The Risks of Relocating with Your Pet in the Winter

An overseas move can happen at any time of the year. If you will be relocating with your pet in the winter, you need to be aware of certain seasonal risks. With luck, none of them will affect your plans, but preparation is the key to smooth, safe pet travel in any season. In many places, winter is downright cold. Winter weather can be dramatic, and it is also unpredictable. Bad weather can cause:

• Flight delays or cancellations
• Pet travel embargoes
• Health considerations
• Disruption of the rest of your family’s travel plans 

Some of these risks are out of your control, others you can mitigate. Keep an eye on the weather and try to be a little flexible in case your pet's travel plans needs to be adjusted.

Avoid holidays

If you have the flexibility to choose your relocation dates, aim for times that don't overlap with any holidays. Be sure to check for international holidays in both your departure and arrival countries, as they may vary. This can help avoid unnecessary stress and the possibility of fully booked flights.

This situation can impact your pet as well as you. Airlines have a limit on the number of pets allowed on each flight, so even if you've booked and paid for your pet's reservation, it's not guaranteed. Airlines reserve the right to bump your pet if they require the cargo space.

If your pet is traveling as cargo and requires customs clearance or quarantine reservations, you need to keep in mind that many government offices are closed for holidays.  This means that your pet's paperwork might not be endorsed in time, customs offices may be closed, and quarantine might not accept pets during certain times like between Christmas and New Year's. Additionally, keep in mind that local pet transport companies may not have drivers available to bring your pet to the airport on Christmas Day or some other big holiday.

Seasonal embargoes

When the outdoor temperature drops below 45^o F, many airlines will not accept pets for travel unless you have an acclimation letter signed by a veterinarian. No matter how efficient the airline’s personnel, animals have to wait on the tarmac where they are exposed to the cold during loading and unloading. It may be too cold to safely transport pets, so the airline may say "NO".

There are a few critical points to understand about potential weather embargoes:

1. The temperature cannot fall below 45^o F at any point along your pet’s journey  - the port of departure, arrival, or any transit stops. So the weather may be fine where you are now, but too cold at your destination (or vice versa). The more complex your pet’s itinerary, the more opportunities there are for weather embargoes to kick in. Of course, it all depends on where you are and where you’re going.
2. Some airlines place complete embargoes for pet travel at certain airports for a certain period of time. This means that it doesn't matter if the forecast is showing a slightly warmer day in Denver - if that airline embargoes any pets from November to March, then your pet won't be able to travel to/from Denver during that time. 
3. Because weather changes quickly and a degree or two makes all the difference, some airlines make decisions about weather embargoes on a day-by-day basis. If things are iffy, you may not know until your pet arrives to the airport whether travel is a “go” or not. 

Do keep in mind that weather that puts your pet’s plans on hold may not keep you from flying. If you’re scheduled to travel together, now what? Who will be left behind to deal with your pet while they await a green light to fly? It could take several days for the temperatures to warm up. It's a good idea to have a back up plan such as a boarding facility, pet transport company or friend/family member that can step in if there's an emergency.

How well does your pet tolerate cold?

Is your pet in good health, or do they have a chronic condition (such as arthritis) or a very short coat that makes them susceptible to cold? Dogs and cats traveling as cargo ride in a compartment that is pressurized and temperature-controlled just like the cabin where you sit. Nonetheless, you can help them stay cozy by putting a thin blanket in the bottom of the travel carrier. Use something that smells familiar, because that will comfort them and help reduce anxiety. Please note that it's not recommended for pets to be wearing any clothing like a sweater or coat while flying on the plane. Please don't be tempted to send your cat or dog with layers of clothing as this may be removed and can post a safety risk. Any bedding in the kennel must be no more than 2-3 inches thick or it may be removed by the airline.

Acclimation letters

Certain airlines may accept an acclimation letter or certificate from your veterinarian, which verifies that your pet can safely travel in low temperatures below 45°F. However, it's up to your vet to decide whether they will provide this document, and some may choose not to.

It's important not to make assumptions; always check with your airline about their specific requirements. Be cautious: if temperatures drop below 20°F, even with an acclimation certificate, the airline might still refuse to transport your pet.

Weather delays

We all understand that severe weather conditions like snow, ice, and strong winds can lead to extensive delays or flight cancellations, impacting pet travel as well.

Adverse weather can also hinder or prevent your pet from reaching the airport on time, even if the flight remains on schedule. It's wise to prepare for such situations in advance. A simple solution is to have our Starwood team manage your pet's entire door-to-door transport. This way, if your cat or dog requires last-minute boarding, it won't disrupt anyone's plans.

In conclusion, transporting your pet during the winter months requires careful planning and consideration of various factors that could impact their journey. By staying informed about potential weather-related disruptions, avoiding peak holiday travel, and understanding airline policies regarding temperature restrictions and acclimation letters, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with winter pet travel. Always have a backup plan in place, such as a trusted boarding facility or pet transport service, to ensure your pet's safety and comfort in case of unexpected delays. With thorough preparation and flexibility, you can help ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation for your furry family member, no matter the season.