The holiday season is here. This is the perfect time for a getaway with family, go to your favorite destination, and make memories. One of the everyday worries among pet owners is where to leave their favorite companion when going on a trip.
The good news is that you no longer have to worry about that, especially now that most hotels have put up measures that allow pets in the rooms. Your Fido is a part of your family and should be included in every family memory. Things get easier with a reliable dog transport service.
The service providers are there to take the stress of traveling with a dog off your shoulder while ensuring professionalism and helping you save time. However, the main challenge comes in finding a reliable Fido transport service, especially with so many providers in the market.
Read on for a comprehensive guide to make your search easier.
Experience
Experience plays a crucial role when selecting any service provider, and this case is no exception. Dogs are sensitive and require someone who can handle them with ultimate care. The number of years the providers have been in business will determine if they are the right choice.
Experience breeds familiarity, and if they have been offering these services for a long time, the chances are that your dog will be comfortable with them.
The dog transport providers should be versed with knowledge on how to make smooth pet travel plans. Moreover, they should have skills and tactics for keeping the dog comfortable through the journey. This is only achievable if they have the necessary experience.
Consider the Company’s Reputation
You cannot entrust just anyone with your precious animal. You must do background research to confirm the providers’ reliability and trustworthiness. Understand the pet transport company’s history, which you can quickly gather by asking around from friends and family.
Perhaps, your loved ones have used these services before. They can guide you to the best company by sharing their experiences. You can select the most recommended or one that suits your needs.
Besides recommendations from family and friends, you should check online reviews to see what other people are saying about the specific providers. If you find more positive reviews than negative reviews, the chances are that they are trustworthy. The vice versa is true.
Understanding the pet transport service providers’ reputation will offer you peace of mind knowing that your Fido is in the right hands.
The Cost of Services
The pet transport cost depends on numerous aspects, the primary factor being distance. The price will depend on how far you will be traveling with your pet, which could be domestically or internationally. The longer the distance, the more you are likely to pay for the transport services.
The other determinant of Fido transport cost is the chosen means of transport. Ideally, air transport will be higher than ground transport. While the price is higher, the travel duration to the vacation destination will be shorter.
You should also consider additional services to establish if the cost is worthwhile. For example, if the transport company offers complementary services such as veterinary and dog treats, you may be required to pay more.
While everyone wants to save some coins, you should not let low pet transport prices lure you into selecting the wrong providers. Low prices are in most cases associated with inferior services, and you would not wish that for your lovely pet.
It would be better if you paid a high price with the assurance that your dog is safe and comfortable, rather than pay less and have your pet suffer throughout the trip.
Is the Dog Transport Service Provider Certified?
The right pet transport service provider should be licensed and approved by the USDA to offer these services. USDA is an animal and pet agency, liable for ensuring compliance by all pet handlers.
If they are certified, it shows that they have been evaluated and fulfilled all the agency’s requirements to offer the services. You can therefore trust them for a safe pet transport service. If anything goes wrong, you can report them to the authority and have them traced with ease.
Confirm if the company is accredited by Better Business Bureau, an agency that recognizes service providers that offer the best customer experience. While at this, ensure that the Fido transport company has the certification at hand. Do not take their word of mouth for it!
Check the Range of Services
When looking for the best pet transport service near me, look for one with a range of services besides shipping. Dog care includes an extensive range of requirements, such as veterinary services. You need to be at peace, knowing that if anything happens to your pet during the trip, the providers will have things under control. Consider visiting Shiply to find the right shipping company for pet transport.
The right company should have numerous pet relocation options, so you can choose one that works best for you. For instance, if you are traveling locally, you may opt for car transportation. If you are taking a long trip nonetheless, flight relocation will work best.
If the providers have all these options in place, they care about their customers, and you can trust them. They understand that what works best for one pet owner might not work well for the next.
Do They Understand Pet Travel Rules?
Before entrusting any pet travel company with your furry friend, ask if they understand the ins and outs of pet transportation. This is crucial, especially if you are moving to a different state.
Each state has distinct rules and regulations regarding pet travel, and the transport service provider must be conversant with all the rules. For instance, they should understand vaccination requirements and if you need any import and export documents.
The requirements change frequently, and the providers should be up to date with the changes. Note that failure to comply with the rules to the letter will lead to expensive consequences such as fines. Your pet could be denied entry to the destination, which means a ruined vacation for your entire family.
It would be best if you did not leave anything to chances. Ask as many questions as possible to clear any doubts you may have regarding the provider’s understanding of the pet transport rules.
Communication and Customer Services
The thought of your furry friend being away with strangers can be scary. You will have a restless journey if you have no idea how your pet is doing, but that does not have to be the case if you choose a company with excellent customer service.
The right providers should be willing to offer you constant updates on how your pet is fairing from the moment you are separated to when it reaches the new destination. They can send you photos or short clips of your dog so you can be at peace as you wait to reunite with him.
A good pet travel company should prioritize your needs. They should be ready to listen to your concerns and reassure you where necessary. If you are still feeling uneasy about letting your dog go, the providers will offer tutorials to prepare both you and the pet for the trip.
Has the Staff Undergone Training?
The pet travel company might have been offering these services for years, but without proper training, they are bound to make costly mistakes. Training ensures that the staff is up to date with the pet transport rules and regulations.
While experience is essential, academic qualification is more important as it offers the pet handlers a kind of knowledge that they cannot acquire by handling pets. For example, they should know what to do if the dog develops travel anxiety or gets sick on the way.
Again, it would help if you did not trust their word of mouth. They should have the certificate at hand for proof. Ensure that they have been evaluated by the necessary bodies and passed all tests.
Are they Passionate about Pets?
Your dog is a precious jewel. It will give you peace to know that you are entrusting it to a company that loves dogs and is passionate about their job. They are not just doing the job for money but because they care about the furry animals.
The providers should treat your pet like their own, keeping in mind that dogs get uncomfortable around unfamiliar people. They should be able to communicate and bond with the pet and make the dog feel comfortable through the journey.
Check the company’s harm rating and ensure that they have no negative track record. If you select a company ran by pet-loving staff, you are assured of quality, personal services.
Give Your Pet the Best Travel Experience
With the tips above, you will undoubtedly find the best dog transport service for your peace of mind and the comfort of your Fido. Be sure to evaluate the pros and cons of each type of transport and select a company that offers what you need.
Keep scrolling through our articles for more guides on how to care for your furry friend.
