23/02/2023
HOW TO CHOOSE A PET SHIPPER
Itโs utterly nerve wrecking shipping pets. We all want them to be safe, well and looked after on their journey, and thatโs why itโs so important to invest the time and effort into researching the right pet shipper.
Itโs important to have the support that you need on the journey to beginning your new life in a different country.
Hereโs what to look for when choosing a shipper to help you on your way.
ACCREDITATION
When it comes to ensuring the safety of your pets, selecting a shipper with the correct accreditation is paramount.
We recommend that you use a pet shipper that is a member of IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association).
IPATA is widely recognised in the pet shipping industry as the gold standard in accreditation when it comes to selecting a professional pet shipper.
You can find a shipper thatโs a member via this link : www.ipata.org/ipata-pet-shippers-air-and-
Another important accreditation is IATA (International Air Transport Association) membership, which means they can book directly with airlines.
INSURANCE
Are they fully insured?
Is the company insured against anything that could go wrong? Such as going broke. You want to ensure that in the worst case scenario you get a happy, healthy pet arrive at the intended destination.
EXPERIENCE
Again, accreditation is a good indicator that they have enough industry experience to provide you and your pet with the best outcome.
Make sure to choose shippers that donโt have a record of cancelled flights or bad service. Expect what they have delivered to date.
REVIEWS
How much trust has the company accumulated in the industry?
Have they proven themselves by authentic reviews and testimonials? What are their clients saying about them in Google?
On their page? Are the majority of reviews positive experiences?
What are the reviews saying about their customer service?
If no-one has heard of a shipper, then do you want to risk using them?
And donโt forget to ask for recommendations on here ๐
TRUST YOUR GUT
If you feel that anything seems wrong, take notice of your instincts, although you canโt always precisely put it into words.
Does their website look professional and rich in information?
Is there a contact phone number?
Whatโs their customer service like?
How long does it take to get back to you?
Are they easy to contact?
How do they talk to you on the phone?
Remember that if anything goes wrong, or even if you just panic, you need a company that will be there for you quickly!
SHOPPING AROUND
Make sure to get a few quotes in writing.
Quotes are usually are for a set period of time (3-4 months). The quote should be fully itemised and itโs important to take note of whatโs not included.
Deposits are usually 25% with the rest payable within seven days of your pet flying. Be wary of any shipper requesting you pay the amount in full upon engaging their services.
Read their cancellation policy before signing, in the unlikely event you need to cancel.
LEGALITIES
Read through any and all legal agreements carefully.
Beware of any agreement that is needlessly wordy or repetitive.
You should be able to understand most of what is written in the legal agreements without need of legal advice, but if in doubt, consult an expert.
The contract should contain:
- what the company does and does not accept liability for
- what is expected of you
- what you can expect from the shipper
- any appropriate insurance cover they have and any cover you may need to get
- A simple service level agreement (outlining hours of service and response times)
- Reference to any parent companies or partners (always good to do a search online for authenticity of these)
IPATA does not ship animals and we do not get involved with sales of any kind. If you have been contacted by a company claiming to be IPATA please visit our pet scams page for reporting.
