Export Information

 

In the days prior to your animal's departure it is a good idea to get your pet used to its traveling container. Let it wander in and out and sleep in there if it likes. On the day of the flight only feed the animal a small meal (if at all) but if it requires a special diet make sure a supply is attached securely to the box. A dog will appreciate a good walk before being confined but we do not recommend sedating your pet unless absolutely necessary due to the 
unpredictable results.

 

Pet owners must take a number of measures to properly prepare animals for travel. Bringing a pet along in the car on a road trip may not require much planning, but taking pets on commercial transport such as airplanes or trains calls for some thoughtful preparation. From paperwork to health exams and kennel specifications, owners have to cover several bases before they can safely travel with their pets.

 

 

Vaccinations and Health Condition

Set up an appointment with your veterinarian to confirm whether or not you pet is healthy enough for the type of travel you have planned. If your pet is healthy, you will still need to update its vaccinations in most cases. This is especially true for international travel. Tim Finlay Pet Services can advise on countries requirements.

 

 

Documentation

Documentation is key when traveling with a pet. Obtain proof of health records and vaccinations. Travelers taking their animals on flights will also need a health certificate filled out by a veterinarian and validated by your vet prior to departure. Additionally, keep proof of ownership with you and an ID tag with complete contact information, which will remain on the pet at all times.

 

 

Microchip

Have a microchip implanted in your pet. Microchips make it much easier to get your pet back in the event that it gets lost. Some animals may be able to wriggle out of their collars, but a microchip will stay with them no matter what. The microchip registration should include permanent contact information as well as information on how to reach you during your trip. This way any shelter or animal control service that picks your pet up and scans for a chip will be able to get in touch with you.

 

 

Kennel Preparation

Tim Finlay Pet Services provide plastic or wooden travel kennels. Different animals have different requirements in terms of crate specifications for commercial travel. We can advise on type and size of crates and crates should generally be large enough for your pet to stand upright, turn around and lie down with a little space to spare. The crate must also have a secure door mechanism and adequate ventilation for the animal. We can advise you on the proper type of crate or kennel for your particular pet. Our travel crates come with a food and water dish, owners are advised to provide a blankets. Help your pet get used to being in the crate in the weeks and days leading up to the trip so that it is not uncomfortable or overly nervous when placed in the crate on the actual day of travel.

 

 

Preparing on the Day of Travel

Ask us about your pet’s feeding schedule leading up to the actual day of travel. We recommend that most pets go on an empty or nearly empty stomach when traveling Internationally. Airlines will not transport pets which may have been administered tranquilizers as this may pose several health risks.  Our staff will ensure dogs are walked prior to the check in. This way the animal can relieve itself and burn off a little energy before being checked in.

We are always happy to discuss each pets requirements, please do not hesitate to contact ourselves for advise on any aspect or pet travel.

 

At Tim Finlay Pet Services your dog’s air crate will be built for him or her alone, with maximum comfort and safety uppermost in our minds to ensure his or her journey will be as stress free as possible.

Your dog’s wooden or plastic air crate will be sturdy and airline approved, with a carrying handle. Naturally, the crates have safety catches, door retainers and a convex base for drainage. For safety, there’s a heavy-duty latch that dogs can’t open, and your crate comes with a water and food bowl.

Mesh Crates

All mesh in vehicles and crates must be weld mesh. Where cats are carried, it must have a wire diameter of at least 1.65 mm and a mesh size not exceeding 2.54 cm by 2.54 cm.

Where dogs are carried, it must have a wire diameter of at least 2.10 mm and a mesh size not exceeding 2.54 cm wide by 7.62 cm.

 

 

• Where is/are my pet’s located on the aircraft?

Pets are secured into the cargo area of the aircraft, this is a unit designed for live animals

• Is there lighting and heating for my pet/s?

The cargo section of the aircraft for live animals is temperature controlled and dark, this gives the animals the impression it is night time and will often sleep.

• Can my pets travel in the same kennel?

No and this is due to the pets having equal access to water.

• Can we arrange to be on the same flight as our pet/s?

Yes this can be arranged, and is based on availability.

• Does someone check on our pet/s, while they are in flight?

No pets are in a secure unit.

• Can we send food with our pet/s?

Some airlines will allow a small amount of food enough for one or two meals

• Can my pet travel with his/hers medication?

Yes pets can travel with a small amount of prescribed medication; a vet must write a letter confirming the active ingredient.

• Will pet need food for travelling?

Unfortunately pets cannot have food while on route; however a small amount is permissible for the journey.

• What can my pet have in the travel kennel?

Small blanket or a favourite toy would be allowed, however not bean bags or large duvets.

 

 

We use converted commercial vans  which have been heavily modified for our pet collection and delivery service. There are caged areas of different sizes which can be removed to accommodate all sizes of travel crates and also high-quality air-conditioning throughout. Furthermore, we've added fans to create even better air circulation.

All the seats were removed, of course, and replaced by “hospital type” flooring with embedded hooks, so when we put your pet and her/his travel box into the van, we can use strong ties to secure the boxes in-place. And when it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of the inside of the vehicle the flooring and removable caged areas make it easy to keep fresh clean and sanitized 

And finally, there's no partition between our handlers who are driving the vans and your pets in the back, which means we always know what's going on and your pets aren't isolated at all during the trip.