Frequently Asked Questions

Paws en route specializes in providing pet transportation services in the Greater Toronto Area, Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal. Like a regular taxi service, you book a ride and a requested time. We show up with a pet-friendly/experienced driver ready to safely transport you and your pet to your destination.

Required documents vary by destination but generally include a health certificate from your vet, proof of rabies vaccination, a microchip certificate, and sometimes an import permit. We’ll help guide you through all of it. (fit to fly document, etc. )

Six weeks is usually enough. Australia, New Zealand and Japan need up to six months, because of the quarantine booking and the waiting periods that come before it. Starting early gives you more airline options either way.

Yes, but it depends on your airline, pet’s size, and destination country. In-cabin travel is generally only allowed for small pets that can fit under the seat in an airline-approved carrier.

It depends on your pet’s destination and health requirements. The full timeline—from paperwork to flight day—can take a few weeks to several months.

We recommend crate training weeks in advance, gradually increasing time inside the crate and including familiar blankets or toys. We'll guide you step-by-step.

These destinations have some of the strictest rules in the world. They often require microchipping, specific vaccines, blood tests, parasite treatments, paperwork from government-approved vets, and in some cases quarantine on arrival. We handle the timelines, booking, and documentation so everything lines up with local regulations.

Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and some others may require quarantine depending on where you're coming from and how closely you've followed their steps. Quarantine length varies, and if we start early enough and stay on schedule, many pets can reduce or avoid quarantine altogether.

Major cities with strong pet infrastructure, with vet access, parks, and pet-friendly rentals, tend to be easiest. When we build your plan, we factor in not just how to get your pet there, but how life will look for them once they arrive.

We work globally, but some countries with civil unrest or strict exotic pet bans may be limited. Contact us to confirm coverage.

We continuously monitor travel regulations and will adjust your pet’s relocation plan if changes occur. Flexibility is built into our process. Our overseas agents keep us informed of local updates, and as a member of IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association), we receive timely industry-wide alerts to ensure your pet’s travel remains compliant and smooth.

We offer a full range of services, including international and cross-border pet relocation, domestic transport, and ground transportation. Our team can also coordinate crate purchases, arrange boarding and daycare, schedule comfort stops during travel, and even manage full family-and-pet moving logistics.

Typically: door-to-door logistics, vet coordination, crate fitting, paperwork and permits, flight booking, airline check-in, customs clearance, and arrival support. Depending on your route, this can also include pet nanny services and document handling at both ends.

A trained pet handler travels with your pet in-cabin on commercial flights. This is ideal for pets who can’t fly alone or when owners can’t accompany them.

We primarily transport cats and dogs, but we've also moved small mammals, birds, reptiles, and other companion animals where regulations allow. Each case is reviewed individually for safety, welfare, and legal compliance.

You can start by filling out our intake form or booking a consultation. From there, we’ll build your pet’s custom relocation plan.

We do our best, but last-minute relocations may come with constraints and are dependent on government/airline requirements and timelines. Premium services or route adjustments may be necessary.

Yes. Summer and major holidays are busy times. Planning early ensures better flight availability and fewer delays.

Our logistics team works with your schedule, but international pet flights can depart a few days before or after your own. We’ll always do our best to align timing, but flight availability can be affected by embargoes and other restrictions.

Yes. We offer a range of additional services, including pet nanny service, priority veterinary bookings, customs escorts, and crate upgrades. We also provide specialized boarding and daycare, with options for one-on-one care or group pet care. For pets arriving by air, we can arrange airport pickup, along with other ground transportation solutions, depending on your needs.

Start by placing treats and familiar items inside, letting them explore freely. Slowly increase the time they spend in it each day.

Crate size must follow IATA guidelines. Your pet should be able to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. We can help you measure and recommend the right crate.

When fitted properly and used with the right preparation, crates become a secure, den-like space. Many pets settle in and sleep for most of the journey once they're used to the crate.

Airlines require secured water containers, and most allow non-hazardous toys and bedding. We'll advise what to include, how to label feeding and care instructions, and what destination rules allow.

Yes. Crate conditioning, a light meal 4–6 hours before, early hydration, and using familiar bedding all help reduce stress.

In some cases, yes, but policies vary widely by airline and route. Many carriers either restrict or completely prohibit brachycephalic breeds due to breathing risks. Where it is allowed, airlines often require a vet "fit to fly" letter and sometimes a BOAS assessment. We'll only recommend travel plans that are safe and compliant for your individual pet.

We can’t transport banned or endangered species, or those with legal restrictions. Each case is reviewed individually.

Yes! We’ve successfully relocated turtles, birds, chinchillas, rabbits, and more.

Conditions like heart problems, seizures, or recent surgeries may require special care or vet clearance. It is highly advised to discuss your pet's medical condition with your vet when considering pet travel

Some fun ones include pot-bellied pigs, salamanders, and even a penguin and red panda request!

No. Sedation is generally discouraged as it can affect breathing at altitude. Airlines may refuse sedated animals.

Most destinations require rabies vaccination, microchipping, and a recent health certificate. Some also require blood tests or parasite treatments on specific timelines. Some airlines additionally ask for a "fit to fly" letter. We'll line up the exact requirements for your route.

Inform us immediately. We may need to delay travel and reschedule based on your vet’s recommendation.

We plan around weather. That can mean early-morning or late-evening flights, avoiding certain airports or routings in hot seasons, or shifting dates if airlines issue heat-related embargoes. Your pet's welfare is always the priority.

Yes. Illnesses like tick-borne diseases or incomplete vaccination schedules can lead to mandatory quarantine or travel denial.

No. Flights depend on pet regulations, space availability, airline policies, and destination laws.

Not at all. We’ve relocated rabbits, birds, reptiles, and even amphibians, depending on country requirements

Unfortunately, no. Some countries have strict regulations that require pets to travel as cargo, which is why expert planning is so important. However, through our overseas agents, we provide a meet-and-greet service upon arrival to ensure pets are well cared for, comforted, and given a little extra attention after their journey.

No. Most countries require specific microchips. Microchips must usually be ISO‑compliant and implanted before the rabies vaccine. If not, it is recommended to bring your microchip paperwork and make sure the chip can be read by scanners at your destination - or you can bring an appropriate microchip reader.

Not always, although it is a requirement in countries like New Zealand and Australia. Many pets avoid quarantine if all requirements are met on time.

Costs vary based on destination, pet size, airline fees, crate size, and services selected. We provide customized quotes after your intake consultation.

We accept credit cards, wire transfers, and e-transfers. Payment plans may be available for certain services.

We aim to be transparent. Your quote will outline the main costs, such as flights, crate, ground transport, permits, and customs handling, so you can see what's included. If there are potential third-party fees (for example, boarding or government charges), we'll flag those in advance.

Yes, a deposit secures your spot in our logistics queue and covers early-stage planning and document preparation.

Refunds depend on how far along your pet is in the relocation process. Our terms of service /use outline our refund policy.