We provide door to door transportation for cats and dogs, animals who are traveling with us. We work with you and your vet to obtain all the details we need to coordinate all the logistics for your pet’s big adventure
Yes, airlines ship thousands of pets every year
NO. It is not recommended to sedate or tranquilize any pet that is flying on an airplane. This can negatively affect their breathing and respiration when they are up in the air at high altitudes. This can be even more dangerous for pets with pre-existing conditions or snub-nosed (aka brachycephalic) pets. Starwood will NOT transport any pet that has been sedated or tranquilized. Additionally, if the airline believes that your pet has been sedated, then they can refuse your pet for travel.
Starwood only transports pets who are traveling as manifest cargo. This means that they travel underneath the plane in a space that is temperature controlled, pressurized, and oxygenated. Live animals travel beneath the pilot and the pilot must sign off on a manifest so they are aware of any pets onboard. Your pet’s travel kennel will be held into place by a thin netting that acts like a seatbelt to keep them safe and secure during takeoff and landing.
You should definitely ensure your pet is provided plenty of water prior to and on the day of their big adventure. Our team will also make sure that their water bowls are topped off once we check them in for the flight. Once pets are in the care of the airline after check-in, the airline staff will be sure to top off water as well. However, it is NOT recommended for pets to eat right before takeoff or during the flight. This can cause an upset stomach, which we of course want to avoid. Our team will not provide food for the flight and we do not recommend feeding them less than 4 hours prior to flight departure. If your pet has a layover, they will be provided more water and some food (depending on the length of the layover). Water will also be provided once they have landed as they are clearing through customs. If your pet will be boarding or spending time in quarantine throughout their trip, they will be provided food and water regularly.
Airlines have strict rules on what items are permitted to travel with pets. The only items we can send with your pet are the following:
- Original documents for travel
- IATA-compliant travel kennel
- Crate pad that is no more than 3 inches thick
- Thin blanket, t-shirt, or towel that smells like home
- Pee-pee pad (optional)
- Toys
- 2 Food/water cups that latch onto the inside of the kennel door
- Zip lock baggie with 2-3 servings of food
**We cannot ship your pet with any other personal belongings so you will be responsible for shipping these items to your new home. We cannot be held liable for any non-approved items that are misplaced while your pet is in transit.
Just like us, our furry companions can face unexpected hiccups when traveling. Beyond the usual flight cancellations and weather setbacks, pet travel is subject to a unique set of challenges. Here are some factors that could potentially delay your pet’s journey – some within our control, and others, unfortunately,
