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Every pet relocation is a unique and personalized experience, just like every pet that we have the privilege of transporting. At Starwood Pet Travel, we take pride in being the industry-leading experts in global pet transportation services.
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40 years of experience     4.7  400+ Google reviews     10,000+ safe trips

W h a t ' s   i n c l u d e d

Packages tailored to your needs

We specialize in reliable, door-to-door pet transportation. To match your preferences and level of involvement, we offer three tailored packages to fit your needs.
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Transparent pricing
Industry-leading pet travel portal
Industry-leading pet travel portal
CareTags
CareTags
Regular communication
Timely communication
PetTravel Knowledge Base
PetTravel Knowledge Base
IATA-compliant travel kennel
IATA-compliant travel kennel
Pick up from residence or
Pick up from residence or meet & greet at the airport
Boarding at a local top-rated kennel
Boarding at a local top-rated kennel
Completion of health certificates
Completion of health certificates
USDA endorsement
USDA endorsement
Export or import documentation
Export or import documentation
All airport services
All airport services
Delivery to new residence
Delivery to new residence or handover at the airport

P r o c e s s

How it works

Most of our clients have never worked with a professional pet travel company before, much less transported a pet overseas. And despite pets & people flying on the same flights, the processes for pet travel & human travel are almost entirely different. So, we get it - you probably have no idea what to expect! 

But you're in good hands with Starwood. We've been in business for over thirty years, having transported thousands & thousands of pets all over the globe, so we have the process engrained in our bones! Here's an outline of what to expect after you sign-up with us: 

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Once you sign our proposal, we'll request the contact information of your trusted veterinarian. Collaborating closely with both you and your vet, we will diligently gather your furry friend's medical records and thoroughly review them.

Rest assured, if anything is missing, we will promptly notify you and keep you informed with a comprehensive veterinary timeline, ensuring you are well-informed about the next steps.

If your pet is traveling to a country that requires an import permit or quarantine, we can help manage the process for you. Once we have the required paperwork, we’ll handle the import permit application and arrange the quarantine booking.

We can also assist with the health certificate before your pet’s journey. This includes coordinating transportation to and from the veterinarian, arranging the final exam and any required treatments, completing the health certificate, and obtaining USDA endorsement when needed.
Once we have all of your pet’s required information and paperwork, we’ll handle the flight booking details for you. Pet travel reservations are made through the airline’s cargo department, not the passenger side, and bookings can usually only be confirmed once the airline’s booking window opens, typically 7 to 30 days before travel.

When it’s time to book, we’ll choose the best route and the most suitable airlines for your pet’s journey.
Once your pet’s travel plans are confirmed, we’ll send you a clear schedule with pickup or delivery times, flight details, any quarantine instructions if needed, and a checklist of what to hand over at pickup.
Depending on the service you select, we offer two pickup options for your pet. We can pick up from your home or meet you at the airport. We can also arrange pickup from a trusted friend or family member, your veterinarian, or a local boarding facility.

For your peace of mind and your pet’s safety, only our drivers handle airline check-in for the flight.
After your pet is picked up, we’ll keep you informed with real-time updates on check-in, departure, and arrival. You can also follow your pet’s journey through our industry-leading Pet Travel Portal and CareTags tracking.
After your pet arrives, we handle the required customs process for international travel. Depending on the services you choose, we can arrange an airport handoff or safely transport your pet to your new home, a trusted friend or relative, or a local boarding facility.

If quarantine is required, the quarantine staff will transport your pet from the airport to the facility. Once your pet is released, we can also arrange home delivery.

T r a v e l   F a c t s

Navigating global requirements

Pet Relocation Embargoes

Depending on your pet's breed and its origin or destination, some airlines place embargoes on pet travel. We are up to date on all the latest restrictions, so we can advise the best timing and flight routing for your pet to travel. 

Pet Shipping Restrictions 

Some airlines and/or countries will not allow pets to travel with you in-cabin or as accompanied baggage or they only accept live animal shipments from professional pet shippers. Check with your intended airline to review any specific pet shipping policies. 

Pet boarding

 If necessary, we can board your pet until you are ready for them to travel. We’re happy to collect your pet from home, a relative, your veterinarian, or your favorite boarding facility if you need extra time to relocate. 

Flight cancellations

Flight cancellations are rare, but they can happen. If your pet’s flight is canceled, we will pick them up and arrange for them to travel to you on the next possible flight. We will contact you and/or the consignee (person receiving your pet) before making new travel arrangements.

Tranquilizers or Sedatives

Our primary concern is always the health and safety of the pets that we transport. Tranquilizers or sedatives can be more harmful than helpful to your pet during air travel, so we will NOT ship any pet who has been sedated or tranquilized.

Tax benefits

One of the perks of transporting your pet is that pet moving expenses can be tax-deductible if the relocation is job-related. Please consult your accountant and refer to IRS publication #521 for more details.

Talk to our experts

Need help or have questions?
Our team is ready to help!

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