When choosing a dog transportation service, there are certain things that you should know before sending your dog away with some stranger on his way to another location. Beware that there are individuals out there who are looking for a way to pay for their trip across country by saying and even advertising that they transport dogs.
There are a few questions you should ask prior to hiring a dog transport service. Such as, how long they have been transporting dogs. If they have not been doing it very long or they avoid the question, you might reconsider finding someone with more experience.
If a person or company has been transporting dogs, they should always have a license. Professional pet movers must be licensed by the USDA as a dealer, carrier, or intermediate handler if they are transporting “regulated” animals. Ask to see their license and check it out to be sure it is legitimate.
Don’t be in too big of a hurry when it comes to choosing the right dog transportation service. Do a little homework first so you and your pet can be without stress while traveling.
Ask them if they have any policies and procedures they follow and ask to see them. Try to find out as much information that you can and always be sure they have some type of insurance. Your dog transportation service should provide a minimum amount of insurance. Usually this is one to five hundred dollars per pet. Pet transportation insurance should cover loss, injury, or death of your pet during the trip. Usually, insurance will not cover illness or natural death during transportation.
Find out how often they will stop to let your dog relieve themselves on the trip. A person who will drive straight through does not care about your dog, only about the money, which brings up the question of their fees. Ask how much they charge and check around to see if their fee is reasonable or totally off base.
The more questions you ask, the better you will feel about who you are leaving your dog with a total stranger. Be sure to find out if they can give you references and check these references out to be sure they have had good success with them. Don’t just take their word for it.
What happens if they must stay overnight somewhere? What will they do with your dog then? See if they take your dog inside or leave them outside overnight.
Before trusting someone to transport your dog for you, make sure they have the correct authority, experience, and knowledge to safely transport your animal.
Anyone can operate a Dog Transportation Service. Do your homework, ask a few questions and feel secure and safe with the service that you choose.
