Door-to-Door Pet Relocation

Pet Relocation (International) – We Handle the Whole Move for Your Pet

Moving to another country is already a big job. So, when you add a dog or cat into the plan, it can feel confusing very fast. That’s why our door-to-door pet relocation service exists.

With door-to-door, you don’t have to run between vets, permits, airports, and customs offices. Instead, we manage the full process—pickup, pet travel documents, IATA crate, flight planning, export clearance, arrival customs, and delivery to your new home. You stay informed, and your pet stays safe.

pet relocation

What is door-to-door pet relocation?

It means we manage pickup, documents, crate, flight planning, customs, and final delivery

Door-to-door pet relocation is the end-to-end service where we coordinate every key step from your current home to your destination address. That includes:

  • Home pickup (where allowed)

  • Document and permit support

  • Crate supply and sizing (IATA-compliant)

  • Flight planning and booking coordination

  • Export clearance and airport handling

  • Arrival customs clearance (where available)

  • Final delivery to your new home

Best for families relocating, busy pet owners, and first-time international pet travel

Door-to-door is ideal if you:

  • Are relocating with family and luggage (and no extra time)

  • Are travelling for the first time with a pet internationally

  • Want reduced risk of mistakes and airport rejection

  • Need support for strict destinations, large breeds, or complex paperwork


Door-to-Door vs Airport-to-Airport Pet Shipping

What’s included in door-to-door

Door-to-door covers the complete journey coordination:

  • Pickup and local transport to departure airport

  • Document pack preparation and review

  • Airport handling support

  • Arrival clearance guidance/support

  • Delivery from arrival airport to your home

What you handle with airport-to-airport

With airport-to-airport, you generally handle:

  • Getting your pet to the origin airport terminal

  • Picking up your pet at the destination airport

  • Local transport to your final home

  • Some airport visits and payment handling

Which option is cheaper, faster, and safer (depending on route)

It depends on your route and your situation, honestly.

FactorDoor-to-DoorAirport-to-Airport
CostHigherUsually lower
ConvenienceHighestModerate
Owner responsibilityLowHigh
Risk of missed pickup windowsLowerHigher
Best forBusy families, first-timersExperienced owners, tight budgets
SpeedSimilar (documents decide speed)Similar (documents decide speed)

Important: The timeline is usually decided by documents (permits, titer tests), not by service type alone.


What’s Included in Our Door-to-Door Pet Relocation Service

Home pickup and pre-travel checks

We arrange pickup and confirm basic readiness: crate setup, document pack, and travel-day preparation.

Pet travel documents and permit support

We guide and support the full pet travel documentation process, including checklists, timelines, and reviews.

Rabies titer test guidance (FAVN) where required

If your destination requires rabies titer test (FAVN), we guide the steps and timeline so you don’t miss waiting periods.

IATA-compliant crate supply and sizing

We provide IATA-compliant pet crates and ensure sizing is correct for airline acceptance (and your pet’s comfort).

Flight planning (direct vs transit)

We plan routing based on:

  • Airline rules

  • Temperature embargo risks

  • Breed restrictions

  • Transit handling and overall safety

Export clearance and airport handling

We coordinate with airport handling partners where applicable and guide export documentation flow.

Arrival customs clearance and delivery to your new home

We support arrival clearance steps (and clearance support where available), then coordinate final delivery to your address.

Updates and support throughout the journey

You receive clear updates during key stages: pickup, terminal handover, flight status, arrival, and delivery.


How Door-to-Door Pet Relocation Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Share pet details + destination + preferred travel date

You share:

  • Dog/cat, breed, age, weight

  • Microchip status

  • Origin and destination city/country

  • Preferred travel date or date range

Step 2: Get your personalised checklist and timeline

We build a route-based checklist with a timeline, so you know what happens first and what can’t be rushed.

Step 3: Vet visit scheduling (microchip, vaccines, health certificate)

We guide scheduling for:

  • Microchip (if required)

  • Rabies vaccination / boosters

  • Fit-to-Fly health certificate timing

  • Parasite treatments (if required)

Step 4: Crate fitting + crate training

We confirm crate size and give crate-training tips so your pet feels more comfortable before travel.

Step 5: Pickup, airport handling, and flight departure

We handle pickup and coordinate airport terminal procedures so your pet moves smoothly into the travel chain.

Step 6: Arrival inspection, customs clearance, and release

At arrival, documents are checked. If inspections are required, we guide the process so release happens faster.

Step 7: Final delivery and post-arrival guidance

We deliver your pet and share post-arrival tips (rest, food, water, and settling in).


Documents Required for Door-to-Door Pet Shipping

Microchip certificate

A scannable microchip is commonly required. Many destinations prefer ISO 11784/11785 format.

Rabies vaccination record + core vaccines

Rabies is the key. Core vaccines may vary by destination, but clean records always help.

Fit-to-Fly health certificate

A vet certificate issued within a strict validity window. If it’s outside that window, airlines/customs can reject it.

Import permit / export permit (country-based)

Some routes need permits. Some don’t. We confirm based on destination and origin rules.

Rabies titer test (FAVN) for certain destinations

Required for regulated destinations with rabies control policies and waiting periods.

Airline forms and shipper declarations

Airlines may require shipper declarations, contact details, and crate compliance notes.

Document summary table:

DocumentRequired forTiming risk
Microchip proofIdentity verificationWrong number = major delay
Rabies certificateMost countriesWrong timing = rejection
Fit-to-Fly certificateAirline + customsValid only for short window
Import/Export permitsSome countriesCan take weeks
FAVN titer testRegulated countriesWaiting period adds months
Airline formsTransport complianceMissing signatures cause issues

IATA Crate Requirements (Avoid Airport Rejection)

How to measure your pet for the right crate size

Your pet must be able to stand, turn, and lie down naturally. Measure:

  • Nose to base of tail (length)

  • Floor to top of head/ears (height)

  • Shoulder width (width)

Ventilation, locking, labels, bedding and water bowls

Most airlines require:

  • Ventilation on multiple sides

  • Secure locking door (often stronger hardware)

  • Absorbent bedding (not messy)

  • Water bowl attached

  • “LIVE ANIMAL” labels + arrows + contact details

Common crate mistakes that cause delays

  • Crate too small (most common)

  • Weak door/lock system

  • Missing labels or arrows

  • Wheels left attached

  • No absorbent bedding

  • Wrong crate type for airline route


Customs, Clearance & Quarantine Support

What happens at the origin airport

At origin, the airline/terminal checks:

  • Document pack

  • Crate compliance

  • Pet readiness
    Then your pet is accepted for travel and moved into secure handling.

What happens at the destination airport

At destination, authorities may do:

  • Microchip scan verification

  • Document review (rabies, health certificate, permits)

  • Inspection (sometimes)
    After approval, your pet is released for pickup/delivery.

Quarantine rules: when it applies and how to plan

Quarantine applies only where destination rules require it, or when documentation is incomplete. If quarantine is part of the process, we plan it early so there is no panic later.

Tips to avoid storage fees and clearance delays

  • Ensure documents are correct before travel day

  • Confirm pickup/delivery timing windows

  • Avoid late arrival at the facility

  • Keep phone reachable (some airports call before release)


Door-to-Door Pet Relocation Cost (What Affects Price?)

Pet size, weight, breed and crate size

Bigger pets need bigger crates, and airline charges often depend on crate dimensions and weight.

Destination rules (permits, tests, quarantine)

Strict destinations cost more because permits, tests, and long timelines add work and fees.

Flight type (direct vs transit) and season

Direct flights can be more expensive but reduce handling and stress. Peak seasons can raise costs too.

Home pickup and delivery distance

Longer pickup/delivery distance increases local transport cost.

Additional services (boarding, urgent travel, multi-pet)

Extra services may include:

  • Boarding (if timing needs it)

  • Urgent travel planning

  • Multi-pet coordination and staged travel

Sample cost ranges (illustration only, USD):

Service levelTypical suitable forExample range (USD)
Door-to-door (standard routes)Most family relocations2,500 – 6,500
Door-to-door (large dog / long-haul)Big breeds, limited airlines4,000 – 9,000
Regulated destinations (permits + FAVN)Strict rules & waiting periods5,000 – 12,000+
Multi-pet relocations2+ petsVaries by pet count

How Long Does Door-to-Door Pet Relocation Take?

Typical timelines by destination type

  • Standard routes: 2–6 weeks planning

  • Permit destinations: 4–10 weeks

  • Titer test destinations: 3–7 months (due to waiting periods)

Why titer tests and permits can add weeks

FAVN tests require lab processing and, in many cases, mandatory waiting time. Permits can also take weeks depending on government processing.

What can delay door-to-door pet shipping

  • Missing or incorrect documents

  • Late booster or wrong rabies timing

  • Airline temperature embargoes

  • Limited pet cargo space during peak periods

  • Crate not compliant or wrong size


Special Pet Travel Cases We Handle

Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds

Many airlines restrict snub-nosed breeds due to breathing risk. We plan safer timing and airline options based on real policy.

Large dogs and giant breeds

We handle large-crate requirements and early planning to secure airline space.

Senior pets

We guide calm routes and travel-day prep, and we strongly recommend vet clearance early.

Nervous pets and travel stress

Crate training and stable routines help. We share simple steps you can actually follow.

Multi-pet family relocations

We coordinate multiple pets as one move: aligned documents, sensible routing, and organised arrival delivery.


Pet Welfare & Safety During International Travel

Stress-reduction steps before pickup

  • Start crate training early (short daily sessions)

  • Keep feeding and walking routines stable

  • Avoid last-minute changes in food

  • Keep your tone calm (pets feel your stress, yes they do)

Feeding and hydration guidance

General guidance (vet advice first):

  • Avoid heavy meals close to travel

  • Offer water in the hours before pickup

  • Use attached bowls and correct bedding

Travel-day comfort tips

  • Familiar bedding (if airline allows)

  • A favourite toy (only if allowed)

  • Clear labels and emergency contact numbers

Vet advice and sedation policy (vet guidance only)

Sedation is not commonly recommended for flying due to risks at altitude. Only a vet should advise medication—never guess this.


Popular Door-to-Door Pet Relocation Routes

Door-to-door pet relocation UAE ↔ UK

Door-to-door pet shipping UAE ↔ Canada

Door-to-door pet shipping India ↔ UAE

Door-to-door pet relocation UK ↔ USA

Door-to-door pet relocation UAE ↔ Australia


Door-to-Door Pet Relocation FAQs

Is door-to-door pet relocation safe?

Yes, it’s safe when documents, crate, and airline policies are handled correctly, and when routing avoids risky conditions.

Do you handle permits and travel documents?

Yes, we support permits and pet travel documents with checklists, guidance, and document review.

Do I need to visit the airport at all?

Usually no for door-to-door. In some locations, you may need to provide signatures or IDs, but we guide you clearly.

How much does door-to-door pet relocation cost?

Cost depends on pet size, crate size, destination rules, permits, tests, route, season, and distance for pickup/delivery.

How long does door-to-door pet shipping take?

Most standard routes take 2–6 weeks to prepare. Strict routes requiring FAVN/permits can take months.

Will my pet travel on a direct flight?

We prefer direct where possible, but it depends on airline availability and route rules.

Do snub-nosed dogs have restrictions?

Yes. Many airlines restrict brachycephalic breeds, especially during hot months.

Will my pet be quarantined on arrival?

Only if the destination requires quarantine or if paperwork is incomplete. We plan to avoid surprises.

Can you relocate multiple pets together?

Yes. We support multi-pet family moves, and we coordinate the safest travel approach.

What happens if my flight changes?

We adjust booking plans and document timing if needed, and we guide what needs re-issuance.

 

 


FAQ

What is door-to-door pet relocation?
A service where a relocation team manages pickup, documents, crate, flight planning, customs, and delivery.

How does door-to-door pet shipping work?
You share details, we build a timeline, support documents, supply the crate, plan flights, manage handling, then deliver your pet at destination.

How much does door-to-door pet relocation cost?
Commonly USD 2,500–12,000+, depending on pet size, crate, route, and destination rules.

How long does door-to-door pet shipping take?
2–6 weeks for standard routes; months for strict destinations needing permits and titer tests.

Do I need to go to the airport for pet relocation?
Usually no in door-to-door service, but local rules can vary.

Do you handle pet travel documents and permits?
Yes, we support document checklists, permit guidance, and document review.

Will my pet be quarantined?
Only if the destination requires it or if documents are not compliant.

Is airport-to-airport cheaper than door-to-door?
Usually yes, because you handle local transport and some airport steps yourself.

Can my dog or cat travel on a connecting flight?
Sometimes yes, but direct flights are preferred when available and safe.

What crate is required for international pet shipping?
An IATA-compliant pet crate sized correctly for your pet with ventilation, secure locks, and labels.

Are snub-nosed breeds allowed to fly?
Sometimes, but many airlines restrict them. Route planning and timing are critical.

What causes delays in pet relocation?
Wrong document timing, missing permits, titer test waiting periods, airline embargoes, and crate non-compliance.