DON’T GET SCAMMED WHEN SHIPPING YOUR PET!

In Memory of a No-Nonsense Pet Shipper

 

This site is preserved in memory of Jerry Mishler, a long-time independent pet shipper who spent decades moving animals safely around the world and warning pet owners about overpaying for services they didn’t really need. Before he passed away, he asked that his warnings and consumer advice outlive him.

 

Important: This website does not offer pet shipping services, quotes, or consultations. It exists only to share information and help pet owners make informed decisions.

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Jerry’s Core Message: Don’t Overpay for “Middlemen” & Don’t Trust IPATA Shippers

Over the years, Jerry saw a pattern: many families were paying thousands of dollars more than necessary to ship their pets. A big reason was the rise of large, third-party “pet relocation” companies and complicated pricing structures.

In plain English:

  • Some companies act mostly as coordinators or middlemen, not the hands-on people who actually handle your pet at the airport.
  • Every extra layer between you and the person who physically checks in your pet usually means extra fees.
  • Many pet owners don’t realize they can work directly with a hands-on shipper or sometimes even arrange things themselves.

Jerry’s advice was simple and blunt:

“Cut out as many middlemen as you can. They’re not the ones standing with your pet at the counter — you are.”

What Is a Third-Party / “Middleman” Pet Shipper?

To keep things simple, here’s how Jerry explained the different roles:

  • Hands-On Shipper / Local Airport AgentThe person or small company that physically meets you or your pet at the airport. Helps with check-in, paperwork, airline procedures, and security.
  • Third-Party Coordinator / “Relocation Service”Often larger companies with national branding. They may outsource the on-the-ground work to independent shippers.
  • Foreign-Side Shipper (for pets coming into the USA)A local vet or shipper in the country of origin who is required to process export paperwork. A U.S. shipper often has to work with them anyway.

Jerry believed that in many cases, paying a large third-party coordinator in addition to the people on the ground was unnecessary and expensive, especially when you can reach hands-on shippers directly.

About IPATA and Industry Trade Groups

The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) is an industry trade group. Many shippers belong to it, and it helps connect companies around the world. Jerry, however, had strong personal opinions based on his many years of experience.

In his view:

  • Some trade-group-connected services tended to rely heavily on upsells or add-on fees.
  • Marketing terms like “expedited booking,” “priority handling,” or “discounted rates” were often sales language rather than actual added value.
  • Many families paid significantly more than necessary by using a coordinator instead of a hands-on shipper.

These are Jerry’s opinions and observations, not accusations of wrongdoing. The takeaway is simply:

“Big brand names don’t automatically mean the best deal. Always compare.”

Why Independent, Hands-On Shippers Often Cost Less

Jerry strongly favored independent shippers who:

  • Meet you and your pet directly at the airport
  • Give clear, itemized charges
  • Only bill you for the services you truly need

By working directly with the person who physically handles your pet, many families save hundreds or even thousands of dollars — especially on complicated moves.

Red Flags Jerry Wanted You to Watch For

Jerry was famously blunt. Here are some of his biggest warnings, translated into practical consumer advice:

  • Complicated forms just to get a quoteMost basic quotes only require a few details (breed, weight, kennel size, departure and arrival cities). Huge questionnaires may be unnecessary.
  • No itemized invoiceIf a company won’t itemize charges, Jerry would say, “That’s a bad sign.”
  • “Expedited” or “rush” feesAirlines don’t have many special shortcuts. Be skeptical of expensive add-on fees.
  • Pushing cargo when checked baggage may be allowedIn many routes, pets in checked baggage fly in the same compartment as cargo pets.
  • Claims that only a shipper can do tasks you could do yourselfOwners can often handle things like booking flights or meeting airport staff, depending on the situation.

Questions to Ask Any Pet Shipper

No matter who you consider hiring, Jerry would want you to ask:

  • Are you the hands-on shipper, or do you hire someone locally?
  • Will you give me an itemized breakdown?
  • What parts of this require a professional, and what can I reasonably do myself?
  • Is cargo required, or could this be checked baggage?
  • What exactly am I paying you for?
  • Are there any additional fees later?
  • Do you receive referral fees or commissions?

Getting Multiple Quotes (Jerry Insisted on This)

Jerry always encouraged pet owners to:

  • Get quotes from multiple sources
  • Include at least one independent, hands-on shipper
  • Ask everyone for itemized pricing
  • Compare who is doing the actual work vs. who is coordinating

You may still choose a large, full-service company — and that’s fine. Jerry’s point was simply:

“If you’re going to pay a lot, at least know exactly who you’re paying and what they’re doing.”

Special Note for Pets Coming Into the USA

For pets arriving in the United States, export rules are controlled by the country of origin. In most cases, a local vet or shipper in that country must handle the export paperwork. A U.S. company will usually work with them regardless.

Jerry felt that some families paid extra for a U.S. coordinator who was simply contacting the same foreign partner the owner could have contacted directly. Whether or not you choose to use such a service, ask what value they provide beyond what the local shipper already does.

This Site’s Purpose and Disclaimer

This website does not provide shipping services, quotes, or consultations. It exists solely to honor Jerry and preserve his consumer-focused advice.

The information on this page reflects Jerry’s opinions and experiences. We are not accusing any companies, organizations, or individuals of wrongdoing or illegal activity.

Pet shipping regulations, airline rules, and requirements change regularly. Always verify current information with veterinarians, airlines, and relevant authorities such as USDA or CDC.

This site remains online for one reason:

“If even one family avoids unnecessary stress or overpriced services, then keeping this site alive was worth it.”

Airlines & Animal Travel

Listen to Jerry’s interview with Kim Greenhouse from It’s Rainmaking Time! to learn more about pet relocation.

Common Marketing Claims to Be Aware Of

Over the years, Jerry encountered many marketing statements in the pet shipping industry that he felt were confusing, exaggerated, or potentially misleading to pet owners. The notes below reflect his opinions and experiences, updated for clarity and accuracy.

  • “TSA Approved” Shippers

    Some companies advertise themselves as “TSA approved.” In reality, all legitimate shippers must follow TSA guidelines, but the TSA does not certify or approve individual pet shippers for export services. Jerry viewed this as more of a marketing phrase than a meaningful distinction.

 

  • Discounts

    Jerry often cautioned that advertised “discounts” may not always reflect the true value of a service. He encouraged pet owners to compare multiple quotes — including independent shippers — to understand the actual baseline cost before assuming a discount is a deal.

 

  • “Most Veterinarians Cannot Sign International Travel Documents”

    According to Jerry’s experience, many U.S. veterinarians are USDA-accredited and fully qualified to complete international health certificates. He encouraged owners to verify with their own vet rather than assume they must use a shipper-provided veterinarian.

 

  • “30-Minute Free Consultation”

    Jerry felt that 30 minutes was rarely enough time to cover the details of a complex international pet move. He recommended seeking shippers who offer thorough consultations without extra fees.

 

  • “Excess (Checked) Baggage Is a Thing of the Past”

    Some services claim that pets can no longer travel as excess baggage. Jerry strongly disagreed. On many routes and airlines, checked baggage remains a valid option when allowed by airline policy, often simpler and less expensive than cargo.

 

  • “Cargo Is Safer”

    Jerry noted that pets traveling as checked baggage and pets traveling as cargo typically ride in the same animal (AVI) compartment on the aircraft. He also pointed out that checked baggage is often unloaded before cargo, meaning pets may be available sooner at arrival when traveling as excess baggage. He believed owners should compare both options rather than assume cargo is inherently safer.

 

  • Cargo vs. Checked Baggage Costs

    Jerry observed that cargo moves are generally more expensive and often require more third-party handling. In contrast, when an airline allows pets to travel as excess baggage, owners may have the option to handle more steps themselves, potentially reducing overall cost. This varies by airline and by the specific move.

 

Note: These points reflect Jerry’s personal experience and opinions. Pet shipping rules vary by airline, route, and country. Always verify current requirements directly with the airline, a USDA-accredited veterinarian, and relevant authorities.

Important Information — Pet Travel & Relocation Advice

This page exists to preserve practical advice from years of experience in pet transport. Rules, airline policies, and regulations change over time. Always verify current requirements with your airline, a qualified veterinarian, and relevant authorities.

General Pet Relocation Information

Every country has its own requirements for pet export or import. Whether you’re moving across the U.S. or internationally, you must confirm what your destination requires.

Airlines & Pet Travel — What to Know

If you travel by air, check the airline’s pet-travel policy carefully. Many airlines provide pet-travel or cargo services. Not all airlines accept live animals, and some may limit transport to smaller pets or specific kennel types.

Pre-Travel Logistics: Kennels, Crates & Measurements

  • Use a sturdy kennel — ideally held together by nuts and bolts, with no removable top-entry panels. For international travel, ensure there is ventilation on all four sides. Add water and food dishes clipped to the inside of the kennel door.
  • To size a kennel properly:
    – Measure your pet standing on all fours, head up and nose forward. From floor to top of head (or tip of upright ears), then add at least 2 inches for the kennel height.
    – For length: measure nose to base of tail (with head extended), then add 3 inches for kennel length.
    These dimensions approximate what airlines commonly require for travel crates. For brachycephalic (short-snouted) breeds, additional ventilation may be advisable.

Feeding & Hydration Before Travel

  • For many cats and dogs, feeding should be withheld for about 10 hours before travel (this may include puppies). Avoid feeding during travel.
  • For brachycephalic (short-snouted) breeds, it may be safer to fast for 15–18 hours before travel and avoid feeding during flight — to minimize the risk of vomiting or choking. Always check with your vet and airline policy.
  • Provide water — ideally bottled — and ensure food and water dishes are attached securely to the crate door.

Health Certificates & Microchipping

If you’re traveling internationally, most countries require a valid health certificate completed by a licensed veterinarian — often accompanied by proof of vaccination, microchip ID, and (where required) additional treatments such as tapeworm treatment. Microchips should meet relevant standards (e.g. ISO 11784 or 11785). Rabies vaccination timing and treatment requirements differ by destination; confirm that your vet follows the correct protocols.

Where the Pet Travels on the Plane

Pets flying on an aircraft will travel in a pressurized, ventilated cargo hold — typically separate from passenger cabins. This is the standard for live-animal transport on most commercial flights.

Cost & Quoting Considerations (If You Hire a Shipper)

If using a pet-relocation service, cost often depends on:

  • Size and volume of the kennel(s)
  • Weight of the pet plus kennel
  • Additional services required (ground transport, paperwork, customs clearance, import/export compliance, etc.)

Before signing up for a service, pet owners should request a fully itemized quote, listing airline fees, ground transport, paperwork, veterinary fees, and any extras. Compare multiple quotes to verify value for money.

What You Can (or Should) Ask / Check Before Booking Pet Travel

  • Does the kennel meet the airline’s size and construction requirements?
  • Is the pet microchipped (if required)? Is the microchip standard accepted by the destination country?
  • Is the pet up-to-date on vaccines, and is documentation properly completed?
  • Is there adequate ventilation, water/food dishes, and minimal stress handling during transit?
  • If using a pet-shipping service: ask for an itemized quote, and confirm what exactly is included (airline charges, ground transport, paperwork, customs clearance, etc.).

A Final Reminder

Pet travel — especially international relocation — involves many moving parts: airline rules, crate requirements, vaccinations, export/import regulations, customs, and more. Taking time to verify each element carefully can save you money, prevent unexpected delays, and ensure your pet’s safe, comfortable journey.

This page preserves advice originally gathered by a longtime independent pet shipper. It is not an active service offering. It exists only to help animal owners plan safely and confidently.