How to Choose a Pet Relocation Company: What to Look for and What to Avoid
Your pet’s international move is a significant undertaking – financially, logistically, and emotionally. The company you choose to handle it matters more than almost any other decision in the process. Here is how to approach the selection.
Start with IPATA
The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) is the best starting point for finding a reputable agent. Members have agreed to a code of ethics covering animal welfare, accurate information, and fair business practices. The member directory at ipata.com lets you search by location and destination expertise.
IPATA membership is not a formal certification of quality – it is a trade association, not a licensing body. But a company that has been an active IPATA member for several years, with no complaints against them, is a much safer choice than an unknown non-member.
What a Good Agent Does
A genuinely professional pet relocation agent:
- Prepares a detailed, itemised quote (not just a headline number)
- Tells you exactly what documentation is required and in what sequence
- Has direct relationships with Official Vets, APHA/USDA/DAFF, and airline cargo departments
- Manages the airline booking for your pet specifically – not just adding a note
- Provides a named contact for your move
- Has handled your specific route before and can demonstrate this
- Has professional indemnity insurance
Red Flags to Watch For
- Vague quotes with no itemisation (you cannot compare quotes you cannot break down)
- No IPATA membership or verifiable industry affiliation
- Pressure to book quickly without time to research
- Inability to provide references from clients on your specific route
- Promise that everything will be “fine” without explaining what “fine” entails
- No clear answer on what happens if a document problem arises on travel day
Getting Comparable Quotes
Get at least two to three quotes for any complex move. When comparing:
- Compare the itemised costs, not the headlines
- Check whether the destination-side handling (airport collection, delivery to address) is included
- Check whether quarantine fees are included or separate (for Australia/NZ/Japan, this is a significant cost)
- Ask each agent what happens if travel is delayed – is the health certificate reissued at no extra cost?
DIY vs Agent
For simple European moves (e.g., UK to France with a small dog in cabin), doing it yourself is feasible if you understand the requirements. For routes involving quarantine, multiple countries, or complex health protocols (Japan, Australia, South Korea-to-Australia, etc.), an agent earns their fee many times over. One date error in a complex document chain can set your timeline back 180 days.
After Booking: Stay Involved
Even with a good agent, stay engaged in the process. Know what is happening at each stage, check that documents are being processed on schedule, and read everything before signing it. You are accountable for your pet’s welfare – an agent acts on your behalf.
Always verify IPATA membership status directly at ipata.com. Information current as of May 2026.