General Pet Shipping Requirements

• All pets must be in good health and accompanied by a recent veterinary certificate.
• Crates must meet IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards for air cargo.
• Microchipping is recommended and often required for international shipments.
• Food and water dispensers must be attached inside the crate and accessible from the outside.
• Label all crates clearly with pet’s name, your contact information, and any special handling instructions.

Domestic Shipping (USA)

• Health Certificate (CVIs) from a USDA-accredited veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel.
• Rabies vaccination required for dogs and cats over 12 weeks old.
• Breed restrictions may apply depending on the airline (e.g., snub-nosed breeds like Bulldogs and Persians).
• Pets must travel in airline-approved carriers or crates with adequate ventilation.
• Advance reservations required with airline cargo or pet-safe travel services.

International Shipping

Each country has its own import regulations, so it’s important to plan early—ideally 60–90 days in advance. Services include USDA export endorsement and customs clearance on arrival.

• ISO-compliant microchip often required.
• Export Health Certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS (Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service).
• Proof of rabies vaccine and sometimes a rabies titer (FAVN test) depending on destination.
• Import permits may be required in countries like Australia, Japan, and the UAE.
• Quarantine periods may apply (e.g., 10–30 days in some countries).

Military Pet Relocation Services

We proudly support U.S. military families with global pet transport logistics including PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves. We offer:

• Door-to-door service to/from military bases
• Base clearance and transport to AMC (Air Mobility Command) terminals
• Export and import documentation assistance
• Custom crate fitting and kennel compliance
• Priority boarding options when available

Types of Pets We Ship

• Dogs and Cats (all sizes and breeds)
• Birds (with CITES documentation if required)
• Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters
• Reptiles (non-venomous only, with proper containment)
• Fish (specialized packaging with oxygenated water and heat/cool packs)
• Exotic pets (subject to international wildlife restrictions)

Before You Ship

• Ensure all vaccinations are up to date.
• Obtain necessary documentation well in advance.
• Confirm airline crate specifications and reserve your pet’s spot early.
• Label crate with emergency contacts and feeding schedule.
• Prepare your pet with crate training several days before departure.

Our Promise

We treat your pet like family—whether you're moving across the country or across the world. Our experienced team handles every detail with care, from paperwork and permits to airport transfers and customs clearance.

Contact Us

Need help with a move? Contact our pet relocation team at contact@afford.net or call 844-770-PETS. You can also visit our full site at https://shipping.pet.