections
Transpacific routes: 2-4 days with layovers
Complex routes: 3-7 days for multiple connections
Quarantine destinations: Additional 10-180 days for quarantine

We provide detailed timeline estimates based on your specific route and requirements.

What's included in your door-to-door service?

Our comprehensive door-to-door service includes:

Home pickup: Professional pickup from your residence
Documentation handling: All required paperwork and permits
Transportation: Ground and air transport coordination
Customs clearance: International customs and inspection processes
Final delivery: Safe delivery to your new address
24/7 support: Continuous monitoring and customer service

What's your experience with military relocations?

We have over 15 years of experience with military PCS moves:

DOD reimbursement expertise: Up to $4,000 reimbursement for high-risk countries
Order requirements: Full understanding of Form DD 1351-2 processes
Government transportation: Coordination with mandatory government transport when required
Dual military families: Specialized handling for two-military-member families
Overseas experience: Extensive experience with OCONUS assignments

We've successfully completed over 2,500 military pet relocations worldwide.

How far in advance should I book?

Booking timelines depend on your destination:

Domestic travel: Minimum 2-3 weeks advance booking
International travel: 4-8 weeks for complex destinations
Quarantine countries: 3-6 months for proper preparation
Peak seasons: Book 8-12 weeks in advance (summer/holidays)

Earlier booking ensures better flight availability and lower costs.

Do you provide pickup from my home?

Yes! Home pickup is included in our door-to-door service. Our professional pet handling team will:

Arrive with appropriate transport vehicles and equipment
Conduct final health and documentation checks
Safely secure your pet for transport
Provide real-time updates from pickup to delivery

Pickup times are scheduled around flight departures and your convenience.

What countries do you service?

We provide comprehensive pet transportation services to over 100 countries worldwide, including:

Europe: All EU countries, UK, Norway, Switzerland
Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong
Americas: Canada, Mexico, Central and South America
Middle East & Africa: UAE, South Africa, and major destinations

Each destination has specific requirements we expertly navigate.

What's your cancellation policy?

Our flexible cancellation policy includes:

30+ days before travel: Full refund minus processing fees
15-30 days: 75% refund (airline change fees apply)
7-14 days: 50% refund (airline and permit fees apply)
Less than 7 days: 25% refund (non-refundable airline/permit costs apply)

Military families receive extended cancellation protection for sudden deployment changes.

Pricing & Insurance

How much does military pet relocation cost?

Military pet relocation costs vary by destination, with DOD reimbursement available:

CONUS moves: Up to $550 reimbursement (effective January 2024)
OCONUS moves: Up to $2,000 reimbursement
High-risk countries: Up to $4,000 reimbursement (effective November 2024)

Total costs typically range from $800-$5,000 depending on destination complexity. We provide detailed cost breakdowns and assist with reimbursement paperwork.

Can I get a quote for my specific route?

Absolutely! We provide detailed, personalized quotes that include:

Transportation costs: Ground and air transport fees
Documentation fees: Health certificates, permits, endorsements
Crate and supplies: IATA-approved crates and comfort items
Service fees: Professional handling and coordination
Optional services: Insurance, premium tracking, veterinary escorts

Click "Get Quote" for your personalized estimate.

Do you provide insurance for my pet?

Yes, we offer comprehensive pet transportation insurance:

General liability: Bodily injury and property damage protection
Pet protection coverage: Up to $5,000 per occurrence for injuries during transport
Veterinary expense coverage: Medical expenses regardless of fault
Lost pet recovery: Search and recovery services

Our insurance covers 81% of legal claims with rates starting at $139. Coverage details provided with every quote.

Support & Safety

What happens if my pet gets stressed during travel?

We have comprehensive stress management protocols:

Pre-travel preparation: Crate training and familiarization programs
Comfort items: Familiar bedding, toys, and clothing with your scent
Natural calming aids: Pheromone sprays and anxiety-reducing supplements
Frequent monitoring: Regular comfort checks and health assessments
Emergency intervention: Veterinary support available 24/7

Note: We do not use sedation as it can be dangerous during air travel.

How do you ensure my pet's safety during transport?

Safety is our top priority with multiple protective measures:

Industry statistics: 99.99% of pets are safely reunited with families
Professional handling: IPATA-certified animal transport specialists
Climate control: Pressurized, temperature-controlled environments
Emergency equipment: Portable oxygen and medical supplies
Real-time monitoring: GPS tracking and health monitoring systems

What if my departure date changes?

We understand plans change, especially for military families:

Flexible rebooking: No-fee changes up to 48 hours before travel
Military protection: Extended change protection for deployment modifications
Document extensions: Health certificate renewals if needed
Emergency rescheduling: 24/7 support for urgent changes

Change fees may apply for airline rebooking, but we minimize costs wherever possible.

What happens during layovers?

Layovers are carefully managed for your pet's comfort and safety:

Climate-controlled facilities: Pets remain in temperature-controlled areas
Well-being checks: Professional staff monitor pet condition
Water and comfort: Fresh water provided every 12 hours as required
Minimal handling: Pets remain secure in crates unless medical need arises
Real-time updates: You receive notifications at each layover point

Can I speak to someone who handled military moves?

Absolutely! Our military relocation specialists are available for consultation:

Dedicated military team: Specialists with 15+ years military move experience
PCS expertise: Deep understanding of DOD reimbursement processes
Base familiarity: Experience with major military installations worldwide
24/7 military hotline: Priority support line for military families

What's your success rate for international moves?

Our success rate reflects our commitment to excellence:

99.8% on-time delivery rate
Over 10,000 pets successfully transported
Less than 0.01% incident rate (industry leading)
4.9/5 customer satisfaction rating
Zero lost pets in our 15-year history

Our track record speaks to our expertise and dedication to safe pet transportation.

How do I contact you in an emergency during transport?

Emergency support is available 24/7 through multiple channels:

Emergency support: Available 24/7 through multiple channels
Live chat: Instant messaging on our website
Mobile alerts: SMS notifications with emergency contact info
Email support: emergency@pcspetshipper.com
International support: Local emergency numbers provided for overseas travel

Our emergency response team can coordinate with airlines, veterinarians, and authorities worldwide.

Still Have Questions?

Our expert team is here to help with any specific concerns about your pet's transportation needs.

Get Personalized Quote