frequently
asked
questions
Is it safe for my pet to travel as cargo?
Definitely! Pets travel comfortably in a pressurized, temperature-controlled, and dimly lit aircraft hold. Trained airline staff securely strap their travel crates, and the captain sets the cargo hold temperature between 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. Your furry friend's well-being is our priority.
What is the difference between a Commercial and a Non-commercial shipment?
For pets travelling to the UK and Europe, Commercial Health Certificates are required if the owner can't accompany them within 5 days. Non-commercial Health Certificates apply when the owner travels within this timeframe. Note: some airports don't allow pets to arrive as Commercial shipments. Your dedicated consultant team will guide you through the correct process.
What is door-to-door service?
Your pet is collected by a Global Paws Animal Handler in an air-conditioned vehicle, taken to the airport, and, upon arrival in the destination country, is delivered to their new home by an appointed agent. We handle all the logistics, ensuring a smooth transition for your pet.
What is my pet transported in?
Pets travel in our IATA-approved wooden travel crates, ensuring they can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Snub-nosed pets may need larger crates. We can also use certain plastic crates, subject to airline approval.
Why is it important that we receive accurate measurements of your pet?
Accurate measurements are crucial as airfreight costs depend on crate size. Larger crates occupy more space, influencing the overall cost. Airline regulations stipulate that a pet must be able to stand up straight, turn around and lie down comfortably whilst in the travel crate. We offer complimentary crate fitting at our Johannesburg and Cape Town offices, you are welcome to contact us for an appointment.
How long before take-off must pets arrive at the airport?
Domestic flights: 2 hours before departure. International flights: Minimum of 5 hours before departure. However, we follow airline guidelines, and our Animal Handler will confirm the collection time with you a day or two before your pet’s departure.
Can a pet receive a meal or treat before they fly?
To avoid travel sickness or a messy travel crate resulting in an uncomfortable journey, it is recommended you feed your pet a normal meal the night before the flight and only a small snack on the day of travel. Hydration is crucial therefore water should always be available.
It is always a good idea to play with your pet or take your pet for a long walk before we collect your pet to be checked in for their flight.
Should I sedate my pet to reduce the stress of travel?
No. Sedation can be harmful. We offer herbal calming products for a stress-free journey. Check our Traveller Comfort Pack for more details.
What belongings can travel with my pet?
You can send a safe toy along with your pet, provided the toy does not pose a risk of choking. Avoid valuables and hard objects.
We suggest that you provide us with an old piece of your clothing, i.e., a t-shirt or a familiar blanket that smells like home to put in your pet’s crate with them.
Keep collars and leads with you, as they may be removed during the journey.
What happens before, during and after the flight?
Once checked in at the cargo section for the flight the airline staff takes your pets from our animal handlers. Your pets are placed in a special waiting area that we do not have access to. Pets are last to be loaded onto the flight to avoid any lengthy waits on the tarmac or in the aircraft hold. Before loading the airline staff refill the pets' water bowls if needed. On the flight, the pets are securely strapped into position in the temperature controlled, pressurized area in the cargo hold. While the aircraft is in the air the aircraft configuration does not allow for an airline staff member to check on the pets.
Pets are offloaded first and are then taken to the cargo section to be cleared. If a pet is transiting and if time allows a handler will take the pet out of the travel crate for a short walk, some of the bigger airports that have animal facilities will put the pets in kennels, clean their crates if needed and give them something to eat and drink.
Can my pet travel on copies of the veterinary documentation?
No, pets must travel with the original veterinary documentation that we secure to the top of their travel crates. The original veterinary documentation is also required for state vet endorsement and destination country clearance.
What can I do to ensure my pet has a safe and comfortable trip?
You can start crate training your pets a couple of weeks before departure to make them used to their travel crates. You can read more about crate training under the Traveller Comfort Pack section on our website. It is important for you as the owner to stay as relaxed as possible around your pets. Pets can sense stress in their owners, and it can cause stress to them.
Remember to feed your pets a normal meal the night before their trip and only a small meal or snack on the morning of their departure.
Sometimes it is better to remove your pets from the house before the removal company comes to move your household items.
Cats especially can get very stressed and if they are not closed in a room they can run away.
Why does my pet need a Health Certificate?
A health check ensures your pet is fit to travel and meets destination country requirements.
What happens if my pet must transit?
Transit facilities offer care, health checks, and comfort. We'll inform you if your chosen airline doesn't provide transit options. As far as possible we avoid using airlines that do not offer sufficient animal transit facilities, we will only use them if we do not have any other option.
Can my pet travel as excess baggage or in-cabin?
We assist with pets travelling as manifested cargo. None the less limited airlines allow pets to travel as excess baggage or in cabin. This arrangement is however linked to the owner’s flight ticket and must be booked and arranged directly with the airline by the owner.
Can my pets travel together in one crate?
This will depend on the airline. There are a few airlines that allow small pets to travel together in one travel crate. Their combined weight together with the weight of the travel crate cannot be more than 16kg.
We do however not recommend pets travelling together in a crate because we don’t know how pets will react during the flight. They might hurt themselves or each other.
How long in advance can you request my pet's flight booking?
Flights for animals can only be booked approximately 10 - 21 days in advance, each airline has their own booking window that we must adhere to. It is important to note that your pet’s flight booking can only be secured once all of the veterinary requirements have been met for the country you are travelling to. It's advisable to initiate veterinary preparations and communication with your consultant several weeks or even months before your pet's intended date of travel.
It is important to take note that the veterinary preparation process is very important for your pet’s travel preparedness, the time periods vary from one country to the next. It can take 3 – 4 months to prepare pets for travel to the UK and EU and it can take 6 – 7 months to prepare pets for travel to Australia and New Zealand. Read more about your country’s requirements here.
Opening Hours
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 16:30
Settling into a new home with pets? Welcome to Global Paws NEW Online Pet Shop! Explore our start-up packages for all their needs, plus essential household items like universal electric plugs. Shop confidently for high-quality products prioritizing your pet's well-being and your convenience. Give your pet (and yourself) the warm, hassle-free welcome you both deserve.
