Why Pet Shipping Is Safe

Published on July 8, 2025

Last updated: July 21, 2025

“Is pet shipping safe?” Yes, pet shipping is generally safe when following all animal welfare and IATA regulations. Pet shipping is a safe, regulated process when done properly by professionals.

But what is pet shipping? Pet shipping is the act of transporting pets from one location to another, whether domestically or internationally. It’s typically done through a professional pet transport company, as there are many moving parts involved in relocating pets.

Transporting pets can be a complicated process depending on your origin and destination countries. It’s important to do thorough research to understand all the necessary requirements your dog, cat, or other pet must meet before moving to their new home.

Is Pet Shipping Safe? Yes, pet shipping is safe when performed by certified and experienced professionals. Following IATA regulations and choosing pet-friendly airlines that uphold pet safety protocols ensures peace of mind and a safe return home for your pet.

According to the APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 70% of U.S. households own a pet. Of those 90.5 million homes with furry companions, 78% of pet owners travel with their pets every year.
With thousands of pets flying annually, pet-friendly airlines and transport companies have become highly skilled at ensuring pet safety.

Here’s a short list of why pet relocation is safe:

• Climate-controlled environment – The pet cabin is oxygenated, pressurized, and dimly lit to ensure a comfortable travel experience. Pilots are aware of every pet on board and ensure their safety during the flight.
• Trained staff – Pet-friendly airlines train their staff to handle live animals properly. Pets are the last to board and the first to be unloaded, minimizing stress.
• Tracking systems and communication – There are many ways to track your pet’s flight to ensure everything is going smoothly. Pet transport companies like WorldCare Pet utilize WhatsApp for real-time communication with customers throughout the journey.
• IATA Live Animals Regulations – These set the global standard for international pet transport to ensure safe travel.
• Low incident rates – Despite horror stories on forums, pet travel incidents are extremely rare. In 2024, there were only 12 reported pet travel incidents.
• Professional pet transport companies – These experts choose the most pet-friendly airlines, provide IATA-approved travel carriers, and ensure your pet has all the necessary documentation and vaccinations for a safe trip.

Airline and Government Regulations Ensure Pet Safety

The IATA Live Animal Regulations are the worldwide standard for transporting live animals by air. Their objective is to ensure all animals are transported humanely and safely. The regulations cover bedding, access to food and water, labeling, and more.

The USDA plays a crucial role in facilitating pet travel both domestically and internationally. It ensures animals are healthy when traveling and helps prevent the spread of disease. While some may think the USDA only applies to U.S.-based travel, many countries require a USDA-endorsed health certificate for international pet relocation.

Pet parents are often required to provide:

• Vaccination records
• Microchip documentation
• Import/export documents
• Test results

Proper crate training and use of airline-approved travel carriers are vital. The more acclimated your pet is to the carrier, the smoother the trip will be. To learn how to acclimate your pet to a carrier and get proper sizing, read our guide here.

Professional Pet Transport Services Prioritize Safety

The role of pet relocation companies is to provide peace of mind to pet parents who may be confused by the transport process. These companies offer:

• Experienced handlers, licensed vendors, and flight nannies
• Customized travel plans based on breed, age, and destination
• Round-the-clock communication with pet parents

What makes professional pet transport safe? Experience. This is their profession, they stay updated on ever-changing rules and requirements that most pet parents don’t have the time or resources to monitor.

Airline Cargo vs. In-Cabin Travel

Pet cargo safety is one of the main concerns for pet parents. Cargo pet travel takes place in a pressurized, temperature-controlled area designed specifically for animals. This is typically required for larger pets and for most international destinations.

In-cabin pet travel is an option for smaller pets (usually between 10–15 pounds, including the carrier), though requirements vary by airline. If your pet exceeds the airline’s weight limits, they will need to travel in the cargo section.

Both options are considered safe, and thousands of pets travel successfully via cabin and cargo every year. With proper planning, your pet can enjoy a smooth journey.

Tips for a Safe Pet Shipping Experience

• Work with an IPATA-certified company
• Ensure the crate is airline-approved and appropriately sized
• Avoid sedating pets before travel
• Get a health certificate and verify vaccination requirements
• Acclimate your pet to the travel crate in advance

Common Myths About Pet Shipping—Debunked

Misinformation about pet travel circulates online, which can be stressful for pet parents. Speaking with professionals can help clear up confusion. Here are a few common myths:

“Pets are treated like luggage.” – False. Pets are not kept with luggage. They have their own designated area and are secured with netting to minimize movement.

“Cargo holds aren’t safe.” – False. Cargo areas used for pet travel are pressurized and temperature-controlled. Most pets sleep through the journey.

“It’s only safe to fly with your pet.” – False. Pets can fly alone safely in their designated pet cabin in the aircraft’s hold.

Real-Life Success Story

It’s understandable to be nervous about trusting a transport company with your pet. That’s why we’re proud to share real stories from happy pet parents.

Recently, our buddy Thor moved from the U.S. to Switzerland using our door-to-door pet transport service. Here’s what his family had to say:

“It was not my pet’s first international flight, but this one was the best I could ask for. You have a great team and I’m really happy to have found you online. All my expectations were delivered. My dog was happy and healthy when he arrived. Thank you all for your kindness and respect with an animal’s life. :)” – Silva Family

At WorldCare Pet Transport, our goal is to make international and domestic pet moves as stress-free as possible so families can focus on other aspects of their relocation.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Experts

Safety is the top priority for any reputable pet transport company. If you ever need help relocating your dog, cat, or other furry friend, contact experts like WorldCare Pet Transport.

Get a custom quote today!

FAQ Section

Is it safe to ship pets by air?

Yes, it is safe to ship pets by air as long as IATA live animal regulations are met.

How do airlines keep pets safe during flights?

Pet-friendly airlines keep pets safe by providing temperature-controlled, oxygenated, and dimly lit pet cabins. They also require approved travel carriers that allow pets to stand, turn around, and lie down. Pets are boarded last and unloaded first to reduce stress.

Can pets be shipped internationally safely?

Yes, pets can be shipped internationally if the trip is carefully planned and all rules and regulations are followed. Each country has its own requirements, so research is key.

Do pets travel in the same cabin as passengers?

Small pets, such as cats and small dogs, may travel in the passenger cabin if they meet airline size and weight requirements. Otherwise, they must travel safely in the cargo section.